Jaeger-LeCoultre

Facel Vega made some very fine cars, in the the Fifties and Sixties.

Here is one, from 1964.







Some celebrities owned this car, and among them, the french writer Albert Camus. He even died behind its stirring wheel.

And to who Facel Vega ordered the board instruments?

...

Like several other companies... To Jaeger.



Credit pictures: Veni Vidi Vici.

Much nicer than our modern digital systems, don't you think?

Best,

Nicolas

car companies should take a look at the designs of the '50, '60, and 70's. Cars had their own face back then. Now they more or less all look alike. Which is a shame. 

The Audi R 10, and a few others...

But yes, the modern automotive ladnscape is a a bit sad.

Best,

Nicolas

I seem to remember seeing photos of Ringo Starr - aka Richard Starkey - in his Facel Vega, which from memory looked very similiar to this one.
Clear Ringo could afford any car, so the fact that he chose a Facel Vega speaks volumes about the quality and appeal of the marque, as well as demonstrating what exceptionally good taste Ringo has!

colinwillsher

No message body

We should never forget ( for Vintage cars and watches alike),
- we here are not real "owners", just the present keepers;

Thus, Carpe diem !

Best, hs

No message body

Of car and instrumentation. Facel Vega was one of the few French post war attempts at automotive grandeur, and was quite the ticket for a while.

Build quality was somewhat indifferent though and handling was more American than European. Once the V8s were replaced, the cars just lost their appeal.

Few things from the era apart from a Continental Mk2 make quite such a statement, though.

No message body

Outstanding choice of a Facel II for a photo feature!  Any Facel is a rarity, but an FVII is like finding a Geophysic with the crosshair dial.

About the engines... I wouldn't look askance to a 6.5-6.7 liter Chrysler wedge design. Not with 340+HP and 450+lb-ft. These have a gorgeous burble and bellow that's unavailable elsewhere in European machines of the day (which are charming in their own way). European cars with American engines had a good run in the 1960s between the Facel II, Ford GT40, Shelby Cobra, Sunbeam Tiger, and Jensen Interceptor (to be sure, there were *many* others). I'm pretty sure an Oldsmobile stock block even won a Grand Prix world title with Brabham in '66.

Plus, it makes them that much easier to maintain and drive today. Interior trim must be a nightmare to replace (or fabricate outright!) with any Facel, but I'd imagine a number of U.S.-based mail order companies could keep that engine running strong until its centennial.

Best,
Tim

As said, it was all downhill from the point the V8s were no longer used. As for the U.S. Engine in European car, let's also not forget Gordon Keeble (early outing for Giugiaro), and various Monteverdis, Iso Rivoltas, DeTomasos, etc. - all machines with a healthy dose of character.

No message body

I remember seeing a wonderful collection of Facel Vega last september at the Concours Arts & Elegance Richard Mille (actually not only Facel Vega, there was a huge number of Delage, Bugatti... and so many you could not name them). Could not attend the show this Sunday but for sure it must have been a wonderful event too.

I could not agree more with you, our modern digital Dashboard lack terribly class vs these wonderful vintage beauties.

Thanks for these nice pics Nico.

Best,

Mike

No message body

What a cockpit!

Best

Joe

No message body