1960 FACEL VEGA EXCELLENCE EX1 Series: EX1... - Lot 61

Lot n° 61

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Estimation :

60000 - 70000 EUR

Result with fees

Result : 78 000EUR

1960 FACEL VEGA EXCELLENCE EX1 Series: EX1... - Lot 61 - Osenat

1960 FACEL VEGA EXCELLENCE EX1 Series: EX1 - B118 History known since the beginning Recent major mechanical overhaul Entirely original condition French registration Presented at the 1956 Paris Motor Show, the Excellence is derived from the FV3B coupé and combines the top-level performance of the brand's GTs with the comfort of luxury limousines. A kind of "family" GT, it differentiates itself from 2+2 coupes by its spacious four seats and the accessibility afforded by its four doors. In fact, it's the brand's only four-door car. The doors open in opposite directions, leaving the entire cabin unobstructed thanks to the absence of a central pillar. It is powered by a Typhoon TY 6, 6460 cm3 and 330 hp, OR a Typhoon TY 7, 5907 cm3, delivering 360 hp SAE (for the EX 1). While the car comes with a manual gearbox as standard, most customers will opt for the automatic transmission. Its performance, exceptional for a sedan at the time (200 km/h), earned it the honorary title of the world's fastest sedan, but that doesn't make it sporty. The Excellence looks less like a sedan than an elongated coupé. In fact, it follows the American formula of the "hardtop" sedan, of which it is the only French example. Inside, we find the Facel tulip-shaped steering wheel, as well as the brand's traditional dashboard. The outstanding finish and the omnipresence of Connolly leather contribute to the exceptional luxury of this Facel Vega. In the context of France in the 50s, the Excellence's personality is singular and even provocative. In addition to its mechanics, its bodywork reveals a highly Americanized identity. What's more, its nature appears closer to that of a four-seater coupé than a prestige limousine. The car's American character was held against it by the new master of the Elysée Palace, who excluded it from the processions of the nascent Fifth Republic. However, it was exported to a few crowned heads, such as Morocco's King Hassan II. The example we are offering for sale was delivered new in Paris on December 9, 1960 to Mr. Jean Widmer, under registration number 962 KL 75. Following the death of its owner, this Facel Vega Excellence passed into the hands of Mr. René Puisieux on October 25, 1971, while remaining in Paris. In 1979, it was acquired by the previous owner. The current owner acquired it at auction in 2017, and undertook extensive work to make the car roadworthy while preserving its original condition. Brakes, engine, carburetion and ignition were all overhauled. The car is now drivable, although the cooling system has never been overhauled, and is in need of an overhaul. On the electrical side, the power window system needs to be reviewed. A symbol of opulence and a true competitor to Cadillac and Rolls Royce in the 60s, this Facel Vega presents a vision of the French automobile never seen before, and one that will surely never be seen again. 1960 FACEL VEGA EXCELLENCE EX1 Serial number : EX1 - B118 History known since the beginning Recent major mechanical overhaul Entirely original condition French registration Presented at the 1956 Paris Motor Show, the Excellence is derived from the FV3B coupé and combines the top-level performance of the brand's GTs with the comfort of luxury limousines. A kind of "family" GT, it differentiates itself from 2+2 coupes by its spacious four seats and the accessibility afforded by its four doors. In fact, it's the brand's only four-door car. The doors open in opposite directions, leaving the entire cabin unobstructed thanks to the absence of a central pillar. It is powered by a Typhoon TY 6 with 6460 cm3 and 330 hp OR a Typhoon TY 7 with 5907 cm3 and 360 hp SAE (for the EX 1). While the car comes with a manual gearbox as standard, most customers will opt for the automatic transmission. Its performance, exceptional for a sedan at the time (200 km/h), earned it the honorary title of the world's fastest sedan, but that doesn't make it sporty. The Excellence looks less like a sedan than an elongated coupé. In fact, it follows the American formula of the "hardtop" sedan, of which it is the only French example. Inside, we find the Facel tulip-shaped steering wheel, as well as the brand's traditional dashboard. The outstanding finish and the omnipresence of Connolly leather contribute to the exceptional luxury of this Facel Vega. It's important to realize that the Excellence's personality, in the context of France in the 50s, is singular and even provocative. In addition to its mechanics, its bodywork reveals a highly Americanized identity. What's more, its nature appears closer to that of a four-seater coupé than a prestige limousine. The car's American character was held against it by the new master of the Elysée Palace, who exc

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1960 FACEL VEGA EXCELLENCE EX1 Series: EX1... - Lot 61 - Osenat

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