Driving a Facel brings the best amalgamation of Parisian craftsmanship and Detroit’s powertrains to life. French coachbuilders were among the best artisans in the industry. Chrysler’s V8s were robust and powerful. Combined with the hand built look and feel helped sales around the globe to the rich and famous, especially American celebrities. Diving into Facel Vega’s interesting history brings researchers back and forth between Europe and the USA. This Tudor Grey Facel Vega FV3B is no exception. 

In 1957 the US-agent Charles Hornburg received twelve new FV3B’s at his Los Angeles dealership. One of these early FV3B models was delivered in Las Vegas, where it stayed for years. It was found as a project car by a Dutch Facel enthusiast and classic car trader. Soon later Hans Ruhe from Amicale Facel Holland started to restore this car and his client opted to build it as an FV3B Cabriolet. Early during this process the client withdrew and our client got involved as the new owner. He canceled the roof-cutting exercise and went for a full rebuild of the original body, following the highest standards. By doing this, he actually saved a significant Facel. As one of the 12 early US-models, this is still a small-body FV3B, with stacked headlights and a wraparound windscreen. Later examples of the FV3B got an enlarged body, which was also seen on the slightly wider and longer FV4 – and later on as a lowered version also on the infamous HK500. 

One of the other benefits of these FV3B’s compared to the FV3 was the fact that Facel used the Poly V8 engines with 253 hp at an increased 4.600 rpm. During the restoration a new engine was built. Hans Ruhe’s team added an extra four-barrel Carter carburetor. The five litre V8 engine runs strong with two four-barrel carbs. More low-end torque than the original engine makes this car as practical as it is fun to drive. A more modern GM Hydromatic four-speed replaced the Torqueflite from the original specifications. Fourth gear works as an overdrive on this gearbox, which helps the car’s drivability on the Autobahn or any given Highway. Parking function helps with inner-city usage and the same counts for the EZ Electric Power Steering. Also a Vintage Air HVAC system was built into the car’s cabin. 

Since the nut and bolt restoration was finished the car hasn’t been driven much, as the car was part of a larger classic car collection. For many years we have done the collection management for the client and we have driven this Facel Vega FV3B ourselves after the restoration. In our opinion it is a one-of-kind Facel Vega that will attract a lot of attention while still being as distinctive as a Facel can be. 

In case you have any questions regarding this turn-key small-bodied Facel, please reach out. 

* Fully restored Amicale Facel Holland – Hans Ruhe
* Restoration: between 2015-2021 (August)
* One of 12 US models first badge
* Year of build: 1957
* US-Delivered 
* 5.0 Litre Poly (Chrysler Typhoon TY3)
* Modern 4-speed automatic: BowTie 2004R Gearbox 4-speed / overdrive / Parking function
* Disc brakes all around (Girling)
* EZ Power Steering
* Vintage Air A/C unit + heater
* Old jack system (Facel)
* Wire wheels
* Color: Silver grey metallic (Tudor Grey) over green