1959 Facel Vega Facel II Prototype
French automotive artistry reached its peak when Jean Daninos crafted this prototype two years before production began. The Facel II represented the stylistic peak of the marque, with only 183 total Facel II examples built between 1961 and 1964.
This prototype featured distinctive differences from production models, including sleeker rear quarter panels, a shorter roofline, and separate headlamps that created a more sporting appearance than the HK500 it succeeded.
Power came from a 6.3-liter Chrysler V8 engine, producing up to 390 horsepower when paired with the desirable Pont-à-Mousson four-speed manual transmission. This combination allowed the heavy 4,145-pound coupe to exceed 150 mph and out-accelerate contemporary rivals like the Aston Martin DB4 and Ferrari 250 GT.
The prototype spent decades hidden before Jean Daninos himself registered it in 1965, just months after the factory closed forever.
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