1956 Facel Vega FV2B Coupé
Jean Daninos’ coachbuilding firm had produced bodies for Simca, Panhard, and Ford’s Comète before launching a complete automobile at the 1954 Paris Salon. The tubular-framed chassis (developed with input from Lance Macklin) initially carried DeSoto’s smaller Hemi V8, with power increasing as larger Chrysler engines became available.
Between March and November 1956, Facel built just 74 examples of the FV2B fitted with a 330-cubic-inch Chrysler V8 producing approximately 255 horsepower. This version marked a significant step up in performance over earlier Facel Vega models.
The FV2B introduced the distinctive wraparound panoramic windshield that would characterize later Facel Vegas, while retaining single headlamps rather than the stacked dual units adopted on subsequent models. Steel bodywork featured extensive stainless brightwork, and the aircraft-inspired dashboard represented some of the most elegant interior design of the period.
Transmission choices included Chrysler’s PowerFlite two-speed automatic or the French Pont-à-Mousson four-speed manual. Both complemented the car’s grand touring character.
Approximately 2,900 Facel Vegas of all types were hand-built before the company closed in 1964. Celebrity owners included Pablo Picasso, Stirling Moss, and Ava Gardner, drawn to the unique combination of French elegance and American V8 power.
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