1957 Facel Vega FV3
Twin stacked headlights distinguished this face-lifted model from earlier Vegas, with large headlamps positioned above auxiliary lights in an unconventional arrangement.
The FV3 debuted in November 1956 as Jean Daninos’ attempt to revive France’s pre-war graTwin stacked headlights distinguished the 1957 Facel Vega FV3 from earlier Facel Vegas, with large headlamps above auxiliary lights in an unconventional vertical arrangement.
The FV3 appeared in late 1956 as Jean Daninos’ effort to revive France’s pre‑war grand touring tradition, combining elegant coupe bodywork with a tubular steel chassis attributed to Lance Macklin.
A panoramic wraparound windshield and hand‑painted metal dashboard (imitating burr wood veneer) gave the interior an aircraft‑inspired character, while Connolly leather and high‑grade trim reinforced its luxury positioning.
Initially the FV3 used an American V8 of around 4.5 litres, and from early 1957 the FV3B update brought a larger Chrysler 301 cubic inch engine, with slightly lengthened and widened bodywork after the first dozen cars.
Manual versions used a Pont‑à‑Mousson four‑speed gearbox, though most buyers chose a push‑button Chrysler automatic, with power steering and power brakes standard by 1957.
Production was extremely limited, with only a few dozen FV3s and under a hundred FV3Bs built through mid‑1958, and an FV3B capable of roughly 125 mph in manual, tall‑axle form.
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