1962 Facel Vega Excellence

Using mechanical components from the FVS and HK 500, the Excellence had an extended chassis with four large seats, four doors and a hardtop roof. Its performance (top speed of over 125mph) and luxury finish, with sumptuous Vaumol leather upholstery (as used by Rolls-Royce) and quality fittings, attracted an élite clientèle keen on using an exclusive French motor car. At the end of 1957, when it was first delivered, the Excellence cost four times more than a Citroën DS 19 but, for clients liable to promote the model (ambassadors, French and foreign personalities, etc.), considerable reductions were offered. In 1961 the Série 2 lost its panoramic windscreen and aggressive-looking fins, deemed 'too American', but received the Chrysler Typhoon 6.3-litre engine, delivering 390bhp (manual gear-box) or 360bhp (automatic).

Story by Articurial