Beschreibung:

354ci Chrysler Hemi V8 Engine Dual 4-Barrel Carter Carburetors 300bhp at 4,600rpm Push-Button Automatic Transmission Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle 4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes *Extremely rare example of the Typhoon model, one of 36 built *Mates Superb French styling with reliable American engineering *Lovely condition throughout *Stately original color combination, Silver over Burgundy THE FACEL VEGA TYPHOON The Facel motor company was founded in France and named for the acronym of Forges et Ateliers de Constructions d'Eure-et-Loir. Originally a supplier of limited production automobile bodies for prestigious brands such as Panhard and Delahaye, Facel soon found that the post-war market for bespoke coachwork was dwindling, and hence, developed its own complete motorcar—the Facel Vega. Launched in 1954 and named for the brightest star in the constellation of Lyra, the Vega was indeed a heavenly body adorned with luxury and power and specifically positioned to appeal to "The Few Who Own the Finest." Extravagant aesthetics were Facel's strength, but to add brawn to its brilliance, the company looked westward towards Michigan. Here, Chrysler was producing its 276 cubic inch V-8 powerplant; thus, the match of French styling with American engineering was made. The hand-built Facel Vega, with its cosmopolitan styling, was soon appreciated as la crème de la crème by Hollywood celebrities, socialites, and automotive personalities alike, boasting a client-list which included Fred Astaire, Pablo Picasso and Sir Stirling Moss, who preferred to drive his Facel Vega from race-to-race rather than take a plane. Several generations of the Facel Vega were developed over the next ten years, each one upping the ante on its previous standard of excellence. The Facel Vega Typhoon—also known as the FV4—was launched in 1958 and produced for just one year. This fourth generation FV was designed by Jean Daninos, Lance Macklin a celebrity from HWM racing, and M. Brasseur. The new Vega exuded class and strength, with its minimalistic styling and masculine stance. It sported several improvements upon its predecessor, including some profile adjustments to the front end with double stacked headlights. Most significantly, the Typhoon featured the extremely high performance 345 cubic inch V8 Hemi engine. The "Firepower" Hemi was Chrysler's first overhead valve V8 motor which was fed by to two four-barrel Carter carburetors and mated with a "Torqueflite" three-speed push button automatic transmission –a commanding combination capable of summoning 325 horse power, with 425 feet/pounds torque. The new Facel Vega was based upon a 104" wheelbase and marketed as achieving 0-60 in just over 8 seconds with a top speed of 140mph. This was particularly impressive in the 1950's for a car weighing over 4,100 pounds. Despite the French marque's popularity with the well-heeled elite, only thirty-six of these opulent automobiles featuring the FirePower Hemi were crafted, making the few survivors especially collectible. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED This splendid 1958 Facel Vega Typhoon is not only a superb surviving example of the rare model, but it presents in truly lovely condition. Delivered in silver paint over a burgundy leather interior, the limited information that we have suggests that the consignor, a collector in Texas, is probably the fourth owner of the car since 1958. Little is known about the early history, but it is evident upon inspection that this Facel Vega has undergone a sympathetic restoration at some point in its lifetime. The sheer quality of the materials employed to create the Typhoon—rust resistant stainless steel and polished aluminum, superior wood and leather—bear testimony to the condition of this splendid example. Not to be overlooked, the car was obviously well-maintained, carefully garaged, and cared for by marque disciples for its sixty years. The current owner purchased the Typhoon in 2014 and believes it had received a frame-on r