This terrific little 1961 French Facel Vega Facellia has had but one owner since 1964. It is a 58,950 (approx) mile car in simply fantastic original condition.
It has been reported that of the approximate 1,300 Facellia's produced (inclusive of coupes and convertibles) only 4 are known to have survived with their original, running engines. It is also reported that a 5th car is currently undergoing a complete restoration with the correct engine.
This car has just undergone a mechanical restoration. The cars original engine, gearbox and differential were just recently overhauled, within the last 200 miles. The brake system was overhauled at the same time.
The car is red. It appears however, that the car may have been silver in its very early life. It may have been painted prior to its current owner acquiring the car in California in 1964. There is also thepossibilityperhaps that the color may have been changed prior to the car leaving the Paris factory. Stay tuned.....trying to find out.
The paint is certainly old, it has some minor imperfections here and there and certainly has some patina but, still shows well.....old, but well. The car has character ! Door and hood gaps are excellent and the doors close with barely a nudge......seriously easy. The fit of right edge of the rear deck lid has gotten worse over the years as the stay for the trunk lid carries all the weight on just that one side and the deck lid is of aluminum; a characteristic trait.
The chrome and brightwork on the car is in good condition though it shows signs of age. It is not however, rusty nor is there any pitting.
The interior of the car is in remarkably nice and completely original condition, the large tufted seats suggest early production (as does the gray cam cover)All gauges function as does the radio. The steering wheel does show some cracking.
The car starts instantly and runs well. The car also drives very nicely, again the drive train having just been rebuilt. Clutch take up is excellent, shift linkage nice and crisp. The car tracks straight, there is no excessive steering play. Brake pedal modulation and feel is remarkably good given when the car was born. It's a very nice driving car....very early Alfa like....it makes ya happy......a great Sunday take the top down and drive around the lake happy. The top is new as well, nicely done in German canvas.
It's a rare car and a rare opportunity for a very different, terribly neat and remarkably original early French sports car. Happy bidding.
Very realistic reserve. The car is for sale locally, I reserve the right to end this auction at any time.