Established by Jean Daninos in 1939, Forges et Ateliers de Construction d’Eure-et-Loir (FACEL) initially focused on crafting aircraft components and metal furniture. Post-war, FACEL supplied car bodies to Panhard, Simca, and Ford France. In 1954, they ventured into automobile manufacturing with the introduction of the Vega at the Paris Salon.
Despite post-WW2 challenges to luxury car production in France, Jean Daninos boldly aimed to revive the country’s motoring tradition. The Vega, a luxurious Grand Routier, derived its name from the Lyra constellation’s brightest star. It featured elegant coupé bodywork on a tubular-steel chassis.
Lacking a suitable French power unit, Daninos turned to the USA, initially choosing Chrysler’s 4.5-liter, 180bhp V8, with options for push-button automatic or manual transmission. Swift improvements led to the 200bhp FV3 model by the end of 1956. However, only 90 FV3Bs were produced during 1957 and 1958.
Source: Bonhams Cars
