French manufacturer Facel was founded in 1938 as a maker of machine tools for the aircraft industry and later diversified into making car bodies for Panhard and Simca. The name is an acronym that stands for Forges et Ateliers de Construction d’Eure et de Loire. Most famously, the company introduced the Vega in 1954, a handsome and luxuriously appointed four-seater powered by a 180-horsepower DeSoto Hemi V-8 engine. Production of the French-American hybrids continued through 10 versions, including an original sports car called the Facellia in 1962. By late 1962 the company was in receivership and declared bankrupt by 1965.

The Facel Vega was the perfect grand tourer of its time. Exuding power, style, and exclusivity, it was decadently fashionable, much like the Dual-Ghia, which catered to the aristocracy of the Hollywood elite. This example is finished in radiant silver metallic paint over red leather and is believed to be one of seven ordered by famed New York-based importer Max Hoffman in late 1957. It is powered by 5.8-liter Hemi V-8 engine with dual four-barrel carburetors paired with a two-speed Powerflite automatic transmission. It features power steering, four-wheel power disc brakes, and power windows. Options include tinted glass and chrome wire wheels with knock-off spinner caps.

The example offered here is believed to be one of only 85 FVS models produced for 1958, making it exceedingly rare. The fact that it won Best in Class at the 2013 Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance is a testament to the care it has been shown, while its recent participation in the Copperstate 1,000 proves that it is well sorted and ready for whatever comes next.