Help Facel Vega, Facel 2
Discussion
tonyvid said:
Give us a clue...what's it called? 
Please see http://www.motors-mania.com/fr/livres-automobiles/...It´s all but sold out - only two months after publication so it´s a good idea to decide quickly.
When still in doubt, read the review in THE AUTOMOBILE (Feb. 2013 issue). And yes it IS a marvelous book, quite outstanding, and deservedly has received lots of praise.
tonyvid said:
Give us a clue...what's it called?
It is called Facel Vega of course.Or to be more precise Facel Vega the official history.This is the only book you will ever need on the subject of Facel Vegas [plus you will need a french english dictionary] It comprises two volumes,one detailing the early cars up to the HK 500,and the other later one dealing with the facellia/F III / F6 and Facel II.This is certainly the best one make car book that I have ever seen.I tried for over a year to get them to publish in french AND english.As you will see,I was not sucessfull.I have been proven wrong about sales,which I felt would not be as high as they have been.Get one while you can.This work is worth the money just for the complete inside history of the dreadful pont a mousson engine and its effect on facellia sales and eventually very existance of the company.The truth is revealed in the various internal correspondance between facel and PAM.The Facel Bible as they are calling it across the Channel, has won an award for its research etc, so congratulations to the authors.
If you want one, however, the publishers, I am told, no longer have any and that you will have to go to the Amicale Facel Vega stand at Retromobile where there will be some for sale, probably your only opportunity.
If you want one, however, the publishers, I am told, no longer have any and that you will have to go to the Amicale Facel Vega stand at Retromobile where there will be some for sale, probably your only opportunity.
justin-banks said:
Happy new to all, lets see what Facels we can find this year!
Justin
I saw this up for less than $7000 whilst idly browsing today - I guess somebody may be interested in it and its history = it could make a good restoration project?Justin
http://www.beverlyhillscarclub.com/1961-facel-vega...
Apologies if it has already been discussed
Facel Vegas rock.Seen only one in the 60's and this one just recently.Saw this one, a Bentley Facel, at the 2011 exotic and supercar show in Vancouver.Apparently the only one Bentley/Facel in the world.This car by far, looked better than any Facel I've seen in pictures.
Edited by 99GTS on Sunday 3rd February 23:42
99GTS said:
Facel Vegas rock.Seen only one in the 60's and this one just recently.Saw this one, a Bentley Facel, at the 2011 exotic and supercar show in Vancouver.Apparently the only one Bentley/Facel in the world.This car by far, looked better than any Facel I've seen in pictures.
This is indeed the only series two Facel Bentley ever made.However there were some 19 series one cars and many stilll exist today.Edited by 99GTS on Sunday 3rd February 23:42
RonnieH said:
Interesting find........... having given the pictures a quick scan, i note that whilst it looks like there is the bulk of an engine, there is no crank or sump..... check out the underneath pictures..!!
Noting the Ford? automatique gearlever assembly in the car,I suspect that this car had a different engine.Therefore it seems likely that the original bits have been loosely fitted for the photos. According to Artcurial’s website, the 1962 Facel 11 sold at Retromobile made €128,667. This was pretty much what Diemer and Dahlheimer wanted for it recently, but you had to have it restored by them. It actually looked quite good but then you noticed that bits were missing and the engine apparently didn’t turn over. Not sure who bought it; any ideas Mr Banks? It was originally owned by powerboat racer and stockbroker Dick Wilkins.
Didn’t know that an LHD car sold during Retromobile. What silly price was this facelman?
I drove both my roadworthy Facels yesterday, the weather was just right, but I have two issues which PHers might be able to help me solve. As is well known, the wood-effect dashboards are actually painted metal. This, I believe, can be painted three ways: either a fairly conventional method with modern paints and wood effect, a trompe l’oeil artist or these days airbrushed by someone who might paint a dragster or hotrod. Does anyone have any recommendations regarding this? My own is quite faded now, not sure why, and I think it needs doing again.
The other issue is the wooden Nardi steering wheel which is beginning to break up, probably from being in a damp garage, and I fear that will need rebuilding. I think I’ve found someone in Kent; any other suggestions?
At the risk of ‘going on a bit’, people have often wondered why Peter Sellers never owned a Facel Vega. After all, he owned every other exotic car on the market during his life, so why not a Facel? Bernard Cribbins told me the reason a few years ago.
Sellers asked Intercontinental Cars, HWM’s Facel division, to send over a car for him to have ‘on approval’ as us boy stamp collectors called it at the time. The Facel arrived at Pinewood or Elstree or wherever he was filming, and during a break, Sellers took a bunch of colleagues out to see the car and get their approval, as someone of his insecure nature would.
‘Look at the lines, aren’t they beautiful? Fantastic engine, glorious interior. Look at that lovely wooden dashboard,’ he said.
‘Er, that’s not wood, it’s painted metal,’ said someone who knew better.
‘What?’ Sellers was astounded, affronted. He had been duped, taken in. It was the equivalent of being given a beefburger and finding it contained horsemeat. The Facel was sent back to Walton-on-Thames forthwith and Sellers never considered one again.
Finally, I see that Elspet Gray has died, the former Mrs – later Lady – Brian Rix. I believe she had a Facellia.
Didn’t know that an LHD car sold during Retromobile. What silly price was this facelman?
I drove both my roadworthy Facels yesterday, the weather was just right, but I have two issues which PHers might be able to help me solve. As is well known, the wood-effect dashboards are actually painted metal. This, I believe, can be painted three ways: either a fairly conventional method with modern paints and wood effect, a trompe l’oeil artist or these days airbrushed by someone who might paint a dragster or hotrod. Does anyone have any recommendations regarding this? My own is quite faded now, not sure why, and I think it needs doing again.
The other issue is the wooden Nardi steering wheel which is beginning to break up, probably from being in a damp garage, and I fear that will need rebuilding. I think I’ve found someone in Kent; any other suggestions?
At the risk of ‘going on a bit’, people have often wondered why Peter Sellers never owned a Facel Vega. After all, he owned every other exotic car on the market during his life, so why not a Facel? Bernard Cribbins told me the reason a few years ago.
Sellers asked Intercontinental Cars, HWM’s Facel division, to send over a car for him to have ‘on approval’ as us boy stamp collectors called it at the time. The Facel arrived at Pinewood or Elstree or wherever he was filming, and during a break, Sellers took a bunch of colleagues out to see the car and get their approval, as someone of his insecure nature would.
‘Look at the lines, aren’t they beautiful? Fantastic engine, glorious interior. Look at that lovely wooden dashboard,’ he said.
‘Er, that’s not wood, it’s painted metal,’ said someone who knew better.
‘What?’ Sellers was astounded, affronted. He had been duped, taken in. It was the equivalent of being given a beefburger and finding it contained horsemeat. The Facel was sent back to Walton-on-Thames forthwith and Sellers never considered one again.
Finally, I see that Elspet Gray has died, the former Mrs – later Lady – Brian Rix. I believe she had a Facellia.
Bob CD said:
The other issue is the wooden Nardi steering wheel which is beginning to break up, probably from being in a damp garage, and I fear that will need rebuilding. I think I’ve found someone in Kent; any other suggestions?
As an alternative, send it back to Nardi themselves. They have a restoration section in Milan.Paul
Bob CD said:
According to Artcurial’s website, the 1962 Facel 11 sold at Retromobile made €128,667. This was pretty much what Diemer and Dahlheimer wanted for it recently, but you had to have it restored by them. It actually looked quite good but then you noticed that bits were missing and the engine apparently didn’t turn over. Not sure who bought it; any ideas Mr Banks? It was originally owned by powerboat racer and stockbroker Dick Wilkins.
Didn’t know that an LHD car sold during Retromobile. What silly price was this facelman?
I drove both my roadworthy Facels yesterday, the weather was just right, but I have two issues which PHers might be able to help me solve. As is well known, the wood-effect dashboards are actually painted metal. This, I believe, can be painted three ways: either a fairly conventional method with modern paints and wood effect, a trompe l’oeil artist or these days airbrushed by someone who might paint a dragster or hotrod. Does anyone have any recommendations regarding this? My own is quite faded now, not sure why, and I think it needs doing again.
The other issue is the wooden Nardi steering wheel which is beginning to break up, probably from being in a damp garage, and I fear that will need rebuilding. I think I’ve found someone in Kent; any other suggestions?
At the risk of ‘going on a bit’, people have often wondered why Peter Sellers never owned a Facel Vega. After all, he owned every other exotic car on the market during his life, so why not a Facel? Bernard Cribbins told me the reason a few years ago.
Sellers asked Intercontinental Cars, HWM’s Facel division, to send over a car for him to have ‘on approval’ as us boy stamp collectors called it at the time. The Facel arrived at Pinewood or Elstree or wherever he was filming, and during a break, Sellers took a bunch of colleagues out to see the car and get their approval, as someone of his insecure nature would.
‘Look at the lines, aren’t they beautiful? Fantastic engine, glorious interior. Look at that lovely wooden dashboard,’ he said.
‘Er, that’s not wood, it’s painted metal,’ said someone who knew better.
‘What?’ Sellers was astounded, affronted. He had been duped, taken in. It was the equivalent of being given a beefburger and finding it contained horsemeat. The Facel was sent back to Walton-on-Thames forthwith and Sellers never considered one again.
Finally, I see that Elspet Gray has died, the former Mrs – later Lady – Brian Rix. I believe she had a Facellia.
If you contact me Bob,I have a brilliant lady expert at Tromp L'oeil who does my dashboards for facels.She has a house [ her mothers ] just up the road from you near Chiddingfold,and another just up the road from me here in France ! She has just done the dash in the Radley FV3B.Didn’t know that an LHD car sold during Retromobile. What silly price was this facelman?
I drove both my roadworthy Facels yesterday, the weather was just right, but I have two issues which PHers might be able to help me solve. As is well known, the wood-effect dashboards are actually painted metal. This, I believe, can be painted three ways: either a fairly conventional method with modern paints and wood effect, a trompe l’oeil artist or these days airbrushed by someone who might paint a dragster or hotrod. Does anyone have any recommendations regarding this? My own is quite faded now, not sure why, and I think it needs doing again.
The other issue is the wooden Nardi steering wheel which is beginning to break up, probably from being in a damp garage, and I fear that will need rebuilding. I think I’ve found someone in Kent; any other suggestions?
At the risk of ‘going on a bit’, people have often wondered why Peter Sellers never owned a Facel Vega. After all, he owned every other exotic car on the market during his life, so why not a Facel? Bernard Cribbins told me the reason a few years ago.
Sellers asked Intercontinental Cars, HWM’s Facel division, to send over a car for him to have ‘on approval’ as us boy stamp collectors called it at the time. The Facel arrived at Pinewood or Elstree or wherever he was filming, and during a break, Sellers took a bunch of colleagues out to see the car and get their approval, as someone of his insecure nature would.
‘Look at the lines, aren’t they beautiful? Fantastic engine, glorious interior. Look at that lovely wooden dashboard,’ he said.
‘Er, that’s not wood, it’s painted metal,’ said someone who knew better.
‘What?’ Sellers was astounded, affronted. He had been duped, taken in. It was the equivalent of being given a beefburger and finding it contained horsemeat. The Facel was sent back to Walton-on-Thames forthwith and Sellers never considered one again.
Finally, I see that Elspet Gray has died, the former Mrs – later Lady – Brian Rix. I believe she had a Facellia.
Hi Bob,
My dash was airbrushed by Paul Carslake. He's quite a famous painter in his own right! I think he is, or was, brother in law to Ronnie Wood. He did a great job on mine even putting a line down the middle to look like bookmatched veneer. I can forward his number if you wish. He is based in Essex.
My dash was airbrushed by Paul Carslake. He's quite a famous painter in his own right! I think he is, or was, brother in law to Ronnie Wood. He did a great job on mine even putting a line down the middle to look like bookmatched veneer. I can forward his number if you wish. He is based in Essex.
Bob CD said:
I drove both my roadworthy Facels yesterday, the weather was just right, but I have two issues which PHers might be able to help me solve. As is well known, the wood-effect dashboards are actually painted metal. This, I believe, can be painted three ways: either a fairly conventional method with modern paints and wood effect, a trompe l’oeil artist or these days airbrushed by someone who might paint a dragster or hotrod. Does anyone have any recommendations regarding this? My own is quite faded now, not sure why, and I think it needs doing again.
My sister is an expert tromp l'oeil artist, but she now lives near Bordeaux. However if you can ship the dashboard over I'm sure she could paint it for you. She's done a lot of materials -stone, wood etc, but I can only find this example at the moment -yes this is a flat painting!
Bob CD said:
According to Artcurial’s website, the 1962 Facel 11 sold at Retromobile made €128,667. This was pretty much what Diemer and Dahlheimer wanted for it recently, but you had to have it restored by them. It actually looked quite good but then you noticed that bits were missing and the engine apparently didn’t turn over. Not sure who bought it; any ideas Mr Banks? It was originally owned by powerboat racer and stockbroker Dick Wilkins.
Didn’t know that an LHD car sold during Retromobile. What silly price was this facelman?
Hello Bob,Didn’t know that an LHD car sold during Retromobile. What silly price was this facelman?
OK, it was me, I bought the RHD II from Artcurial, I had been trying to buy it from Diemer but they were tying it into a long restoration, no good for me. Yes, the engine is siezed and it needs a lot of work but It is actually a good project and I will get it back on its feet in the next few months and then find it a new home. Was originally Metallic Blue, will probably revert to this as I like it.
The Yann Carrat LHD Facel II was asking 275 ish Euros when I enquired, they intimated it would be sold by the end of the show and apparently it did, but for what price I do not know.
The Ringo Car should be finished in the next few weeks to make way for the new project so you all should see it out and about this summer.
Justin
justin-banks said:
Hello Bob,
OK, it was me, I bought the RHD II from Artcurial, I had been trying to buy it from Diemer but they were tying it into a long restoration, no good for me. Yes, the engine is siezed and it needs a lot of work but It is actually a good project and I will get it back on its feet in the next few months and then find it a new home. Was originally Metallic Blue, will probably revert to this as I like it.
The Yann Carrat LHD Facel II was asking 275 ish Euros when I enquired, they intimated it would be sold by the end of the show and apparently it did, but for what price I do not know.
The Ringo Car should be finished in the next few weeks to make way for the new project so you all should see it out and about this summer.
Justin
Excellent news.Well done Justin I am glad that this car is back from the far east where james Radley and I sent it some few years ago.I am delighted that you will be going back to "Facel Bleu Irise" or " simca electric blue" as we used to use.I really never liked the black.I drove this car many miles as I used to repair it for Elvins who owned it for many years.The engine needed an overhaul twenty years ago but never got it.I supplied parts for the pont a mousson gearbox of the Yann Carret Facel II,and am just about to supply a massive order for his next Facel II restoration this one an automatic.I was not aware of any missing parts on the Elvins car when I sold it.Please let me know if you need anything.OK, it was me, I bought the RHD II from Artcurial, I had been trying to buy it from Diemer but they were tying it into a long restoration, no good for me. Yes, the engine is siezed and it needs a lot of work but It is actually a good project and I will get it back on its feet in the next few months and then find it a new home. Was originally Metallic Blue, will probably revert to this as I like it.
The Yann Carrat LHD Facel II was asking 275 ish Euros when I enquired, they intimated it would be sold by the end of the show and apparently it did, but for what price I do not know.
The Ringo Car should be finished in the next few weeks to make way for the new project so you all should see it out and about this summer.
Justin
Does a Silver Grey with Red Interior , Auto , HK 500, registration no HPK 378 ring any bells ? A customer of mine Jeremy , owned this one from aprox 1969 - 73.
He was then based in Sussex. At that time there was another HK 500 locally and also an Excellence. He's pretty sure he bought it from HWM.
He fondly recalls a trip to Paris in it with his Wife to an upmarket wedding. Lost in Gay Pareee they went around the Arc 8 odd times. The French he recalls were besotted with the thing. The Garage local to their Hotel insisted on fitting 2 new rear tyres to it completely free !!
When he went to collect her, they had Also filled her up with petrol, again foc !
Jeremy sold her to a Hotel owner on the Sussex coast. Be great to know if she has survived.
He was then based in Sussex. At that time there was another HK 500 locally and also an Excellence. He's pretty sure he bought it from HWM.
He fondly recalls a trip to Paris in it with his Wife to an upmarket wedding. Lost in Gay Pareee they went around the Arc 8 odd times. The French he recalls were besotted with the thing. The Garage local to their Hotel insisted on fitting 2 new rear tyres to it completely free !!
When he went to collect her, they had Also filled her up with petrol, again foc !
Jeremy sold her to a Hotel owner on the Sussex coast. Be great to know if she has survived.
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