History

Creativity, connections, and the desire to follow your dreams have often led to some of the most unique creations in the automotive industry. Such was the case with Facel, a French automaker that grew from the ashes of WWII. Initially created as a subsidiary of the military aeronautics company Bronzavia, Facel merged with metal stamping Métallon to create short-run, coachbuilt bodies for the likes of Simca, Ford of France, Panhard, and Delahaye. Once unibodies became an automotive standard and coachbuilders began to die off, Métallon left the partnership, and Facel decided to create its own cars using Chrysler, Volvo, and Austin engines. Its first car was the Vega in 1954, although the company later changed its name to Facel Vega and its models adopted different names as time went on.

The Facellia was Facel Vega’s first sports car entry, debuting at the 1959 Paris Motor Show. Buyers could choose from cabriolet, 2+2 coupé, and 4-seater coupé body styles, with each initially powered by a 1.6 L twin-cam engine designed by former Talbot-Lago chief engineer Carlo Machetti and English cylinder-head guru Harry Weslake. Constant catastrophic engine failures led to the development of the updated Facellia F2, but the damage to the company’s reputation had already been done. Approximately 1,100 units were produced from 1960 to 1963, making it Facel Vega’s highest production model.

This Car

This particular Facellia F2, Chassis #A172, was initially ordered by Journal Motors of Newton, NJ, for a local doctor. The car was reportedly flown on an Air France plane to the dealership via Newark, NJ. Upon delivery the first owner immediately changed the color from its original navy blue to the burgundy it wears today. After two weeks of driving, the doctor decided the car was not for them, and they promptly returned it to Journal Motors. Howard Angle, the owner of Journal Motors, kept the car and drove it himself for many years. Later storing it in a barn in the Catskills region of Upstate New York sometime in the 1970s. Fast forward to 2025, the derelict Facellia was found in photo on a Zillow listing for the property where it had been stored for many years. After nearly a year, this Facellia was acquired from Howard Angle’s daughter. 

Upon discovery and removal a close inspection revealed that this car is remarkably original throughout. While in need of a restoration, it is the best possible base to start with. It is 99% rust free with only minor rust starting to show at the bottoms of the front and rear fenders where they meet the bumper and some bubbles around the door bottoms. Otherwise the chassis shows to be solid and there are high marks of originality throughout the car. The Michelin tires are original and as delivered when new, with the spare in untouched as new condition still holding air and never having been installed on the car. The original wheel color is still present. Inspecting the engine bay and one starts to notice all of the right little things are still in place. Such as the branded glass brake reservoir and window washer bottle. Both are likely “unubtanium” and would show well in a restoration. The interior retains all of its little features as well with nothing appearing to be missing. A remarkable car in many ways and worth a closer look should any curiosity arise.

The rarity of a Facel Vega is only a footnote in the brand’s legacy. The French automaker produced some of the most unique-looking cars of its time, a statement that remains true today. This Facellia F2 benefits from being the updated version of the sports car, and, as a true barn find, even though it is not running, it offers plenty of opportunities for the future owner to let their own creativity shine. Included in the purchase are the original owner’s manuals, original registration paperwork, period parts receipts, a spare wheel, factory jack, and the factory lug wrench.

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