Vega
and FVS
1954-59 Prod: 357 During
it’s producation life, large engines were fitted and by the end, there
was 325bhp 5.4 L Crysler V8 and a 3rd ratio in theautomatic transmission.
In 1957 brake servo was fitted. In 1958, disk brakes were an option.
Few cars were as stylish as the Vega and even fewer would carry four
people at 130mph.
HK500
1959-61 prod:500 360 hbp 6.3
L engine. 4 wheel disk brakes were only an option until 1960. The problem
with the HK500 was it was long on style and power but short on detail
which an opposing company took advantage of. The seats weren’t right,
and the driver was likely to be thrown around the cockpit.
Facel
II
1962-64 Prod: 184 Uprate
HK500 with sharper lines, better visibility, and up to 390 bhp. Would
top 150 mph, and 0-60 in under 8 seconds. Chassis would not keep pace
with increased power output, and still a mystery as to why it did not
do better. What was good enough in 1954 was not in 1964.
Facellia
1960, prod: 1258 This
car brought the company down. It resembled the smaller 2 seat HK500.
Available as hardtop, convertible or coupe. Drum brakes were an option
until 1961. The 1647cc dohc 4 cylinder unit was a problem. Car was expensive
for a 1.6 L sports car115bhp engine had peaky power band and would just
top 105 mph and 0-60 in 11.9 seconds. Engine was noisy and burned oil
and pistons.
Facel
III/6 1963-64
Prod: 1500/26 Car sold more in two years than all Facel models( with
the exception of the Facellia) in all 11 years. It was a Facellia with
a 1780cc Volvo engine; excellent reliability. Facel 6 had 150 bhp BMC
series C engine similar to that in an Austin Healey 3000, but linered
down to 2851cc. The power meant the perfomance was better; however,
it wasn’t enough to save the company.
