Description
The Facel Vega Facel II AT was the automatic transmission version of what many consider the pinnacle of Facel Vega’s automotive achievement. Introduced in 1962, the Facel II was a strikingly elegant grand tourer, blending French luxury with raw American V8 performance. The AT variant, equipped with Chrysler’s Torqueflite three-speed automatic transmission, was aimed at clients who valued effortless performance, refinement, and prestige over hands-on driving involvement.
In terms of design, the Facel II AT shared the same sharp and sophisticated exterior lines as its manual sibling. It featured a long, low hood, a wide grille, and dual headlights set into carefully sculpted fenders. The body had a restrained yet powerful presence, with understated chrome accents, subtle rear fins, and a tapered roofline flowing gracefully into the trunk. It was an unmistakably high-end car, reflecting both European elegance and American muscle.
The AT version came equipped with one of two Chrysler V8 engines. Most were fitted with the 6.3-liter (383 cu in) engine producing around 355 horsepower, while later versions often used the 6.7-liter (413 cu in) Golden Commando engine with up to 390 horsepower. Paired with the smooth and durable Torqueflite automatic, the Facel II AT delivered swift acceleration and effortless high-speed cruising, making it one of the fastest four-seaters of its day. The top speed exceeded 220 km/h (137 mph), with strong, linear torque delivery that made long-distance travel feel effortless.
Inside, the Facel II AT offered a luxurious and highly refined environment. The dashboard was painted to mimic engine-turned metal and filled with aircraft-style Jaeger dials and toggle switches. The leather seating was deep and plush, the carpeting thick, and the finishing touches—from the door handles to the instrument bezels—exuded bespoke craftsmanship. Many AT cars were delivered with power windows, air conditioning, and a premium radio system, making them true luxury touring machines.
The automatic transmission emphasized comfort and composure, especially in urban or relaxed highway driving. The Torqueflite was known for its smooth shifts and excellent reliability, giving the Facel II AT a more laid-back character than the manual version, though performance remained formidable.
Approximately 180 Facel IIs were built in total, with the majority being automatic versions. Buyers included royalty, actors, and industrialists, people who wanted both elegance and speed in a car that stood apart from anything made by Ferrari, Aston Martin, or Mercedes-Benz.
Today, the Facel Vega Facel II AT is a rare and prestigious collector’s car, valued for its design, luxurious craftsmanship, and the smooth, effortless power of its American V8. It represents a bold and distinctive chapter in European automotive history—one where refinement and muscle came together in a uniquely French vision of the grand tourer.