Description
The Facel Vega Facel II MT was the manual transmission version of Facel Vega’s most refined and powerful grand tourer. Introduced in 1962 alongside the standard Facel II, the MT variant catered to a more performance-oriented clientele who sought greater driver engagement and control from their luxury coupe.
Externally, the Facel II MT was identical to the automatic version. It featured the same sharp, elegant bodywork—clean lines, a wide grille flanked by dual headlamps, and a sweeping roofline that descended into a subtly finned rear. The overall look was purposeful and modern, a blend of French design finesse with understated American muscle cues. The MT version typically wore subtle badging and carried no visual distinction, but its character was quite different once behind the wheel.
The main difference lay in the transmission. Instead of the standard Chrysler Torqueflite three-speed automatic, the MT was fitted with a French-built Pont-à-Mousson four-speed manual gearbox. This unit was strong enough to handle the torque from the Chrysler V8 and offered a far more involved driving experience, particularly when exploiting the car’s considerable performance potential on winding roads or open highways.
The Facel II MT was most commonly paired with the larger Chrysler V8 engines. Early models used the 6.3-liter (383 cu in) engine producing 355 hp, but many MT cars were fitted with the 6.7-liter (413 cu in) Golden Commando engine producing up to 390 hp. With this setup, the Facel II MT could reach a top speed of over 240 km/h (150 mph), and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 6 seconds—astonishing numbers for a four-seater GT in the early 1960s.
Inside, the MT version featured the same luxurious interior as its automatic counterpart, with leather upholstery, finely finished metal dash surfaces painted to resemble engine turning, and a full complement of Jaeger instruments. The center-mounted gear lever for the manual box was well-positioned, and the clutch and pedal feel were surprisingly manageable for such a powerful car, though it demanded more precision than the automatic.
Only a small number of Facel II models were delivered with manual transmissions—around 30 are estimated to have been built—making the MT version significantly rarer than the automatic. This rarity, combined with the improved driving dynamics, has made the Facel II MT highly desirable among collectors and enthusiasts.
The Facel Vega Facel II MT stands as the ultimate expression of the brand’s grand touring philosophy—style, power, exclusivity, and the thrill of true driver involvement. It represented a rare moment when luxury and high performance came together in a car as beautiful to look at as it was exhilarating to drive.