Description
The Facel Vega Facel III Cabriolet was introduced in 1963 as the successor to the troubled Facellia series. With the Facel III, Facel Vega aimed to correct the mechanical shortcomings of its predecessor while retaining the elegance and luxury that had become the brand’s hallmark. The cabriolet version offered open-air motoring in a refined and distinctly European package.
Visually, the Facel III Cabriolet retained much of the Facellia’s graceful design language. It featured a low, wide stance, a gently sloping rear deck, and a clean, unadorned front end with dual headlamps and a modest chrome grille. The convertible top folded away behind the seats, maintaining a sleek profile whether up or down. Chrome accents were tastefully applied, and the overall shape was both athletic and refined—an ideal balance for a compact grand tourer.
Inside, the car continued Facel Vega’s tradition of crafting luxurious interiors. The dashboard was detailed with Jaeger instruments, toggle switches, and a brushed aluminum finish that mimicked earlier aircraft-style layouts. Leather seats, quality trim, and thoughtful ergonomics gave the Facel III a far more upscale feel than many of its European competitors in the same segment.
The most significant improvement over the Facellia lay under the hood. Abandoning the problematic in-house twin-cam engine, the Facel III Cabriolet was equipped with a 1.8-liter inline-four sourced from Volvo. This engine, borrowed from the Volvo B18 family, produced about 108 horsepower and offered vastly improved reliability and smoother operation. It was paired with either a four-speed manual gearbox or an optional overdrive unit, giving the car capable performance and better long-distance cruising ability.
Despite these improvements, the Facel III had a short production life. Facel Vega was already in financial trouble by the time the car was released, and only around 625 examples of the Facel III—coupe and cabriolet combined—were built before the company ceased operations in 1964.
Today, the Facel III Cabriolet is seen as a hidden gem in the classic car world. It offers the graceful styling and luxurious detailing typical of Facel Vega, combined with the dependable performance of a proven Swedish powertrain. For enthusiasts of rare European sports cars, it presents a compelling mix of beauty, history, and exclusivity.