Description

The Facel Vega FV3 was introduced in 1956 as the third major development in the prestigious FV series, continuing the French marque’s pursuit of combining refined European style with powerful American V8 engines. Built in very limited numbers, the FV3 was a transitional model that introduced several technical and cosmetic refinements, moving Facel Vega closer to the more mature and widely recognized HK500 that would follow.

The FV3 retained the same general design language as the earlier FV1 and FV2, with its sharp-edged, angular bodywork and a sense of formal elegance. The car featured a long hood, squared-off front grille, and wraparound bumpers, all complemented by restrained chrome trim and carefully proportioned lines. Although visually similar to its predecessors, the FV3 benefited from subtle styling changes, including reshaped headlight surrounds and a more integrated rear design.

Under the hood, the FV3 was powered by a Chrysler V8 engine, specifically the 5.4-liter (330 cubic inch) Hemi V8, producing around 250 horsepower. This represented a substantial increase in performance over earlier models. Mated to either a Pont-à-Mousson four-speed manual gearbox or Chrysler’s PowerFlite automatic, the engine gave the car a top speed of around 200 km/h, placing it among the fastest grand touring cars of its day. The chassis and suspension were also improved for better high-speed stability and overall comfort.

Inside, the FV3 was luxuriously appointed, with a cabin trimmed in high-quality leather and a dashboard designed to evoke the look of turned metal, often painted to simulate engine-turned aluminum. The instrumentation was typically sourced from Jaeger and included a full array of dials set within a symmetrical, aviation-inspired layout. Each car was individually crafted, and buyers could select interior materials, color schemes, and optional equipment to suit their personal tastes.

Production of the FV3 remained very limited, with fewer than 90 examples believed to have been built. Like the earlier FV models, the FV3 was assembled largely by hand, reflecting Facel Vega’s position as a boutique manufacturer focused on exclusivity and craftsmanship rather than mass production.

The Facel Vega FV3 occupies an important place in the marque’s history. It marked a key step in the evolution of the brand’s design and engineering, offering greater performance and refinement while preserving the elegance and individuality that defined the Facel Vega identity. Today, the FV3 is a highly desirable collector’s item, prized for its rarity, craftsmanship, and the unique blend of French style and American power that it represents.