Facel Vega - 1971 to 1975

I had always loved the shape of the Facel Vega 2, so much so that I wrote a letter of condolence to the proprietor of the company when I learned it was closing down. He replied and invited me to meet him for a drink in Paris, which I accepted.

Only 115 hand-made Facel Vega 2s were made. Mine was the last right-hand drive, built in 1964, shortly before the company ceased production. It was French blue with red leather upholstery, and all of the chromey bits (including the bumpers) were stainless steel. It was lovely to look at, and very fast for that period (160 m.p.h).

The 5.7 litre Chrysler Typhoon V8 engine was the same as used in the Jensen Interceptor. It was automatic, had power-steering, and electric windows.

The turning circle was by far the worst of any car I have ever driven, and a three-point turn invariably became a six-point turn. Despite tinted glass it was unbearably hot to sit in in a traffic jamb. Would have been nice if the roof panel had opened.