The Facel Vega Facel 6 Cabriolet was introduced in 1964 as the final evolution of the company’s small sports car line, following the Facellia and Facel III. It was developed during a time of financial instability for the French automaker and intended to correct earlier missteps while offering a more powerful, refined open-top grand tourer. Though it was a short-lived model, the Facel 6 Cabriolet remains a rare and notable chapter in Facel Vega’s history.
Stylistically, the Facel 6 Cabriolet maintained the elegant proportions of the Facel III, with subtle refinements. The body design was low and sleek, marked by clean lines, a gently sculpted bonnet, and restrained chrome trim. The cabriolet version featured a soft top that folded neatly behind the seats, preserving the car’s elegant silhouette whether open or closed. It conveyed a distinctly French flair, paired with understated athleticism.
Inside, the Facel 6 upheld the luxury standards the brand was known for. The cockpit was adorned with leather upholstery, polished metal switches, and a dashboard layout heavily inspired by aviation, featuring clear Jaeger gauges and toggle controls. The car was designed to offer a refined driving experience, combining sports car responsiveness with the comfort expected from a touring convertible.
The biggest difference from its predecessors lay under the bonnet. Departing from the Volvo and earlier Facel engines, the Facel 6 was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six borrowed from the Austin-Healey 3000. This engine produced around 150 horsepower and delivered significantly improved torque and smoothness over the previous 1.8-liter units. Mated to a manual four-speed gearbox with overdrive, it gave the Facel 6 Cabriolet spirited performance and relaxed cruising ability, with a top speed of approximately 180 km/h (112 mph).
Unfortunately, the Facel 6 arrived too late to save Facel Vega. The company was already collapsing under the weight of its financial troubles, and production ceased shortly after the model’s introduction. Fewer than 45 Facel 6 units were built in total, with only a small portion of those being cabriolets, making it one of the rarest Facel Vegas ever produced.
Today, the Facel 6 Cabriolet is highly sought after by collectors who appreciate its rarity, elegance, and the unique blend of French styling with British mechanicals. It stands as a symbol of what Facel Vega might have become, had circumstances been different, and remains a beautiful example of mid-century European grand touring design.