The Facel Vega Facel 6 Hardtop was the final production model developed by the French automaker before its closure in 1964. It was designed as a natural progression from the Facel III, combining refined styling with a more powerful and reliable engine. The Facel 6 represented Facel Vega’s last attempt to capture the compact GT market with a car that could compete with established British and Italian rivals.
The exterior of the Facel 6 Hardtop retained the compact proportions and clean lines of its predecessors, but with a more purposeful stance. The body featured subtle updates, including a slightly revised front end and wider track. The hardtop roofline was elegant and sloped, seamlessly integrated into the rear deck with a wraparound rear window that improved visibility. Chrome accents were used sparingly, enhancing the car’s refined character without excessive ornamentation.
Inside, the Facel 6 was consistent with Facel Vega’s reputation for luxurious interiors. The dashboard featured a familiar aircraft-inspired layout, with brushed aluminum or wood-effect finishes, round Jaeger dials, and toggle switches. High-grade leather upholstery, thick carpets, and well-finished door panels gave the cabin an upscale ambiance. While compact in size, the car was designed to provide comfort for two occupants, suitable for grand touring rather than spirited sports driving.
The key advancement of the Facel 6 over the earlier models was its engine. Facel Vega abandoned the problematic twin-cam units used in the Facellia and the Volvo B18 used in the Facel III, opting instead for the 2.8-liter inline-six from the Austin-Healey 3000. This British-sourced engine delivered around 150 horsepower and significantly improved the car’s performance, making it capable of reaching speeds of up to 180 km/h (112 mph). It was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox with optional overdrive, offering a balance of brisk acceleration and relaxed cruising.
Despite the improvements, the Facel 6 was introduced at a time when the company was already in deep financial trouble. As a result, production was extremely limited, with fewer than 45 examples produced, including both hardtops and cabriolets. The Facel 6 Hardtop is thus one of the rarest models in the marque’s lineup.
Today, the Facel 6 Hardtop is a prized collector’s item. Its rarity, combined with its elegant styling and upgraded mechanicals, make it a unique example of Franco-British automotive collaboration. It stands as a final expression of Facel Vega’s ambition to produce world-class luxury GT cars, even as the company faced its imminent demise.