The Facel Vega FV4 was a rare and transitional model introduced in 1958, effectively serving as a bridge between the early FV-series cars and the more refined HK500 that followed shortly after. Though often overshadowed by its successor, the FV4 holds historical significance as the most powerful and advanced of the original FV line, featuring major mechanical upgrades and subtle refinements in design and construction.
At the heart of the FV4 was a powerful 5.9-liter (361 cubic inch) Chrysler Typhoon V8 engine, capable of producing approximately 360 horsepower. This marked a significant leap in performance over earlier FV models, pushing the car’s top speed to over 220 km/h (around 137 mph), making it one of the fastest grand tourers of its day. The car was offered with either a robust four-speed Pont-à-Mousson manual gearbox or Chrysler’s three-speed Torqueflite automatic transmission, both capable of handling the engine’s increased output with ease.
Visually, the FV4 closely resembled the earlier FV3B, sharing the same distinctive angular styling, large upright grille, and chrome detailing. However, minor changes were made to accommodate the larger engine and cooling requirements, including a slightly altered front end and deeper front bumper. The chassis and suspension were also strengthened to support the added power and weight.
Inside, the FV4 was finished to the high standards expected of Facel Vega. The cabin featured full leather upholstery, finely detailed instrumentation by Jaeger, and a dashboard styled to resemble turned aluminum. Each car was tailored to its buyer’s tastes, making every FV4 a unique example of French luxury craftsmanship.
Production numbers for the FV4 were extremely limited. Most sources suggest that only a handful—possibly fewer than 10—were ever built. This makes the FV4 not only one of the rarest Facel Vega models but also one of the most powerful and exclusive.
Though it was quickly succeeded by the HK500, the Facel Vega FV4 stands as a crucial model in the company’s development. It demonstrated that Facel Vega was capable of building cars that could rival the best from Italy, Britain, and Germany, both in terms of performance and luxury. Today, surviving examples are prized by collectors for their rarity, beauty, and historical importance.