French manufacturer Facel was founded in 1938 as a maker of machine tools for the aircraft industry and later diversified into making car bodies for Panhard and Simca.

The name is an acronym that stands for Forges et Ateliers de Construction d’Eure et de Loire.

Most famously, the company introduced the Vega in 1954, a handsome and luxuriously appointed four-seater powered by a 180-horsepower DeSoto Hemi V-8 engine.

Production of the French-American hybrids continued through 10 versions, including an original sports car called the Facellia in 1962.

By late 1962 the company was in receivership and declared bankrupt by 1965.

The Facel Vega was the perfect grand tourer of its time.

Exuding power, style, and exclusivity, it was decadently fashionable, much like the Dual-Ghia, which catered to the aristocracy of the Hollywood elite.

This example is finished in radiant silver metallic paint over red leather and is believed to be one of seven ordered by famed New York-based importer Max...