Facel Vega’s sole four-door offering, the Excellence first debuted at the 1956 Paris Salon and was intended as luxurious transportation for heads of state, titans of industry, and other wealthy clientele who desired the very best in American horsepower and French styling.

With its elongated chassis, the luxury saloon offers undeniable period charm paired with sheer power, as a Chrysler-made V-8 is housed in the engine bay.

Of the 134 first-series Excellences built, chassis number B052 was one of only 21 examples equipped with a manual gearbox.

For further ease of use, it was also fitted with power-assisted steering.

It was originally finished in black paint over a red leather interior, just as you see it today.

Its first owner was a Mrs. Godfrey Fowler, who purchased the car in 1959 as a resident of Monaco.

In 1963, the Excellence was sold to M.

G.

Heuze of Paris.

Four years later, it passed to M.

J.

Fay, a member of the Amicale Facel club.

In 1990, its next owner would be ...