Most Facel Vegas were expensive, sporty hardtop coupés and some cabriolets. There was also the Excellence, a sedan line. Enough coupés were imported to America that I can remember seeing some when they were new.
Styling of the coupés fell into three main versions: the original FV1 (1954-1955); FV2/FVS/HK500 (1955-1952); and the Facel II (1962-1964). These cars might appear similar to a casual viewer because front end styling, fenderlines and rear ends were indeed similar. The significant difference was the passenger compartment greenhouse.
The Facel Vega frontal theme was established from the start. The elements: a central, vertical grille opening flanked by smaller horizontal openings, all with the same grille bar pattern; a fairly simple bumper mounted below; and front fenders terminating in vertical headlight-related assemblies. Here we find single headlights plus smaller auxiliary lights. Also note the "art-nouveau" chrome treatment above the windshield and merging to above the side window.
The second generation grilles had more, smaller bar patterns and horizontal chrome strips dividing the two auxiliary openings. I'm not sure regarding what appear to be quad headlights. The lower lights have a central nub and need to function as turn indicators, there not being a dedicated light for that.
Grille side openings are larger here. Headlights are true quads. Small turn indicator plus auxiliary lights are found between the headlights.
The passenger greenhouse is quite rounded. Side window framing is strongly curved above the nearly horizontal beltline/fenderline.
Beginning 1955-56 windshields became wraparound/panoramic. The A-pillar leans forward much like those on 1954-56 Oldsmobiles. The roof's profile is less curved than on the FV1s. Framing above the door window is straight, horizontal, while the curved section is over the secondary window to its aft.
In line with American styling trends, the windshield has reverted from panoramic to backward-leaning A-pillar framing. It's large and the glass curves vertically as well as horizontally. The backlight window's size and shape seems almost the same as that of the windshield. Side window framing is linear: no curves, and the roof is thinner with a straight profile line. I find all this to be harsh, unattractive. The front fender profile curves downward more than on previous cars.
1955 Facel Vega FV1 Coupé - unknown photo source
The rounded theme of the greenhouse is repeated on the trunk lid. The tail light assembly theme continues with varioutions over all generations.
Minimal differences from this viewpoint.
The trunk lid cutlines have changed.
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