Facel Vega FV2B Convertible 1956
Unique opportunity to require an rare one off “Convertible” restored the the highest possible standard with great dedication.
Jasper Beukenkamp had an idea for a special project for a long time. Jasper wanted to showcase the amazing skills of his team at JB Classic Cars. Facel Vega built only 11 convertibles based on the V8 powered Facels. These convertibles were made to order for special clients, and even Mr. Daninos’ wife got an extra rare FV2B Convertible. One of just two. The Facel Vega FV2B you see here on these pages is the wonderful result of pure craftsmanship and the will to create a new FV2B convertible at the highest level.
THE CAR
For this bespoke project a Facel Vega FV2B with production number #133 was found. It was originally build in France in 1956, before it was shipped to the USA. It started its life as a coupé and as we can see in the car’s history, it only had two private owners, but it was put away and needed to be fully restored anyway. Therefor Jasper Beukenkamp decided to start off his earlier idea of creating a convertible, which is no easy job. So the team cut the roof. Designs and drawings were made to make a proper build possible.
THE DESIGN
Based on Jasper Beukenkamp’s knowledge about the rarest Facel Vega Convertibles the design for this new FV2B Convertible had to be state of art. On the other hand there was little to no information known from the factory about the folding frame for the convertible top. The roof and its system had to work. In both closed as opened situation the car had to look sublime too. Just as the original convertibles, but perhaps even better. Mr. Daninos always stated his V8 powered cars were too fast to be a convertible. This FV2B had to beat that opinion, just like Mrs. Daninos once did!
THE BUILD
After the car arrived at the JB workshorp and the roof was cut, the real work on this project had to start. Because of the conversion from coupé to convertible lots of details had to be designed by the team itself. The car got a full restoration and the colour scheme was decided, based on preferences of both the new owner as Jasper himself. As a coupé it already was a one-of-a-kind car, but it’s even more special nowadays. The car got some upgrades to make it safer and more practical to use.
BESPOKE
During the process the team at Jasper Beukenkamp Classic Cars had to make several bespoke parts. The conversion from coupé to convertible was the most important step of course, but because had to become a useable car too, many upgrades were done. For instance, Facels were originally equipped with a manual (Pont á Mousson) or automatic (Chrysler) gearbox. The original car had a manual gearbox, but the automatics didn’t have a Park position. A newer Chrysler automatic gearbox was fitted, but JB designed a gear lever and mechanism inspired by the early Facel models.
BE SAFE
A one of a kind car can be enjoyed more when it is easy and safe to use. In today’s traffic better brakes are not just a luxury, it’s necessary. JB Classic Cars created a brake system that suits this FV2B Convertible well. 4 piston calipers were placed on front for an extra bite. The original wheel hubs were redesigned to fit vented disc. Based on experience, the Facel Vegas without power steering offer the best steering feel to any driver, but it’s hard work. The original power steering didn’t fit the JB standards. The team mounted an EZ (‘easy’) electronic power steering on the original non-powered steering column. Best of both worlds.
Price: On request
More information and pictures about the restoration www.Facelvegaconvertible.com