In 1949, Henry Ford II decided he wanted something special for the European market - something sporty that could compete in the highly refined European market, but still had the braun of an American automobile. Thinking about Italian passion, he hire... <BR><BR>To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.
When great design meant something. I listen to a car show on Sundays that often interviews designers, truly sad when you hear a GM or Ford designer going off about how the elements of the Ford Flex (a stainless sided box) mean something.
Both Ford France and Simca produced a slew of gorgeous cars in the 1950s with more than a nod to American influences. Jean Daninos' Facel Metalon had a hand in the building of many of them both before and after the launch of Facel Vega as a marque in it's own right. Below a Simca 8 Sport from 1949 in both convertible and hardtop configurations.
I believe there's a current thread about a HAMBer building something like this out of a shoebox 4 door. Shudder away, Ryan... That Simca hardtop is...just...bad...ass...
One of the few cars that doesn´t need to be messed with - they just look right as they are. Rare and very expensive I understand.
James D said it. I don't see much that needs tweeked. In fact at first glance without the back story, one might think it was a long lost custom made from a shoebox.
Hey, Europeian auto companies had several american designers on staff over the years. When a designer was deemed "tapped out'' of fresh ideas, here in the states, he was shipped overseas to England, France or Germany. This pratice resulted in more than a few ''Detroit details'' in overseas vehicle designs. There was also always the hope of a model that could be sold in america to generate badly needed cash. U.S. auto companies also leaned heavily on forgien design & coachbuilding houses for design and prototype work, as they could get fresh ideas and work done for pennys on the american dollar. The Comete/ Monte Carlo was just too much money for what was basicly just a sexy Ford in post war Europe. The "Tin Worm'' also considders them a delicacy! " Meanwhyle, back aboard The Tainted Pork"
i wish i had money, ugh i want the Simca vert! back when style was an [more] important factor for designers and consumers alike. most people nowadays will buy anything... be sure to go to your local Scion dealer and test drive the new 2010 STD! 108hp and 26mpg.... hell ive seen Studebakers with the old 185 flatty 6 mimic that performance, with 70x more appeal
Hey, I don't know about the Cometes, but the Facel Vegas, as built by Facel Metalon, featured painted dashboards that looked like walnut burl or elm. You have to look close to tell it from real wood, it's that good! " Humpty Dumpty was pushed "
Notice how the instrument panel wraps into the door trim panel. That's a very modern touch that was way ahead of it's time. Dan
Hey, This design actually sprang from Jensen Motors Ltd. Jensen was a coachbuilder long before it built complete vehicles. Jensen also built on 30's Ford Flathead chassis. " Spending a nation into generational debt is not an act of compassion "
There was also the Venus, built in Houston in the 50s, probably inpsired by this car. His son found one and is restoring it. He is a H.A.M.B. member: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/member.php?u=32264
I was wondering if Facel Metallon is same company what later made Facel Vega. I had Facel Vega 1959 HK 500 and it sure looks a lot like this Ford
What a gorgeous car! I have been a Ford nut for all my life, and this is the first time I've heard of it.
Like the wheels / knock-offs on the blue coupe, but gold or silver might have been a better color? Any survivors? Gary
A friend, Howard 'Buck' Mook has the car that was used by HFII and owned by the company and, later another designer Paul Wong. Not sure where Buck is with the restoration these days. Neat car with the right engine. Thanks for the pictures.
A gorgeous car that was killed by its price, thirst for fuel and especially the French vehicle taxation system, as was Ford's Vedette, and French marques like Hotchkiss and others.
That's just plain neat. Farina designs are always ahead of their time when is comes to style and just plain sexy curves. -dd
What a beautiful design both outside and with the spectacular interior. Ford should have sold that here as a Lincoln special model. I'd have to agree on both the dash treatment and steering wheel both are very well designed.
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