Ringo Starr's Facel Vega could raise half million at auction
10-06-13, 02:32 PM
#1
Ringo Starr's Facel Vega could raise half million at auction
Ringo Starr's Facel Vega could raise half million at auction
Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ringo...photo-1256869/
John, Paul, George and Ringo, the four men that made up The Beatles, lived in an interesting time when it came to the cars on offer. Power was cheap and fuel was cheaper, while the designs were some of the finest in automotive history. With fame and money, they could have nearly any car the 1960s auto industry could come up with, up to and including what you see above – a 1964 Facel Vega Facel II. This particular example was owned by Ringo Starr, and will be going up for auction at Bonhams in London, on Sunday, December 1.
The Vega Facel II, was the rock-and-roll era's equivalent of a Bentley Continental GT Speed - a brutally powerful, but supremely comfortable four-place coupe that didn't skimp on style. Power came from a thumping 6.3-liter Chrysler Typhoon V8 that turned out up to 390 horsepower and could scoot the Facel II to a reported top speed of 150 miles per hour.
Suitable for a member of a band that was "more popular than Jesus," Ringo's Vega was special. It's one of only two Facel II examples built with a 6.7-liter V8 in place of the standard 6.3-liter mill, which means it should be quicker than the numbers indicated above. It was also one of only 26 right-hand-drive Facel II coupes to be produced, making this a very unique example of an exceedingly rare car.
It is expected to sell for anywhere from 300,000 to 350,000 pounds ($484,770 to $565,565, at today's rates).
RINGO STARR'S FRENCH WHEELS FOR SALE AT BONHAMS
BEATLE DRUMMER'S FACEL VEGA BOUGHT AT THE 1964 EARLS COURT MOTOR SHOW AS THE GROUP DOMINATED THE CHARTS
Ringo Starr, (born Richard Starkey in 1940) the Beatles drummer, once owned this 1964 Facel Vega Facel II – 'the world's fastest four-seater' - which is estimated to sell for £300,000 - £350,000 at Bonhams sale on Sunday 1st December in New Bond Street, London.
Powered by a 390bhp Chrysler Typhoon engine and with elegant bodywork by Jean Daninos it combined muscle and traditional looks with a whopping price tag of £5,570, a huge price for a car at the time. The car was delivered to Ringo's home in Weybridge, Surrey. This glamorous grand tourer was perfect for long motorway runs with its huge V8 engine making light work of it. The car's current owner has it ensured for £500,000.
Ringo owned the car for a total of four years after buying it directly from the stand at Earls Court Motor Show in 1964. Credited with singing lead vocals on 'With a little help from my friends' and 'Yellow Submarine', he was co-writer of 'Don't Pass Me By' and Octopus's Garden'. When the Beatles formed in 1960 he was a member of another group, joining the Beatles in 1962 replacing Pete Best. Within two years he was shopping at Earls Court for this superb French car, one of only two such cars produced.
Ringo must have felt that he more than deserved a special car. The Beatles songs practically dominated the airwaves in the 1960's. This was especially true in 1964 when, for nine consecutive weeks the group held the top two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 with various singles and during that period the top five singles on the Billboard Hot 100 were all Beatles singles: 'Can't Buy Me Love' 'Twist and Shout' 'She Loves You' and 'I Want to Hold You Hand' dominated the airwaves.
Ringo Starr's car. Chassis HK2 B160, a Right Hand Drive Facel Vega Facel II, bought new by Ringo, was one of only two such cars with the larger 6.7 Litre engine and manual gearbox and the very last of only 26 RHD Facel II's produced
In its relatively short life, the French firm of Facel produced approximately 2,900 cars, all of which were stylish, luxurious and fast. Hand built, they were necessarily very expensive – the Facel II was priced in Rolls-Royce territory – and bought by the rich and famous seeking something exclusive and distinctive. The roll call of owners includes royalty, politicians, diplomats and entertainers: Tony Curtis, Danny Kaye, Ringo Starr, Joan Fontaine and Ava Gardner being counted among the latter. Confirming that there was high-performance substance behind Facel's unquestionable style, they were owned and driven by great motor racing figures such as Sir Stirling Moss, Maurice Trintignant and Rob Walker.
Launched in 1961, the Facel II was destined to be the last of the V8-engined models, production ceasing in 1964 after an unsuccessful venture into engine manufacture effectively bankrupted the company. Production of the preceding HK500 amounted to only 500-or-so units between 1958 and 1961 and that of the Facel II to a mere 182 (26 RHD). Today these rare Franco-American classics are highly sought after
Sholto Gilbertson, a director in Bonhams Collectors Car department, comments: "This car has to be one of the rarest and most collectable modern classic cars given its almost unique engineering and its place as part of pop music history. As Ringo drove this car he would have listened on the car radio to the Beatles total domination of the pop charts. The sale of this car represents a once in a lifetime opportunity for anyone who loves cars and the Beatles."
BEATLE DRUMMER'S FACEL VEGA BOUGHT AT THE 1964 EARLS COURT MOTOR SHOW AS THE GROUP DOMINATED THE CHARTS
Ringo Starr, (born Richard Starkey in 1940) the Beatles drummer, once owned this 1964 Facel Vega Facel II – 'the world's fastest four-seater' - which is estimated to sell for £300,000 - £350,000 at Bonhams sale on Sunday 1st December in New Bond Street, London.
Powered by a 390bhp Chrysler Typhoon engine and with elegant bodywork by Jean Daninos it combined muscle and traditional looks with a whopping price tag of £5,570, a huge price for a car at the time. The car was delivered to Ringo's home in Weybridge, Surrey. This glamorous grand tourer was perfect for long motorway runs with its huge V8 engine making light work of it. The car's current owner has it ensured for £500,000.
Ringo owned the car for a total of four years after buying it directly from the stand at Earls Court Motor Show in 1964. Credited with singing lead vocals on 'With a little help from my friends' and 'Yellow Submarine', he was co-writer of 'Don't Pass Me By' and Octopus's Garden'. When the Beatles formed in 1960 he was a member of another group, joining the Beatles in 1962 replacing Pete Best. Within two years he was shopping at Earls Court for this superb French car, one of only two such cars produced.
Ringo must have felt that he more than deserved a special car. The Beatles songs practically dominated the airwaves in the 1960's. This was especially true in 1964 when, for nine consecutive weeks the group held the top two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 with various singles and during that period the top five singles on the Billboard Hot 100 were all Beatles singles: 'Can't Buy Me Love' 'Twist and Shout' 'She Loves You' and 'I Want to Hold You Hand' dominated the airwaves.
Ringo Starr's car. Chassis HK2 B160, a Right Hand Drive Facel Vega Facel II, bought new by Ringo, was one of only two such cars with the larger 6.7 Litre engine and manual gearbox and the very last of only 26 RHD Facel II's produced
In its relatively short life, the French firm of Facel produced approximately 2,900 cars, all of which were stylish, luxurious and fast. Hand built, they were necessarily very expensive – the Facel II was priced in Rolls-Royce territory – and bought by the rich and famous seeking something exclusive and distinctive. The roll call of owners includes royalty, politicians, diplomats and entertainers: Tony Curtis, Danny Kaye, Ringo Starr, Joan Fontaine and Ava Gardner being counted among the latter. Confirming that there was high-performance substance behind Facel's unquestionable style, they were owned and driven by great motor racing figures such as Sir Stirling Moss, Maurice Trintignant and Rob Walker.
Launched in 1961, the Facel II was destined to be the last of the V8-engined models, production ceasing in 1964 after an unsuccessful venture into engine manufacture effectively bankrupted the company. Production of the preceding HK500 amounted to only 500-or-so units between 1958 and 1961 and that of the Facel II to a mere 182 (26 RHD). Today these rare Franco-American classics are highly sought after
Sholto Gilbertson, a director in Bonhams Collectors Car department, comments: "This car has to be one of the rarest and most collectable modern classic cars given its almost unique engineering and its place as part of pop music history. As Ringo drove this car he would have listened on the car radio to the Beatles total domination of the pop charts. The sale of this car represents a once in a lifetime opportunity for anyone who loves cars and the Beatles."
10-06-13, 11:04 PM
#3
The Vega Facel II, was the rock-and-roll era's equivalent of a Bentley Continental GT Speed - a brutally powerful, but supremely comfortable four-place coupe that didn't skimp on style. Power came from a thumping 6.3-liter Chrysler Typhoon V8 that turned out up to 390 horsepower and could scoot the Facel II to a reported top speed of 150 miles per hour.
Suitable for a member of a band that was "more popular than Jesus," Ringo's Vega was special. It's one of only two Facel II examples built with a 6.7-liter V8 in place of the standard 6.3-liter mill, which means it should be quicker than the numbers indicated above.
Suitable for a member of a band that was "more popular than Jesus," Ringo's Vega was special. It's one of only two Facel II examples built with a 6.7-liter V8 in place of the standard 6.3-liter mill, which means it should be quicker than the numbers indicated above.
10-07-13, 06:15 AM
#4
Lexus Champion
not to jack your thread but....
Top 10 Beatles cars.... http://uk.askmen.com/top_10/cars/top...les-rides.html
Top 10 Beatles cars.... http://uk.askmen.com/top_10/cars/top...les-rides.html
While the Beatles may be known and loved for a great many things, only a select few -- men who love their motors, mainly -- know that the Beatles have always liked to ride in style. These men have owned some great machines, and we sure as hell aren’t talking about the Yellow Submarine. Click on ahead to see our top 10 favourite Beatles' rides.
10-07-13, 06:44 AM
#5
Lexus Champion
10. Paul McCartney Edition Lexus RX400h
One of our nation's wealthiest men, Sir Paul is as known today for his activist work as he is for is musical output. However, perhaps it is his music that makes his activist work seem that much more important. Anyway, a few years back, Macca teamed up with Lexus to create a one-off custom RX400h. Designed to commemorate Lexus giving money to McCartney to tour, this hybrid soft-roader boasted a custom wood grain paint job inspired by the ex-Beatle’s 1962 Hofner Bass. This one of a kind ride also came with a reissue of the 1962 Hofner Bass, a VOX amplifier and a collection of McCartney’s music. The vehicle was auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the Adopt-A-Minefield charity.
9. George Harrsion's Aston Martin DB5
Who knew that the "quiet" Beatle was a massive petrol-head? George Harrison was an avid car nut who was privileged enough to own some of the world’s most desirable automobiles. We could do an entire top 10 list based on George’s car collection alone. The first Harrison-mobile we got our minds set on is his classic 1964 Aston Martin DB5. Harrison took delivery of his silver DB5 in 1965, and likely spent his time with the car enjoying its niceties including the Connolly leather interior, Motorola radio and power antenna. This Aston travelled to a museum in Tokyo, then Germany, before being sold at a public auction in England for just shy of £230k.
8. Ringo Starr's Radford Mini de Ville
Ringo Starr bought a very clean two-tone Radford Mini de Ville from Beatles' manager Brian Epstein on June 15, 1967. Radford Minis were custom cars built by Harold Radford Coachbuilders, LTD, from 1963 to 1971. Radford transformed standard Minis into luxury vehicles, adding things like leather seating surfaces, wood trim, revised gauges, Rolls-Royce-inspired two-tone paint schemes, and other luxuries. Ringo’s particular Mini was a hatchback, and it is said that he transported his drums in this tiny machine. This car didn’t stay with Ringo for long; he sold it after just two years.
7. George Harrison's Light Car Company Rocket
The Light Car Company’s Rocket is not a well-known vehicle. It was an F1-inspired street-legal car, powered by a 1,000cc Yamaha motorcycle engine that is the spiritual successor to extreme lightweight machines like the Ariel Atom. Oh yes, we should also mention that it was designed by famed Formula 1 car designer Gordon Murray, and built by former racing driver Chris Craft. Harrison was one of the many celebrities who owned and loved this early hyper car.
6. Paul McCartney's Lexus LS600h L
Paul McCartney’s Lexus LS600hL is the eco car that caused a commotion as it was flown from Japan to England just for Sir Paul. The car should have been shipped by conventional means, but Toyota thought it would be a good idea to fly just the one car to McCartney. Obviously, this method of transport was incredibly wasteful of fuel, kind of negating the point of buying a hybrid in the first place. It is said that Macca was “horrified” by the whole ordeal.
5. Ringo Starr's Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 AMG
4. George Harrison's McLaren F1
Harrison’s McLaren F1 is painted Dark Purple Pearl, though many people confuse it for the aubergine (eggplant)-coloured chassis No. 16 car. Though it was rumoured Eric Clapton wanted to buy this car, it remains within the Harrison family.
3. The Beatles' 1965 Austin Princess Limo
Everywhere the Beatles went at the height of Beatlmania, their '65 Austin Princess went with them. Used as their personal limousine, there wasn't anything particularly extraordinary about the vehicle, just that it was and is synonymously "Beatles" through and through. After the Beatles' ownership, a man named Rod Pitman, in Portland, Oregon took possession of the vehicle and proceeded to "lose" it somewhere in Arizona. That was nearly 23 years ago. The search is on to help Rod find his lost Beatles' ride -- and if you want to help the search head to RocknRollCars.com.
2. George Harrison's Mini Cooper from Magical Mystery Tour
While motorheads will likely drool over Harrison’s DB5, McLaren F1 or Rocket, most Beatles fans would want to get their hands on his old Mini Cooper. But this isn’t just any Mini, Harrison owned the psychedelic Mini made famous in the Beatles’ film Magical Mystery Tour. BMW-owned MINI built a one-off modern interpretation of Harrison’s classic magical and mysterious Mini Cooper. It was auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the Material World Charitable Foundation.
1. John Lennon's Rolls-Royce
Lennon bought his Rolls-Royce Phantom V new in 1965. Lennon modified the Rolls heavily, adding things like a fridge and a rear bench that could turn into a bed. Lennon also had the entire car painted matte black -- odd in 1965. The story goes that while filming "Sgt. Pepper," Lennon grew bored of the flat-black colour scheme and gave it the psychedelic paint scheme it still has today. Though thought of as an eyesore in the ‘60s, it eventually fetched almost $2.3 million at an auction in 1985. It now resides in Canada and does the North American museum circuit.
One of our nation's wealthiest men, Sir Paul is as known today for his activist work as he is for is musical output. However, perhaps it is his music that makes his activist work seem that much more important. Anyway, a few years back, Macca teamed up with Lexus to create a one-off custom RX400h. Designed to commemorate Lexus giving money to McCartney to tour, this hybrid soft-roader boasted a custom wood grain paint job inspired by the ex-Beatle’s 1962 Hofner Bass. This one of a kind ride also came with a reissue of the 1962 Hofner Bass, a VOX amplifier and a collection of McCartney’s music. The vehicle was auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the Adopt-A-Minefield charity.
9. George Harrsion's Aston Martin DB5
Who knew that the "quiet" Beatle was a massive petrol-head? George Harrison was an avid car nut who was privileged enough to own some of the world’s most desirable automobiles. We could do an entire top 10 list based on George’s car collection alone. The first Harrison-mobile we got our minds set on is his classic 1964 Aston Martin DB5. Harrison took delivery of his silver DB5 in 1965, and likely spent his time with the car enjoying its niceties including the Connolly leather interior, Motorola radio and power antenna. This Aston travelled to a museum in Tokyo, then Germany, before being sold at a public auction in England for just shy of £230k.
8. Ringo Starr's Radford Mini de Ville
Ringo Starr bought a very clean two-tone Radford Mini de Ville from Beatles' manager Brian Epstein on June 15, 1967. Radford Minis were custom cars built by Harold Radford Coachbuilders, LTD, from 1963 to 1971. Radford transformed standard Minis into luxury vehicles, adding things like leather seating surfaces, wood trim, revised gauges, Rolls-Royce-inspired two-tone paint schemes, and other luxuries. Ringo’s particular Mini was a hatchback, and it is said that he transported his drums in this tiny machine. This car didn’t stay with Ringo for long; he sold it after just two years.
7. George Harrison's Light Car Company Rocket
The Light Car Company’s Rocket is not a well-known vehicle. It was an F1-inspired street-legal car, powered by a 1,000cc Yamaha motorcycle engine that is the spiritual successor to extreme lightweight machines like the Ariel Atom. Oh yes, we should also mention that it was designed by famed Formula 1 car designer Gordon Murray, and built by former racing driver Chris Craft. Harrison was one of the many celebrities who owned and loved this early hyper car.
6. Paul McCartney's Lexus LS600h L
Paul McCartney’s Lexus LS600hL is the eco car that caused a commotion as it was flown from Japan to England just for Sir Paul. The car should have been shipped by conventional means, but Toyota thought it would be a good idea to fly just the one car to McCartney. Obviously, this method of transport was incredibly wasteful of fuel, kind of negating the point of buying a hybrid in the first place. It is said that Macca was “horrified” by the whole ordeal.
5. Ringo Starr's Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 AMG
4. George Harrison's McLaren F1
Harrison’s McLaren F1 is painted Dark Purple Pearl, though many people confuse it for the aubergine (eggplant)-coloured chassis No. 16 car. Though it was rumoured Eric Clapton wanted to buy this car, it remains within the Harrison family.
3. The Beatles' 1965 Austin Princess Limo
Everywhere the Beatles went at the height of Beatlmania, their '65 Austin Princess went with them. Used as their personal limousine, there wasn't anything particularly extraordinary about the vehicle, just that it was and is synonymously "Beatles" through and through. After the Beatles' ownership, a man named Rod Pitman, in Portland, Oregon took possession of the vehicle and proceeded to "lose" it somewhere in Arizona. That was nearly 23 years ago. The search is on to help Rod find his lost Beatles' ride -- and if you want to help the search head to RocknRollCars.com.
2. George Harrison's Mini Cooper from Magical Mystery Tour
While motorheads will likely drool over Harrison’s DB5, McLaren F1 or Rocket, most Beatles fans would want to get their hands on his old Mini Cooper. But this isn’t just any Mini, Harrison owned the psychedelic Mini made famous in the Beatles’ film Magical Mystery Tour. BMW-owned MINI built a one-off modern interpretation of Harrison’s classic magical and mysterious Mini Cooper. It was auctioned off, with the proceeds going to the Material World Charitable Foundation.
1. John Lennon's Rolls-Royce
Lennon bought his Rolls-Royce Phantom V new in 1965. Lennon modified the Rolls heavily, adding things like a fridge and a rear bench that could turn into a bed. Lennon also had the entire car painted matte black -- odd in 1965. The story goes that while filming "Sgt. Pepper," Lennon grew bored of the flat-black colour scheme and gave it the psychedelic paint scheme it still has today. Though thought of as an eyesore in the ‘60s, it eventually fetched almost $2.3 million at an auction in 1985. It now resides in Canada and does the North American museum circuit.
10-07-13, 09:52 AM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
Always did like Ringo more than any of the other three Beatles. He was the first one of the four to give up doping...he even did a song afterwards about how idiotic illegal drug-use was.
And, of course, simply driving a Facel Vega (which, in those days, was considered one of the classiest cars made) probably gave one enough of a high that drugs were probably forgotten.....not to mention dating Barbara Bach.
And, of course, simply driving a Facel Vega (which, in those days, was considered one of the classiest cars made) probably gave one enough of a high that drugs were probably forgotten.....not to mention dating Barbara Bach.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hoovey689
Car Chat
18
05-22-13 07:30 PM
