This example was completed on July 27, 1957, and although little is known of its early history, it resided in Northern California for at least 35 years before being purchased in October 2004 from San Jose by Larry Gesiakowski, owner of WGM Restorations of Chicago, Illinois. At the time, the car was original and complete but showing its age. Over the next four years, Mr. Gesiakowski painstakingly returned the Facel Vega to its former glory, often consulting with Facel experts Hans Rúhe in the Netherlands and Mark Morgan in California to ensure that originality and correctness were strictly adhered to during the restoration. As the original, chemically- etched, rolled-sheet aluminum rocker panel trim was no longer available, it was fabricated and hand scribed for the car, proof of the expert care and attention that was taken during this restoration. A book of photographs documenting the work accompanies the car.