Facel was a French automobile manufacturer from 1954 to 1964, created by Jean Daninos, who used to work for Citroën on the Traction Avant (deutsch „Frontantrieb“). The company's first model, the Vega (named after the star), was introduced at the 1954 Paris Auto Show and instantly won acclaim from around the world. The Facel Vegas were expensive and highly exclusive, but they sold well. Crowned heads, actors, politicians and wealthy businessmen ordered a new car from 19, Avenue Georges V in Paris, some even ordering several models over the years. Over time, the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Moroccan King Hassan II, Ava Gardner, Stirling Moss and Ringo Starr were among Facel's customers. Despite its initial success, the company failed after the debut of the mechanically troubled Facellia model. Today, Facel Vegas are cherished for their unique character by car enthusiasts all over the world.