Ford Comete Classic Cars for Sale

History of the Ford Comète

Produced between 1951 and 1954, the Ford Comète remains one of the most prestigious Ford models ever to come out of France. Conceived as a luxury coupé, the Comète was manufactured by Ford SAF (Ford Société Anonyme Française) in Poissy, with the handcrafted steel body supplied by the Parisian coachbuilder FACEL. This collaboration predates FACEL’s rise to fame with the Facel Vega. Ford positioned the Comète above the mainstream Vedette, targeting an upscale audience that valued exclusivity and Continental flair. The Comète’s release marked an attempt to combine American mechanical techniques with Parisian styling and workmanship, creating a product tailored to discerning European tastes.

Model History

The Ford Comète was based mechanically on the Ford Vedette, sharing its chassis and much of its running gear. However, the Comète differentiated itself with its FACEL-built body and more luxurious finishes. Initially offered with a 2.2-litre V8 engine, later models featured the larger 2.4-litre V8 with increased output. The series saw several subtle cosmetic and mechanical improvements during production, tailored to meet competition from contemporaries like the Simca 8 Sport and Peugeot 203 Coupé. No direct Ford-produced successor followed; the model line was discontinued when Ford SAF ceased car manufacturing and the French operations eventually spun off into Simca.

Unique Features and Key Highlights

A defining feature of the Ford Comète is its coachbuilt body by FACEL, which foreshadowed later French grand tourers. The power comes from a distinctly French-designed Ford V8 engine, paired with a four-speed Pont-à-Mousson manual gearbox — a combination rarely seen in American Fords. Owners valued the Comète for its refined leather interior, comprehensive instrument cluster, and classic chrome attachments. Originally delivered with Englebert tyres and often featuring 13CV tax specification, each example offered a premium experience. From the supply side, the Comète represents 100% of Ford listings of this series on the current market, indicating that this is the only relevant historic Ford in this portfolio at present. Likewise, its listing views account for all demand share within Ford classic listings, underlining the rarity and specific interest in this model.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Some versions of the Ford Comète were delivered in the rare 13CV tax configuration, a nod to the French fiscal horsepower rating system and indicative of higher-spec models. Handbuilt by Facel, every Comète boasts unique individual craftsmanship, and select examples offered special leather interiors or period-correct accessories. Limited production numbers and bespoke build quality make each surviving car a rare collectible, especially those with documented French or dual German registration histories.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No specific weak spots or recurring issues have been recorded in available documentation for the Ford Comète. As with any low-volume, hand-built French classic with V8 power and unique components (like the Pont-à-Mousson gearbox), buyers should pay close attention to originality, rust in the coachwork, availability of mechanical spares, proper function of the vintage instruments, and authenticity of interior materials. The bespoke nature of the vehicle can make restoration and sourcing parts more challenging compared to mass-produced Fords.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

The Ford Comète is powered by a French Ford V8 in either 2.2 or 2.4-litre displacement, with the 2.4-litre engine delivering 80 hp. Combined with a Pont-à-Mousson 4-speed manual gearbox, the setup delivers a driving experience distinct from typical period US Fords – offering Continental refinement with robust torque and smooth cruising capability. The car’s handling owes much to its Vedette heritage, offering stable road manners by early 1950s standards, comfortable suspension tuning, and rear-wheel drive traction.

• Ford Comète 2.4 V8 (80 hp): Sought for maximum performance and premium features
• Ford Comète 13CV: Sought after for its period-correct tax rating and exclusivity

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Facel’s bodywork brings a low, elegant profile to the Comète, reminiscent of later grand tourers from the Paris coachbuilder. The long bonnet, distinctive grille, and classic Fifties chrome are mark of hand-built exclusivity. The interior is often specified with optional leather upholstery, full instrumentation, and refined detailing – designed to evoke the luxury coupés of its era. Paint finishes and trim could be individually specified at the factory level, with the potential for rare colours or bespoke features. The car’s chrome addenda, badges, and accessories showcase the high level of finish typical of Parisian coachbuilders of the period.

Other relevant features

Several cars feature both French and German registration histories, adding interest for collectors who value cross-border provenance. These dual-registered examples sometimes retain documentation from both countries, increasing their originality and record-keeping for restoration or historic events.

Summary

The Ford Comète is a rare Franco-American coupé that blends hand-built French luxury with Ford mechanical reliability. With its FACEL bodywork, V8 performance, and limited production, it represents a unique chapter in Ford’s Continental story. Exclusivity and craftsmanship define each surviving example, making it a stand-out choice for classic enthusiasts seeking something distinctly different from either mainstream American or French classics.