The rare Facel (Forges et Ateliers de Construction d'Eure et de Loire S.A.) Vega was the ultimate status symbol in the 1960s, with Rolls-Royce-rivalling price tags and a list of celebrity owners including world-leaders, entertainers and diplomats. The joint French-American project led to the production of just 2,900 cars before the company went bust. This 1962 example was equipped with a 6.3-liter Chrysler V8 making 355 horsepower and mated to a TorqueFlite automatic transmission.

The car was discovered in a Minnesota barn and was sold by Bonhams Auctions in Paris last month. While the listing did not offer any details regarding its absentee owner or the reason for its abandonment, the auctioneers claimed the interior was largely intact and mechanics were all in order. The Facel's value was estimated to be between $111,000 and $194,000, but it ended up fetching $209,509 at auction.