Neo Classical Survivor: 1975 Excalibur Series III Phaeton
Could you see yourself behind the wheel of a car like this Excalibur? That’s the question I always ask myself when seeing one of these come up for sale. Part of me loves the pure excess of it all – the wild paint, the goofy proportions, the huge white wall tires – but then the other side of my brain kicks in, the rational side, and it asks just how in the heck you would use a car like this in anything other than a parade. This particular Excalibur Phaeton is a Series III model and powered by a powerful 454 engine. Find this 1975 Phaeton here on eBay where bids are to $13,100 and it’s listed with no reserve.
Now, it’d be one thing if this was just your normal, every-day, off the walls Excalibur. But this one has the added bonus of a paint job that hovers somewhere between red and orange, and comes complete with a massive rear luggage rack and ivory-colored top. The crazy thing about these Excaliburs is when powered by a 327 or 454 like this one is, they were decently quick! I can’t imagine hustling one of these down the interstate, but given how many buyers lined up for the privilege to own one, plenty of other folks have sat deep in those comfy leather seats and pointed the long, wide nose at the horizon.
Now, as much as some folks pointed and laughed at the Excalibur for its wonky design and excessive trimmings, these were actually hand-built vehicles loaded up with genuine opulence. After all, the intent was to offer customers a modern-day interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz SSK roadster, and the design was executed by none other than Brooks Stevens. Plenty of other replicas have come up behind the Excalibur, but as the saying goes, the original is still the best. This 7.4L 454 engine is a desirable item all on its own, and the seller has freshened it up with a rebuilt carburetor.
This Excalibur is set up to be an enjoyable driver with leather seats, power steering, and power brakes, along with a Frigi King under dash AC system and Blaupunkt radio. There’s some creases on the leather but overall, there’s not much to complain about in this ridiculous tribute car. The seller references that this is an antique car and there are likely to be some flaws from age, but really, this neoclassical creation is in very good condition for an unrestored example. The bidding is already quite strong for this Excalibur; the question is whether it will go all the way to $20,000 and beyond with plenty of time still left in the auction.
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Comments
The orange and brown combo makes me think this once belonged to a Clevland Browns fan! I would love to drive one of these neo-classics once. Owning one though, I’m not too sure.
My first thought was a Harley owner. The seller calls it a “vintage” paint job.
I call it unattractive.
Ready for the Great Pumpkin Parade!
Honestly ? The worst objects on this car are the VW Beetle rear lights. Different lights, another steering wheel would make this car look better. Paint scheme is not as bad as it may look at first sight
…was previously for sale by selling dealer in the high $20k range….top DOES NOT comeUoff easily, as it is a fireberglass unit…whew ! may need 4 guys to carry it off into te garage !
We have a hoist inside the garage to lift off the top off our Wrangler. Would probably work just as well on this model.
Honestly ? The worst objects on this car are the VW Beetle rear lights. Different lights, another steering wheel would make this car look better. Paint scheme is not as bad as it may look at first sight
Yeah, we got it the 1st time, again with the VW turn signals,,don’t forget the front ones too. There was a reason those were used, you know. In order to have exposed fenders like that, not many light housings would work. VW was the last to use the external fender, and I bet Stevens bought a BOAT full for a song.
I would not call a detuned 454 truck engine powerful. I believe it is rated at 275 bhp! And this car weighs over 2 tons.
An insult to parade Grand Marshals everywhere. I would keep the top on in case somebody tossed a firecracker at it.
Yes many will look at you, but for all the wrong reasons. Check out the sellers other 3 cars.
Front half shows some nice styling. Back half looks like they were tired and wanted get on to a different project (back is butt ugly). Sorry, but even after looking at them all these years that’s still my opinion.
Yes, I know what opinions are like lol.
i dont know whats wrong w/me. I dont object to this as much as I do/did to the standard when coming out, today when seeing. I must be getting old (too old). First seen , multi-color, etc I said “No”. But it grew on me a lill. The rag top lends a different (acceptable? no) shape to the top… UM, deffinatly improvement… needs all 1 color or just black @ the top. Still – never C on my property (garaged there or driven on by visitor). Just too garish. Get what it copies…
@Bo West, I have to agree.
The front looks great, the back not at all.
And how can you have such a huge cabin and no glove box… to say nothing of no luggage space.
I don’t find it that offensive, you will definitely get what you’re looking for if attention is what you seek . Paint can be changed and fun can be had , then when you get it out of your system, choose your colour ? If the price is right move on it so long as it’s safe and mechanical sound but do have a reliable mechanic check it out . I’m sure you’ll be the popular !