1967 EXCALIBUR SS ROADSTER - DESIRABLE SI, 2- SEATER, SHORT WHEEL BASE - LOVELY!

Price: - Item location: Pleasanton, California, United States
Description:

1967 Other Makes SERIES I SSK ROADSTER



1967 Excalibur SSK - Roadster
Series I Deluxe SSK Roadster
327c.i. / 350hp Corvette Power & 350 TH Transmission
Great Looks, American Reliability & Factory Build Quality
Hand Built / Not a Kit!
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The Excalibur automobile was a car styled after the 1927-1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK by Brooks Stevens, for Studebaker. Stevens subsequently formed a company to manufacture and market the cars in a factory setting; the cars were not sold as kit cars or "more Replicas” but manufactured, completed cars.
A prototype premièred at the New York City Auto Show in 1964, fitted on a Studebaker Lark Daytona chassis and using a 290-horsepower Studebaker R2 289 V-8. Shortly thereafter, Studebaker almost immediately ceased its operations, ending the availability of that engine.
Stevens subsequently obtained engines from General Motors through his friends, GM executives Ed Cole and "Bunkie" Knudsen. These were Chevrolet 327s in 300+ bhp Corvette tune, making the 2100-pound Excalibur a strong performer. With the 3.31:1 rear axle, acceleration from 0-60 mph was estimated to be 5.8 seconds with a projected top speed was 134 mph.
A little over 3,200 Excalibur cars were built, all in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but the most desirable cars are arguably the two-seat, Series I versions made in the mid 1960s (1966-1967) that were configured as two seaters and had more attractive fenders and exterior trim.. Production was limited with a total of 359 cars being manufactured between 1965-1969, with fewer than 75 cars built in 1967.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 1967 Excalibur SS Deluxe Roadster North American Version
- 2-door roadster body type
- RWD (Rear Wheel Drive), Borg Warner automatic 3 speed gearbox
- Gasoline engine with displacement: 327 c.i. / 350 hp / Torque net: 360 lb-ft.
- Dimensions: Length: 167.5 in., Wheelbase: 109 in.
- Shipping weight: 2100~ lbs.
- Performance: Estimated top speed 130 mph (theoretical)
- Acceleration: 0- 60 mph 5.9 s, 1/4 mile drag time 14.6 s
Summary
This Excalibur just came out of a collection of prestigious vehicles where it was stored in an enclosed facility and professionally maintained. It is being offered for sale only as a result of the unfortunate circumstances of the owner.
To say the Excalibur is a unique vehicle, would be a dramatic understatement. The cars, while modeled after the classic 1928 Mercedes SSK, has the benefit of modern day, performance drive-line making it reliable, comfortable and fun to drive. And, if you don't want a "Plain Jane” example of a specialty vehicle, this may well be a car to consider.
The Excalibur has an interesting history and the two-seat, shorter wheelbase example offered here may be the most desirable of the group. It remains devoid of the large horns and other paraphernalia found on the later model 1970s / 1980s cars. Also, the shorter wheel base improves the handling and makes the car more fun to drive. Excaliburs were seen in some classic 60's / 70's TV series including The Andy Griffith Show, Bewitched, and the Rockford files along with too many movies to count.
This Excalibur has been driven very sparingly but on a regular basis to ensure that it provides reliable, trouble free classic car transportation. The car is in really nice condition both mechanically and from a cosmetic perspective with a lovely patina that gives it the charm and character of a vintage car.
The exterior of the car is striking and highly unique. Finished in elegant silver metallic with a "blood red” interior the car makes quite a statement. The view of the long hood from the driver's seat is impressive as you gaze out over the long, louvered hood, large chrome headlights and classic Excalibur hood ornament. Unquestionably, the SSK is reminiscent of cars from days gone by. The paint is smooth, high gloss and free from significant imperfections. The body fit is very good and reflects the factory built quality of the Excalibur. There are no indications of previous or current body damage. The aluminum hood (complete with cooling louvers) fits well and fastens securely with latches on both sides and a "belt” that goes across the hood to fasten it and provide a wonderful vintage appearance to the car. The fenders are in excellent condition with a few very minimal stress cracks at the mounting points (very common) that can hardly be noticed without close critical inspection and in no way detract from the appearance of the Excalibur.
One of the most distinctive and identifying aspects of the Excalibur is the large side stainless steel exhaust pipes that exit the engine compartment and run parallel to the sides of the car. Not only are they in excellent condition but they give the car a fantastic rumble that has a great sound but is not overly loud. Exhaust shields protect the exhaust system as you enter the car to eliminate touching a hot exhaust pipe and a "step” is mounted on the side of the car for easier access the cars interior / cockpit. The matching chrome wire wheel spare is mounted on the rear of the car and a luggage rack is fitted for use on those occasions where the car is used for a picnic, weekend get-away, or other trip.
The interior is beautiful and contains a full complement of fully functional monitoring gauges that include: Speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, amperes, fuel and clock (accurate twice a day). A lovely wooden steering wheel is fitted and the car includes a factory Excalibur emblem. Seat belts are installed for safety. The entire interior is in excellent condition with no damage on the seats, side door panels, dash and instrument panel. The dash has a turned metal surface as opposed to the less expensive appearing wood that is seen on some similar examples. A floor mounted shifter is clearly marked with the available gear selections. The interior is comfortable and the doors lock and close solidly. As a point of interest, we notice, that it is not necessary to use the doors to gain entry and that the use of the optional side steps allows direct entry into the car over the door. However, some may prefer to use the doors that work as designed.
The front seats fold forward to provide an area for storage of items. Mounted in the rear is the battery, a fire extinguisher and space to carry the center wheel knock off hammer and removal device. The valuable Repair Manual, registration and other documents can be safely tucked away in this area, as well. This storage compartment will also enable the cars owner to carry small luggage for that special weekend get-away.
Mechanically the car is also in excellent condition. The required California safety inspection was completed within the past 100 miles and there were no findings. The brakes, tires, lighting systems, horn and suspension components were found to be in very good condition with no problems noted. Oil pressure is 60+ lbs. and all of the other gauges reflect readings well within acceptable limits. The strong V8 engine provides impressive performance for the lightweight car. The frame is very strong, adding a degree of safety and solidity. The Excalibur is free from rattles, squeaks and drives well. The engine does no smoke, leak excessive fluids and the transmission shifts crisply and without slippage. A heavy duty rear axle with limited slip differential gets the power to the road; a plus considering the cars horsepower and lightweight.
The Excalibur runs cool, even in hot inland California conditions, and has never overheated. The car has front disc brakes with power assist that provide short stopping distances. Wheels are chrome wire wheel in 16”, fitted with high quality Firestone Deluxe tires in the traditional size of 6:70 16” with the SS center logo. The rear mounted spare has a matching wheel and new Firestone, matching tire.
A unique feature on the car, worth highlighting, is the car's front third headlight mounted in the center of the grill. This light turns with the steering wheel, directing light in the direction of the turn! And, it works exactly as designed…a really cool feature on an already unique car (refer to photos to see it "in action”! This car is fun to drive and gets considerable attention wherever you go!
The car includes the original Excalibur Owner's Manual for information regarding specifications, replacement components, operational information and other valuable data. Also included is a highly detailed Repair Manual that outlines a breakdown of the cars build components, recommended servicing and other information relative to servicing and possible future repairs of the Excalibur. A wheel spinner hammer and removal device are included and stored behind the front seats as is a mounted white fire extinguisher.
Note: Parts and advice remain available through a specialist in Wisconsin who can provide parts, advice / direction, as needed. Please keep in mind that the major drive-line and other components are durable General Motors parts that can be sourced locally and, mechanically, the car is straightforward so any capable mechanic can provide general servicing.
Please do not hesitate to call us if we can answer any questions regarding the Excalibur. Our office staff will miss this one…it has been one of their favorites!!
Classic Cars Ltd.
925-846-1451

Specifications:
Body Type / Style:Convertible
Exterior Color:Silver
Interior Color:Red
Engine:V8
Transmission: Automatic
Mileage:31,294
Drive:Rear
Doors:2


Terms & Conditions
  • Buyers outside of California will be responsible for a $195.00 fee for processing/administration. The charge will apply if the vehicle is purchased through ebay or before or after the auction, directly through Classic Cars Ltd.
  • The vehicle is listed for sale elsewhere. We reserve the right to end the auction at anytime. We will be glad to discuss details of a "pre-auction" purchase (925) 846 1451.
  • Inspections of vehicles are encouraged but (by appointment only) must be completed within 24 hours of the end of the auction.
  • Out of state buyers are responsible for the high bid and any shipping costs. California buyers are subject to the appropriate sales tax, DMV transfer, and fees associated with the purchase of any used vehicle sale in the state of California.
  • To avoid shipping the title with the car to our out of state buyers, we mail the title via Priority Mail.
  • While shipping and transportation costs (if appropriate) are the responsibility of the winning bidder, we can assist with locating a suitable transporter. We regularly ship cars all over the USA/World, and can often times locate very competitive rates for transporting vehicles door to door, to a local terminal, enclosed, open, etc. Please call us for specific information/rates to your location.
  • We meet some great people and fellow enthusiasts, and only rarely do we have problems with non-paying bidders. Please be certain that you are prepared to buy the car if you bid, or call us at 925-846-1451 before the end of the auction if we can answer any questions. If you have a "sunglass" rating or fewer than 10 feedback ratings on eBay, please call us before you bid so that we can discuss the bidding process, etc. If we do not hear from you, we reserve the right to delete your bid.

Thank You & Happy Bidding
Classic Cars Ltd.