1976 Excalibur Phaeton SS Series III

Highlights

  • One of only 3,166 made
  • Inspired by the Mercedes Benz SSK
  • Powered by the Corvette ‘Big Block’ V8
  • All import duties and VAT paid
  • All EU import paperwork included

The Appeal

Excalibur represents a pretty extraordinary moment in automotive history. Some might say an eccentricity (or madness) was at its roots, but it certainly led to an impressive car. The Phaeton was inspired by pre-war lineage and packed with contemporary power. The result is a loose inspiration of an early Mercedes with a powerful Corvette V8 roaring away inside. 
Only 3,166 were manufactured by the company, but they made a big impact. Celebrities including Steve McQueen, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jay Leno were all proud owners of the Excalibur Phaeton. 
Each model was enormously eccentric and flamboyant, leading to a surprisingly speedy car with a long wheelbase, and modern reliability, while still boasting beautiful pre-war lines.  
This example is in utterly superb condition throughout, with very little sign of wear.

The History and Paperwork

  • Built in Wisconsin in 1976
  • Has reportedly spent the past 25 years in San Diego before EU import
  • Numbered 1,620 of 3,166

The Interior

  • Designed with a vintage feel
  • Tan leather seats including rear bench seat
  • Stewart Warner Meters with vintage-style labelling
  • Black leather-lined steering wheel
  • AM/FM radio cassette
  • Interior is in superb condition with only minor wear to the seating
  • Some light marks to the dashboard
  • We’re not informed of any instrument faults throughout the car
  • Rather than a boot, car features a rear pre-war replica chest with leather straps

The Exterior 

  • Stunning French vanilla colour scheme with tan accents
  • Unusual Mercedes flex exhaust from engine bay
  • Vintage style side-mounted spare tyre in cover
  • Impressive oversized grill and extended bumper
  • Pre-war style headlights and Lucas fog lights
  • 4 cosmetic horn trumpets
  • Eyecatching Excalibur hood ornament 
  • No signs of rust, corrosion, or paint loss
  • Chrome rear rack and chest ‘boot’ in excellent order
  • Tan brown soft top appears superb with no clear signs of damage or wear
  • Wheels appear to be in excellent order with Daytona wire alloys
  • White wall vintage-style tyres with plenty of tread

The Mechanics 

  • Corvette ‘Big Block’ 454ci V8 Engine
  • 4-speed Turbo 400 Transmission
  • Corvette disc brakes
  • Engine bay appears very clean and well-kept with no signs of corrosion
  • We’re informed that the car drives well with no mechanical faults
  • No reports of knocks, smoke or leaks

Summary

This is certainly an unusual car - perhaps one of the oddest production cars to ever hit the American market. Vehicles of this sort are already a rare sight on the road, but the performance aspects of the Series III Phaeton make for a particularly unusual sort of vehicle. 
Whether it’s as a bonafide collectable - after all, this type is nearly 50 years old, now - or simply as a fun curiosity, this Excalibur is a unique addition to any garage and a testament to one of the strangest chapters in American automobile history. 

One thing is for sure, it’ll certainly turn heads when out on the road. 

Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.


Shipping and transfer

Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email [email protected].

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1976
  • Make Excalibur
  • Model Phaeton SS Series III Convertible 454CI V8
  • Colour Vanilla
  • Odometer 40,819 Miles
  • Engine size 7440
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Trade
  • Town Schiemad
  • Country Netherlands
Bidding history
16 bids
  • jo•••• €41,000 11/12/22
  • ta•••• €40,000 11/12/22
  • jo•••• €38,000 11/12/22
  • ta•••• €37,000 11/12/22
  • jo•••• €36,000 11/12/22
  • al•••• €35,000 11/12/22
  • ta•••• €33,500 11/12/22
  • Ia•••• €30,000 11/12/22
  • al•••• €25,000 10/12/22
  • ta•••• €23,000 10/12/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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