1974 Other Makes Excalibur Phaeton Series II

Convertible

454 ci Chevrolet

Automatic

746368

Clear

Gasoline

1974 Excalibur Series II Phaeton Excalibur automobiles were first offered to the public in 1965. A brain child of designer Brooks Stevens, the Series I was styled loosely on the lines of the 1928 Mercedes Benz SSK. Stevens’ Excalibur developed a solid reputation for quality of assembly. Extensive use of drive-line components from major auto manufacturers gave it reliability as well, adding to an excellent reputation. Excalibur Series II was introduced in 1970. Although it continued to use the elements of the Series I styling, it was an all new car. A newly designed ladder chassis gave a 2 inch longer wheelbase than the earlier cars. Suspension components were borrowed from the Corvette, as was the four-disc braking system. Tire size went up and the rubbers were mounted on Borrani wire wheels especially designed for the car. The "Muncie" four-speed manual transmission became standard, with a Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed unit available as an option. Initial pricing of $6000-$7250 for the S1, the Excalibur SII went up to $12,000 -$13,000 but justified that extra cost with its supplementary equipment. This included air conditioning, variable ratio power steering, adjustable steering column, power-brakes, "positraction" differential, chromed wire wheels, stereo radio, two spare tires mounted in the front fenders, driving lamps, and air horns. Despite the added mass of this luxurious equipment, the Excalibur Series II was capable of really sporting performance: 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph! Unfortunately, production figures showed a steep decline at first with only 37 cars in 1970 and none whatsoever in 1971. What happened next is quite inexplicable, for from a production of zero in 1971, the figure rose to 122 the next year. Today the Excalibur Series II remains the rarest of all Excalibur's, with a total production number of only 342 against the Series I's 359. The reason was that the Brooks family decided to retool the chassis and install a new engine. The first few series II cars built in 1970 had a box type rear frame section with a Chevrolet Camaro front frame stub bolted on. Then in 1972 the chassis was a new one, although still a ladder-type affair, reinforced by a central 'X'-shaped member and featuring a removable bolt-on front section. Wheelbase had once more been stretched to 112 inches and the whole new chassis assembly housed an equally new engine, a Chevrolet Mk IV 454 cu. inch (7500 cc) big-block V8 which were being used in the Corvettes at the time. They offered the power and torque to go with the looks. This was used through 1974.This particular 1974 Roxena-Red Excalibur Phaeton was originally delivered new in Northbrook, Illinois. It sports all the standard Excalibur equipment including:· 4 wheel power disc brakes· Power steering with tilt and telescoping steering column· Factory AM/FM radio with cassette· Air conditioning· Fog lights · Air horn· Dual side mount spare tiresStandard by 1974 was the Corvette 454 LS4 engine. Horsepower is rated at 270 (201KW) and Torque @ 380 ft lbs (515 nm). This is the last year of the true “Corvette” 454, and the last year without the use of catalytic converters. In 1974 the exhaust still utilized the massive side pipes exiting the hood via a custom manifold. The Original Quadra-Jet carburetor has been replaced with a later model Edelbrock unit, and the coil and ignition wires have been upgraded to high performance Accel pieces. Otherwise, the engine appears to remain as stock. The interior consists of 4 individually reclining bucket seats and an instrument panel with a full gauge package. In addition to the folding soft top with boot, it has a set of 4 side curtain pieces and a fiberglass hard top for use under the soft top, a soft top boot and a full tonneau cover. Storage sleeves for side curtains and tonneau cover are also included. It has a 2 position folding luggage rack at the rear and one of the 2 side mount, side view, mirrors. A luggage trunk is not included. The top has aged, is well used, dry and separating at the seams.This is a great running and driving car. Starts quickly, runs cool, shifts smoothly and goes down the road straight. Even at over 4000 lbs. curb weight, the 454 makes this car extremely quick, and the factory Corvette suspension components make it a comfortable and yet nimble ride. Condition caveats: The car shows no obvious rust or collision damage/ repair. The fenders appear to have been repainted in the original color at some time. There are chips and nicks to be found. Wire wheels have stainless spokes, but rims show various levels of corrosion. A/C system is complete and closed, but not operating. The air horn compressor operates, but does not build pressure. Windshield has developed a crack from an existing chip. Per previous owner who had been in possession of the car since 2001, the speedometer/odometer was replaced and true miles are unknown. The miles showing are 18,832. No claims are made as to actual miles. The small plexi glass gap filler on drivers between windshield and side curtain (when in place) has a piece cracked off. This is an awesome opportunity to purchase an honest turn key example of a truly rare and unique car and become a member of an elite group of owners at a modest investment. The automobile offered here is a vehicle that can be driven as-is with pride in ownership, or can easily be fully restored to perfection at a reasonable investment. Over the years, the Excalibur company produced a total of some 3500 cars from 1965- 1990. Virtually all of these cars are still in existence, and the Excalibur company in Wisconsin, USA is still supporting the owners with restoration facilities and parts. With a total production of just 92 cars, The Series II Phaeton is part of the lowest production for all the Excalibur series. Series II Production 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 Total Roadster 11 - 13 22 26 72 Phaeton 26 - 52 100 92 270 TOTAL 37 - 65 122 118 342 Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding the vehicle, or if you need additional pictures. Please be aware that I will accept Paypal for the deposit only. If you plan to pay with PayPal for the full amount you will be responsible for any associated fees. Thanks for looking and happy bidding!