Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 106
1969 Excalibur Series 1 Roadster Chassis no. 1151
Sold for US$43,680 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 106
1969 Excalibur Series 1 Roadster
1969 Excalibur Series 1 Roadster
Chassis no. 1151
Chassis no. 1151
327ci OHV Chevrolet V8 Engine
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
300bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front and Live Rear Axle with Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
Front Disc and Rear Drum Brakes
*One of just 41 Series 1 Roadsters built in the final year of construction
*Similar power to weight ratio as a 289 Cobra
*Brooks Stevens design
*Popular in period with celebrities and speed demons
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The Excalibur story began back in 1964 when renowned industrial designer Brooks Stevens, at that time working as a consultant to Studebaker, was asked to design a show car for that year's New York Auto Show. An avid automobile enthusiast and collector, Stevens was a fan of the pre-war Mercedes-Benz SSK and sold the idea of a 'contemporary classic' take on the German sports car to Studebaker, at that time Mercedes importers. Built in just eight weeks, the prototype Excalibur SS was ready three days before the New York Auto Show where it caused something of a sensation, albeit too late to save the ailing Studebaker Corporation. A long list of potential buyers resulted, one of whom - a Chevrolet dealer - asked if the car could be built with a Chevrolet engine. Stevens was only too happy to oblige. An advertisement in the Wall Street Journal generated sufficient deposits to enable production to start, and in 1966 the company moved into premises in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
There were even a few surprises in the growing roster of buyers, Steve McQueen, better known for his ownership of a coveted XK SS, also had one of these cars and he was not alone.... Excaliburs have been owned by many famous celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Steve McQueen, Dick Van Dyke, Tony Curtis, Sonny & Cher, Dean Martin and Jackie Gleason.
This SSK Series I Roadster is one of just 41 built in the final year of production for the model. Ordered with a 327ci Chevrolet Corvette V8 pumping out 300bhp and mated to a 4-speed manual transmission, the 2,200 pound car could practically pull rank on a 289 Cobra since it had a similar power-to-weight ratio. Factory optioned with a set of cycle fenders and luggage rack, it would be hard to miss too—especially when it blew by you in its trip from a dead stop to 60mph in just a shade over 5 seconds.
The earliest history of this example is not documented but it appears to have spent some time in the Sunshine State, previously in the collection of Barry Amsdell of Boca Raton. With under 38,000 miles indicated on the odometer, this Excalibur appears to be a well-kept example complete with its top, side curtains, and a matching red suitcase of the luggage rack. This rare and desirable Series I SSK is a unique and stylish way to blow the doors off pretty much everything on the road.
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
300bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front and Live Rear Axle with Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
Front Disc and Rear Drum Brakes
*One of just 41 Series 1 Roadsters built in the final year of construction
*Similar power to weight ratio as a 289 Cobra
*Brooks Stevens design
*Popular in period with celebrities and speed demons
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The Excalibur story began back in 1964 when renowned industrial designer Brooks Stevens, at that time working as a consultant to Studebaker, was asked to design a show car for that year's New York Auto Show. An avid automobile enthusiast and collector, Stevens was a fan of the pre-war Mercedes-Benz SSK and sold the idea of a 'contemporary classic' take on the German sports car to Studebaker, at that time Mercedes importers. Built in just eight weeks, the prototype Excalibur SS was ready three days before the New York Auto Show where it caused something of a sensation, albeit too late to save the ailing Studebaker Corporation. A long list of potential buyers resulted, one of whom - a Chevrolet dealer - asked if the car could be built with a Chevrolet engine. Stevens was only too happy to oblige. An advertisement in the Wall Street Journal generated sufficient deposits to enable production to start, and in 1966 the company moved into premises in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
There were even a few surprises in the growing roster of buyers, Steve McQueen, better known for his ownership of a coveted XK SS, also had one of these cars and he was not alone.... Excaliburs have been owned by many famous celebrities including Frank Sinatra, Steve McQueen, Dick Van Dyke, Tony Curtis, Sonny & Cher, Dean Martin and Jackie Gleason.
This SSK Series I Roadster is one of just 41 built in the final year of production for the model. Ordered with a 327ci Chevrolet Corvette V8 pumping out 300bhp and mated to a 4-speed manual transmission, the 2,200 pound car could practically pull rank on a 289 Cobra since it had a similar power-to-weight ratio. Factory optioned with a set of cycle fenders and luggage rack, it would be hard to miss too—especially when it blew by you in its trip from a dead stop to 60mph in just a shade over 5 seconds.
The earliest history of this example is not documented but it appears to have spent some time in the Sunshine State, previously in the collection of Barry Amsdell of Boca Raton. With under 38,000 miles indicated on the odometer, this Excalibur appears to be a well-kept example complete with its top, side curtains, and a matching red suitcase of the luggage rack. This rare and desirable Series I SSK is a unique and stylish way to blow the doors off pretty much everything on the road.
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