Chassis no. 6042

327-cid, 300-hp OHV V-8 engine, three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and front disc, rear drum hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 109-inches

Requested by Studebaker and inspired by the Mercedes-Benz SSK, the Excalibur was the brainchild of designer Brooks Stevens. By the time the project got started, Studebaker had a new president, Byers Burlingame, who nixed it, so Stevens took it under his own wing. A Lark convertible chassis was modified to move the engine aft, and an aluminum speedster body built to fit. It was the hit of the 1964 New York auto show, and orders started rolling in.

When Studebaker left Indiana for Canada, engine supplies dried up, so Stevens shifted to small-block Chevys, as did Studebaker for the final years of production. A four-passenger Phaeton was added in 1967, and Excalibur Series I production continued into 1969. Subsequent series very much lost the excellent proportions of the original.

This Series I Phaeton was originally purchased by comedienne Phyllis Diller, who liked it so much she took a franchise in Hollywood and sold them to celebrity friends. Black with red pleated upholstery and matching tonneau cover, it is in excellent condition, showing barely 14,000 miles. It has chrome wire wheels with Michelin narrow whitewall radials, directional signals and a clock. It wears the California black plates WVE858, as registered to Diller, and comes with documentation.