As I sit here at the drawing board, finalizing the design and engineering specifications for the Series IV Excalibur, I am constantly challenged by the restrictions and regulations the federal government imposes on those of us who are automobile manufacturers.
Many of the standards that must be met come under the heading "Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards." These include reflecting surfaces, rearview mirrors, warning devices, windshield defrosting and defogging and many more.
An example of a design challenge that we faced on the Series III was conforming to the exterior lighting standards. These standards were written with Detroit's box shaped cars in mind. Consequently, it was difficult to find an exterior lighting system for the Series III with its flowing fender lines and elegant configuration. Not only were we faced with the need to conform to these government regulations, but at the same time we wanted to maintain the integrity of design always inherent in the Excalibur. It was also important to us that our owners have convenience and availability when need for replacement of an exterior light became necessary . . . hence, the VW running and tail lights.
Another category of standards that must be met by manufacturers are those that come under the heading "Occupant Crash Protection Standards." These include: preventing the engine or steering column from being pushed into the passenger compartment on frontal impacts; preventing the doors from flying open due to inferior latching devices; and obtaining sufficient strength in the door structure to absorb the side impact of another vehicle in a collision. Other areas of safety regulations include seat dimension standards, ventilating standards and some twenty other standards encompassing practically every safety related component on the automobile.
Kit car builders and those individuals who customize body design on completed and titled Detroit products are not governed in any way by the regulations set down by the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHSTA) for manufacturers of automobiles. Customizers and kit car builders have total freedom in design and engineering because they have bought a certified vehicle from a dealer.
Kit car builders and customizers do not have to run a 4,000 mile Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification test . . . Excalibur, as a manufacturer, does.
Even though the engine used in the Series III Excalibur is the same one used by GM in its light duty trucks, it is the responsibility of the final manufacturer to get final EPA certification.
The government has not set standards for customizers and kit car builders due to the fact that the number of vehicles they produce annually is not great enough to warrant another set of regulations. There is also some difficulty in regulating the automobile aftermarket.
The Excalibur Automobile Corporation is a registered manufacturer of automobiles in the United States. As a manufacturer we create a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) which is necessary to title an automobile. Kit car builders and customizers do not create an MSO as they are purchasing a vehicle that is already titled by a manufacturer, or a used vehicle.
Excalibur's longevity as a manufacturing concern and viable business is governed by our ability to meet or exceed all federal safety and pollution standards. In the design and engineering of the Series IV Excalibur, we have complied with all standards necessary for certification. The only exemption sought by Excalibur for 1980 will be from Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE). CAFE regulations were designed for the major automobile manufacturers that build many different models . . . not a concern like Excalibur which builds only one. The Department of Transportation (DOT) anticipated this need for exemption by stipulating that it could be applied for by those manufacturers that produce less than 10,000 cars annually.
There are still a few tests to be run on the finished product before certification, but at this time all systems are go for the Series IV introduction at the Chicago Auto Show on February 23, 1980. We invite all of you in the area to join us at the Excalibur display to see this truly beautiful automobile.
May you all have a most happy holiday season and prosperous New Year.
President
Excalibur Automobile Corporation
"Circle and Sword" is the official publication of Excalibur Automobile Corporation published quarterly for Excalibur owners and friends. Regular features include; Owner Spotlight, Letters to the Editor, Shop Talk and Clearing House. Inquiries should be directed to Nancy von Grossmann, Editor, Excalibur Automobile Corporation, 1735 South 106th Street, West Allis, WI 53214. Printed in Milwaukee, WI
President: David B. Stevens
Executive Vice President: William C. Stevens
Vice President: Raymond A. Besasie, Jr.
Treasurer: Daniel L. Wieselman
Secretary: Joseph C. Niebler
Director of Purchasing: Charles Ede
Plant Superintendent: Alan Hoelzer
Executive Assistant: Nancy Duecker
Director of Communications: Nancy von Grossmann
Parts and Accessories: Joseph F. Zarcone
Service Department: Gordon 0. Frank