The first Series IV Phaetons are now on the production line. Since David Stevens and his assistant, Chuck Carter, first started the layout of the new Excalibur in September of 1978, there have been many long hours spent finalizing the design of this completely new automobile.
Even though the Series IV appears very similar in design to the Series III, virtually every part has been changed in the automobile. A totally new frame has been designed, with the wheel base having been lengthened 12 inches. After ten years of using the 454 cubic inch Chevrolet engine, we finally had to change to the small block 305 cubic inch Chevrolet engine. This was necessary because of the more stringent requirements with both emission controls and gaining better fuel economy, as well as now being able to gain certification in California.
We were originally to have delivered the first automobiles in January, but because of the enormous extent of this project, the first production automobiles will be delivered in May. Two prototypes that were built for the government testing requirements were premiered at the Chicago Automobile Show in February, and were met with tremendous enthusiasm and excitement.
After the Chicago show, I drove one of the prototypes for the first time and was very impressed with our new automobile. The first impression upon getting into the car, looking at the numerous changes around you and heading off down the road is, "This is a real touring car!" With its longer wheel base and redesigned suspension system, the car felt to me to be very similar to driving a Mercedes-Benz. It has a much improved ride over the Series III and you feel that you are now in a true luxury automobile.
The two prototypes that were built are now going through the required government testing at the General Motors Proving Grounds in both Michigan and Texas. The first three production cars are leaving the factory on May 2 for shipment to the Los Angeles Auto Expo show beginning on May 9 and running through May 18. If you are in the Los Angeles area, we invite you to stop by the exhibit and see the new automobile.
Regarding the marketing and sales of the Series IV, we will only be building 100 automobiles for the 1980 model year for delivery between May and September 30. At this time our dealers have informed us that all 100 of these automobiles have been sold to retail customers and they are now putting people on a waiting list for the 1981 model, which
will appear in October. There will be very few changes, if any, to the 1981 model other than a price increase. We have designed the mechanics and chassis of this automobile to carry us through the next ten year period, with series V styling changes appearing in 1985.
Should you wish to hear more about the Series IV, please contact any one of the six franchised Excalibur dealers listed below.
Mr. Gerald G. Allen
Allen Motorcar Corporation
1700 East Sunrise Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33304
Phone: 305-763-5010
Mr. J. J. Born
Excalibur Motorcars Ltd. 3200 Skokie Valley Road Highland Park, Illinois 60035 Phone: 312-433-4400
Mr. Ray A. Besasie, Jr.
Excalibur Sales Inc. 1735 South 106th Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53214 Phone: 414-771-8240
Mr. Don Haese
Excalibur Southwest Inc.
5900 North Freeway - Suite 113 Houston, Texas 77076
Phone: 713-691-1703
Mr. Dan Brush
Excalibur West Inc.
3766 Mill Street
Reno, Nevada 89501
Phone: 702-323-2758
Mr. E. A. Jurist
Vintage Car Store, Inc.
93 South Broadway
Nyack, New York 10960 Phone: 914-358-3800
The above six dealers are the only franchisee! Excalibur dealers in the United States. Other dealers have, at times, tried to represent themselves as Excalibur dealers, but please do not be mislead. In Canada, please contact:
Mr. Howard Carter
Carter Pontiac-Buick, Ltd.
4550 Lougheed Highway Burnaby 2, British Columbia Phone: 604-291-2266
Mr. Ralph Forbes
Forbes Motors Ltd.
165 Weber Street, South
Waterloo, Ontario N2J 4A6
Phone: 519-742-4463
We are sure that when you finally see and have a chance to drive the Series IV, you will fall in love with it as much as we have.
"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