Phyllis is a "Diller" of an
Excalibur Fan

he irrepressible Phyllis Diller, one of the world's leading comediennes, owns three custom made cars, but her Excalibur Series I "is my true love."
    The longtime favorite of television, nightclubs and movies has had four Excaliburs in her life. Besides the Series I, she currently owns a '59 Rolls Royce and a custom made Checker station wagon. But her favorite, without question, is her Excalibur.
    She delights in driving around Hollywood with the "Made in Milwaukee" classic even though she says, "It makes me very self-conscious." But it's worth it when someone pulls up to her at a stop sign and admires the beauty of the Excalibur.
    "Everyone yells and honks and gives the thumbs up sign," says the Ohio born comic who didn't get into show business until she was 37. "It's a great feeling."

    In a telephone interview recently, Phyllis said she currently had as a house guest a producer from Canada "whose only request is to have a ride in my Excalibur while he is here. Imagine that," she continued in a surprised voice.
    A many faceted talent, Ms. Diller also is a writer, singer and a pianist of concert caliber. In fact, in the past eight years, she has been a guest piano soloist with more than 60 symphony orchestras across the country, similar to what Jack Benny accomplished with his violin in guest appearances. Although audiences acclaimed her artistry, she typically demeans her talent with such comedic lines as: "I hope the audience never finds out I really don't play. I have Burt Bachrach locked in the piano."
    A late bloomer at 37 in San Francisco ("better late bloomers than no bloomers at all," she says), Ms. Diller first worked

on stage at the celebrated Purple Onion in San Francisco. She opened for two weeks, stayed 89. Following that debut, she went on tour, polishing her comedy routine, played the Blue Angel in New York and appeared on the Jack Paar Show, the predecessor to Johnny Carson. From that point, her career was launched.
    Extremely versatile, Phyllis Diller has made about a dozen movies, scores of guest television appearances and about 10 of her own TV shows. She also is credited with five records, three books and has gained a number of entertainment awards.
    As to her future, the Excalibur- driving funny woman says she gets thousands of requests from her fans.
    "But I don't care what they say," she jokes "I won't retire."
    And millions of Americans hope that she's not kidding.

The "Martian Like" figure above at the controls of her Excalibur Series I is world famed comedienne Phyllis Diller, who admits she is in love with her classic automobile. Although she also drives a Rolls Royce and a custom made Checker station wagon, the Excalibur is unquestionably her favorite. The Series I is the fourth Excalibur she has owned.