A 1965 Excalibur SS Series 1 from the Wellington Morton Collection is set to cross the block at The Amelia Auction in 2026, marking the first time in more than half a century that the car will be offered for public sale. The neoclassic roadster has remained with the same owner since 1974, giving it one of the longest continuous ownership histories of any Series 1 example headed to auction in recent years.
Presented without reserve, the Excalibur carries a presale estimate between $50,000 and $75,000. The model holds a notable place in automotive history as one of the first vehicles to blend prewar-inspired design with contemporary 1960s engineering, effectively launching the “neoclassic” category that later became a niche of its own. Its styling cues recall European sports cars of the 1930s, while its underpinnings were sourced from modern components available at the time.
This particular car, chassis 1050, is finished in a two-tone Old English White accented by a red chassis and matching fender trim. The red interior continues the theme, giving the car a period-correct presentation consistent with early production examples. Built atop a Studebaker Lark chassis, the Series 1 was engineered to deliver both vintage character and dependable performance.
Power comes from a Chevrolet 327-cubic-inch V8 rated at 300 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The combination offered robust output for its era and contributed to the model’s reputation as a capable performer beneath its retro-inspired bodywork.
Equipment includes a folding windscreen, the signature Pilot Ray center-mounted turning light, and an engine-turned dashboard—features that enhance the car’s prewar aesthetic while reflecting meticulous attention to detail. With its long-term ownership and well-preserved configuration, the Excalibur SS Series 1 is expected to draw significant attention when it reaches the auction stage in 2026. See it here.