Rarely does a car with such rich heritage and unmistakable flair come up for sale. The Excalibur RS Roadster isn’t just rare, it’s unique. A tribute to a 1961 concept that never made it to production, this stunning machine was finally brought to life in the 1990s, combining old-school inspiration with custom craftsmanship. Now, after years hidden from the spotlight, this singular roadster is set to cross the auction block at Mecum's Indy 2025 event on May 16.
The Excalibur RS Roadster is the embodiment of a design that was ahead of its time. Originally conceived in 1961 by renowned American designer Brooks Stevens, the plan was to create a sleek, performance-oriented Roadster based on the Excalibur Hawk coupe. That plan was shelved, until the 1990s when a close friend of Stevens commissioned the car as a tribute to the original vision.
Crafted as a one-of-one build, the RS Roadster rides on a custom steel tube frame and wears hand-shaped aluminum body panels. Even the details are eclectic yet tasteful: Lamborghini Murciélago doors that open upward, a GT40-inspired nose, and a deep Mercedes-Benz blue paint finish that highlights its elegant proportions. It's retro, exotic, and eye-catching all at once. The bodywork isn’t just striking, it’s also power-operated, with the hood, trunk, and doors opening electronically, adding a modern touch to a car rooted in classic design.
Powering the Excalibur RS is a 5.7-liter General Motors V-8, equipped with 1990s-style throttle-body fuel injection. It’s not a raw muscle car, but it produces that unmistakable V-8 rumble through custom tubular headers, delivering a performance that suits its cruiser personality. Although it features what looks like a manual gear lever, the RS is fitted with a 700R4 automatic transmission, a bit of a letdown for purists, but a practical choice for relaxed, long-distance driving.
Inside, the cabin is neat and well-appointed. The two-seat cockpit pairs clean lines with custom finishes, while the engine bay showcases bespoke intake and valve covers that emphasize attention to detail. Despite its vintage inspiration, this car is more than just a showpiece. With its comfortable interior, stylish presence, and solid drivetrain, it’s designed to be driven and enjoyed, not just admired.
As it heads to auction, the Excalibur RS Roadster represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a fully custom, historically inspired American roadster. With no known peers and a backstory that connects it to one of the great designers of the 20th century, it’s more than a car, it’s rolling art. The final price? Hard to predict, but with its uniqueness and craftsmanship, it's likely to draw serious attention.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.