The Excalibur is a neo-classic vehicle that features a retro-styled body paired with modern running gear. In this case, noted automobile designer Brooks Stevens used the legendary 1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK as the basis for his retro body design. A prototype was built that featured running gear from a new Studebaker chassis, and the car hit the 1964 new car show circuit.

The problem was that Studebaker ceased operations in the US in December 1963 when the company's South Bend Plant closed. Stevens decided to produce the car himself. With Studebaker running gear no longer available, he turned to GM and fitted his Excalibur with a Chevrolet 327 CID V8 that made 300 hp from the Corvette.

The company went through several ownership changes before production eventually ended in 1997 after around 3,500 were produced.

More leaving cars passed by, in this case a 1970 Buick GS455.

A Plymouth Superbird approached from the opposite direction.

The Plymouth Superbird is one of the most desirable Mopars ever built.
So I wondered if this car was being restored, (or in this case, "assembled").

I knew for sure as it passed by. The Superbird was based on a modified Road Runner body. One of the aerodynamic problems with the Road Runner was its rear window. The recessed glass seen in the photo above creates additional wind drag. But since neither time nor resources were available to design a new rear roof line, the solution was to install a plug and new glass designed to create a smooth transition. The plug was welded in place and the seams were sealed. All Superbirds were then fitted with a vinyl roof to cover the plug installation work. This car has the factory Road Runner rear window and roof line in place which leads me to believe that someone is building a tribute car.

We had seen a good gathering of Buick Reattas earlier. A couple of them passed by as they were leaving.

Buick Reatta passing by as it was leaving.

1970 Ford Torino GT convertible.

1970 Ford Torino GT convertible.

I've always liked the lines on these cars. This car was beautifully restored and was another of my favorites from the event. This is a rare car being 1 of 3,939 convertibles made in 1970.

While we were admiring the Torino, the first generation Mustang parked next to it came to life and drove away. This was an extremely healthy-sounding modified car.

We then transitioned into the Camaro club display that featured four first-generation cars seen in the photo above.

1977 Chevrolet Camaro Z28.

The Z28 returned for 1977 after being gone for the previous two years. The car was a hit selling 14,349 copies that year.

Power comes from Chevrolet's 350 CID V8 that makes 185 hp.

We had reached the end of our stroll through this end of the Car Club Shows area and decided to walk up the banking to the retaining wall.

The turns at Charlotte Motor Speedway are banked at 24 degrees. While this may not sound like much, it definitely is when you try to walk to the top of the track.

This part of the track at Turn 4 offered a good view of the infield. I took a series of three pics in an attempt to make a panorama. This is picture 1 of 3.

Infield panorama picture 2 of 3.

Infield panorama picture 3 of 3.

Three-picture panorama of the infield as seen from Turn 4.

Checking out the foam used behind the retaining wall.

The 24-degree banking is a lot steeper than it sounds.

Looking into Turn 4.

The Auto Fair areas are divided into "fields" differentiated by color. The photo above shows the Orange Field.

The photo above looks toward the various track buildings and the Blue Field by Turns 1 and 2.

Looking from Turn 4 toward Pit Road and the front straight.

Zooming in on the entrance to Pit Road.

Zooming in on the entrance to Pit Road.

We started walking toward the tower along Pit Road.

I believe this is one of the track caution lights.

Another view of the foam behind the outer retaining wall.

Zooming in on Pit Road.

I took a few more pics of the 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur III since the weather had improved.

1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur III, $25,900.

I've always liked these cars and would love to have one.

The problem would be buying parts for it and actually fixing it. My guess is that nothing for this car is "cheap."

The 1962 Ford Fairlane from yesterday was now uncovered.

I got a picture of the "260" emblem yesterday. Today, I got to see the 260 CID V8 that makes 164 hp.

Another 1999 30th Anniversary Pontiac Trans Am.

Like so many of the 10th and 20th Anniversary Trans Ams before it, this 30th Anniversary edition came home from the dealer and promptly went into a climate-controlled garage, which explains the 100 original miles and $45k asking price.

The car originally sitckered for $33k in 1999.

1966 Chevrolet Bel Air wagon.

This modified wagon features a host of modifications including a 502 CID "Ram Jet" V8 and an Art Carr 700R4 transmission. The "Honda Accord door handles" seem dreadfully out of place.

502 CID "Ram Jet" V8.

1972 Buick Skylark Sun Coupe.

The Sun Coupe was a 1972-only option for the Skylark Sport Coupe.