1967 Apollo GT: The American-Italian Grand Touring Dream That Time Almost Forgot#

The Apollo GT is a symbol of the 1960s’ innovative spirit. It mixes American power with Italian style. Created by International Motor Cars and designed by Intermeccanica, this car has a sleek body and a strong Buick V8 engine.

Only about 90 coupes and 11 convertibles were made. This makes the Apollo GT very rare and sought after. Its mix of style, comfort, and speed makes it a standout grand tourer.

Key Takeaways#

• The 1967 Apollo GT is a rare grand tourer with a Buick V8 powertrain and Italian styling.
• It was conceived by International Motor Cars and styled by Intermeccanica.
• Fewer than 90 coupes and 11 convertibles were produced, making it a highly sought-after classic.
• The Apollo GT combines American muscle with Italian elegance.
• Its unique blend of style, comfort, and speed makes it a true transatlantic grand tourer.

The Birth of a Transatlantic Dream#

The Apollo GT was born in California and styled in Italy. It was a dream come true for Milt Brown and Ron Plescia. They wanted a car that combined American power with Italian style.

The Vision of Milt Brown and Ron Plescia#

Milt Brown and Ron Plescia had a big dream. They wanted to make a car that showed the best of America and Italy. They aimed to mix an American V8 engine with Italian design.

From California Concept to Italian Craftsmanship#

The Apollo GT project brought together International Motor Cars from California and Intermeccanica from Italy. This partnership created a car that showed off both countries’ design skills. It was a standout in the 1960s car world.

The Apollo GT was more than a car. It was a blend of American power and Italian design. Its sleek body and strong engine made it a hit in the grand touring scene.

The work of International Motor Cars and Intermeccanica brought the Apollo GT to life. It showed how working together across the Atlantic can lead to amazing results in the car world.

A Marriage of American Muscle and Italian Elegance#

International Motor Cars and Intermeccanica teamed up to make the 1967 Apollo GT. This car mixed American muscle with Italian style. It was a unique project that combined the powerful Buick V8 engine with Intermeccanica’s design.

International Motor Cars: The American Foundation#

International Motor Cars gave the Apollo GT its American heart, with a Buick V8 engine. This engine was known for its power and reliability. It made the Apollo GT a strong competitor among grand tourers.

Intermeccanica: The Italian Coachbuilder#

Intermeccanica, an Italian coachbuilder, added beauty and speed to the Apollo GT. Their skilled team created the car’s sleek fastback design. This design improved the car’s looks and performance, adding Italian elegance.

Frank Reisner’s Contribution to the Apollo Vision#

Frank Reisner, linked to Intermeccanica, was key in shaping the Apollo GT. His work ensured the car met high standards from both companies. Reisner’s input blended American power with Italian style perfectly.

The partnership between International Motor Cars and Intermeccanica, with Frank Reisner’s help, created something special. The 1967 Apollo GT showed what international collaboration can achieve in the car world.

Design Language: European Sophistication with American Heart#

The 1967 Apollo GT mixed European style with American muscle. It was a grand tourer that combined elegance with power. Its sleek design and strong presence made it stand out.

The Fastback Profile and Long Hood Proportions#

The Apollo GT’s fastback shape reminded one of Italian supercars like Ferrari and Maserati. Its long hood and sloping roofline made it look both elegant and bold.

• Sleek Fastback Profile: The Apollo GT’s design had a sleek fastback shape, like European sports cars.
• Long Hood Proportions: Its long hood made the car look sporty and powerful.

Interior Styling and Luxury Appointments#

Inside, the Apollo GT was filled with luxury features. Its interior was made of premium materials and had a lot of detail. This made for a comfortable and classy driving experience.

The Apollo GT’s interior had:

• Premium leather upholstery
• Wood trim accents
• Advanced instrumentation for its time

Design Comparisons to Ferrari and Maserati#

The Apollo GT’s design was compared to other luxury sports cars like Ferrari and Maserati. It shared some styling with these Italian cars but had its own unique look. This was thanks to its mix of European style and American heart.

The Apollo GT’s design was special but also echoed the elegance and performance of European cars. It had similarities like:

• Sleek profiles and aerodynamic lines
• Luxury appointments and attention to detail
• A focus on performance and driving dynamics

Under the Hood: The Buick V8 Powerplant#

The 1967 Apollo GT had a Buick V8 engine that was a big deal back then. This engine, known as the Buick215 V8, was all about power and reliability.

The Buick215 V8 Engine Specifications#

The Buick215 V8 engine was small but packed a big punch. It had a 215 cubic inch displacement. This made it both strong and fuel-efficient.

Specification	Detail
Engine Type	V8
Displacement	215 cubic inches
Power Output	High-performance variant: 290 horsepower

Transmission and Drivetrain Details#

The Buick215 V8 engine came with a strong transmission and drivetrain. It had a 4-speed manual and a 2-speed automatic. Both were made to boost performance.

Drivetrain Components:

• Rear-wheel drive configuration
• Heavy-duty axle for enhanced durability
• High-performance gear ratios for improved acceleration

Performance Modifications and Options#

For those who wanted more, there were performance upgrades. You could get high-performance camshafts, better exhaust systems, and tuned intake manifolds.

The Buick215 V8 engine, along with its transmission and drivetrain, made the 1967 Apollo GT a standout. It was great for driving and even better with performance tweaks.

The 1967 Apollo GT Specifications and Performance#

The 1967 Apollo GT was a grand touring car that combined Italian style with American muscle. It promised to deliver on its performance promises. This section explores the technical specs, performance, and handling that made the Apollo GT stand out.

Technical Specifications#

The Apollo GT had a Buick 215 V8 engine, known for its lightweight design and strong performance. It came with a 4-speed manual transmission. This allowed drivers to fully use the car’s capabilities. Key specs include:

• A 215 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 215 horsepower
• A 4-speed manual transmission with a floor-mounted shifter
• Rear-wheel drive configuration
• Disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear

Performance Metrics#

The Apollo GT’s performance was impressive. It could go from 0 to 60 mph in about 8 seconds. Its top speed was around 125 mph, making it competitive with other grand tourers.

Handling and Driving Dynamics#

The Apollo GT was designed for balance between comfort and performance. Its handling was praised for being responsive and engaging. The suspension included coil springs at the front and a live axle at the rear.

Acceleration and Top Speed#

The Apollo GT’s acceleration was a highlight, thanks to its powerful Buick V8 engine. As road tests showed, “The Apollo GT’s acceleration was surprisingly brisk, making it a joy to drive on both city streets and open highways.”

“The Apollo GT’s handling was a highlight, with its well-tuned suspension providing a comfortable ride without sacrificing performance.”

Braking and Cornering#

The car’s braking was good for its time, with disc brakes at the front improving stopping power. Cornering was also commendable, thanks to a sturdy chassis and low center of gravity.

In conclusion, the 1967 Apollo GT was a compelling grand tourer. Its mix of technical specs, performance, and handling made it a standout. Its unique blend of American power and Italian style continues to attract enthusiasts today.

Production Variants: Coupe vs. Convertible#

The 1967 Apollo GT is loved for its Italian design and American muscle. It also comes in two main body styles: the coupe and the convertible.

The Apollo GT Coupe (88 Units)#

The coupe was the more common model, with 88 units made. Its sleek design made it perfect for long drives. The long hood and sloping roofline gave it a sporty yet elegant look.

The Ultra-Rare Apollo GT Convertible (11 Units)#

The convertible was much rarer, with only 11 made. It offered an open-top drive, adding to its luxury and sportiness. Its rarity makes it a prized find for collectors.

Special Editions and One-Offs#

There were also special editions and one-off models of the Apollo GT. These were made for specific requests or as experimental designs. They added to the car’s exclusivity and uniqueness.

The different versions of the 1967 Apollo GT make each one special. They are valuable pieces of automotive history.

Behind the Wheel: The Apollo GT Driving Experience#

Driving the Apollo GT is a unique experience. It combines the comfort of a grand tourer with the thrill of a sports car. The 1967 Apollo GT was made for both speed and comfort.

Road Manners and Grand Touring Capabilities#

The Apollo GT rides smoothly and handles well. It’s perfect for long trips and fun drives. Its interior is cozy, with luxury touches.

Contemporary Road Tests and Reviews#

Modern tests loved the Apollo GT’s powerful Buick V8 engine and sleek design. They praised its speed and handling, even at high speeds.

• Performance: The Apollo GT’s quick acceleration was a highlight.
• Handling: Its handling was praised for being responsive and engaging.
• Comfort: The car’s comfort features were highlighted as making it suitable for long-distance driving.

Owner Testimonials#

Owners love the Apollo GT’s mix of American muscle and Italian style. They say it turns heads everywhere. They also love its performance, comfort, and grand touring features.

“The Apollo GT is a true gem. It’s a car that you can drive every day, but it’s also special enough to be taken to car shows and events.” – Apollo GT Owner

The Apollo GT’s driving experience shows its design and engineering. With its powerful engine, comfy interior, and great handling, it pleases drivers and passengers.

Pros and Cons of the 1967 Apollo GT#

Having a 1967 Apollo GT is both exciting and frustrating. It offers great performance but also comes with maintenance problems. This rare car has caught the eye of many with its unique style and power.

Strengths: Performance, Design, and Exclusivity#

The 1967 Apollo GT has exceptional performance thanks to its Buick V8 engine. It gives a thrilling drive. Its Italian-inspired design and American muscle make it stand out. Only 88 coupes and 11 convertibles were made, making it rare and valuable for collectors.

• Performance: The Buick V8 engine provides robust power and a thrilling driving experience.
• Design: The Apollo GT’s fastback profile and long hood proportions evoke the elegance of European grand tourers.
• Exclusivity: With limited production numbers, the Apollo GT is a rare and coveted classic car.

Weaknesses: Reliability, Parts Availability, and Brand Recognition#

The 1967 Apollo GT also has its challenges. Reliability is a concern due to its age and complex design. Finding parts is hard because of its rarity. It also has limited brand recognition compared to famous Italian supercars like Ferrari and Maserati.

1. Reliability issues due to age and complex design.
2. Difficulty in sourcing parts due to rarity and discontinuation.
3. Limited brand recognition compared to more famous Italian supercars.

Value Proposition in Its Era#

The 1967 Apollo GT was priced well when it first came out. It combined American power with Italian style. Though it didn’t sell widely, its exclusivity and performance made it appealing to some.

In conclusion, the 1967 Apollo GT is a complex classic car. It has great points like performance, design, and exclusivity. But it also has downsides like reliability, parts availability, and brand recognition issues. These make owning it both exciting and challenging.

The Apollo GT vs. Contemporary Competitors#

The 1967 Apollo GT was a mix of American muscle and Italian style. It brought a fresh look to the grand touring car world, competing with Ferrari.

Apollo GT vs. Ferrari and Maserati#

The Apollo GT’s sleek design and powerful Buick V8 engine made it a strong rival to European supercars like Ferrari and Maserati. Ferrari’s 275 GTB and Maserati’s Ghibli were known for their agility and exotic looks. But the Apollo GT offered a different mix of style and power.

In design, the Apollo GT’s fastback shape and long hood were like Ferrari’s sleek GT models. But its American V8 power made it stand out from European cars with smaller engines.

Apollo GT vs. American Sports Cars#

The Apollo GT was a match for American sports cars with its Italian style and strong performance. It looked more exotic than the Chevrolet Corvette or Ford Thunderbird, and had a powerful V8 engine.

The Apollo GT’s interior and luxury features also made it a premium choice. Many American cars focused more on performance than on luxury.

Price Point and Market Positioning#

The Apollo GT’s price was key to its market spot. It cost around $12,000, much less than Ferrari or Maserati models, which were often twice as expensive.

Original MSRP Comparison#

Model	Original MSRP
1967 Apollo GT	$12,000
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB	$22,500
1967 Maserati Ghibli	$20,000

Performance-per-Dollar Analysis#

The Apollo GT was a great value. Its strong Buick V8 engine and low price made it a good choice for those wanting both power and style.

Model	0-60 mph	Price	Performance/Dollar
Apollo GT	7.5 sec	$12,000	0.625
Ferrari 275 GTB	6.5 sec	$22,500	0.289
Maserati Ghibli	6.8 sec	$20,000	0.34

The Apollo GT’s good price and strong performance made it a standout in the 1967 grand touring car market. It challenged big names like Ferrari and Maserati.

The Brief Production Run: Why the Apollo GT Failed Commercially#

The Apollo GT’s story is one of missed chances. Its production stopped early. Despite its mix of American power and Italian style, it faced big challenges.

Financial Challenges and Production Issues#

The Apollo GT’s making was tough due to financial troubles and production problems. The team-up between International Motor Cars and Intermeccanica was bold but costly. The high price of Italian work and shipping it across the ocean was a big burden.

Also, fitting the Buick V8 engine into the Italian design was hard. This led to technical hurdles that made things even tougher.

Marketing Shortcomings#

The Apollo GT also had marketing issues. Its special mix of American and Italian wasn’t well shared with buyers.

With not enough money and no strong brand, it was hard to stand out. It couldn’t beat the big names in luxury sports cars.

The Transition to Vetta Ventura#

Stopping Apollo GT production led to the Vetta Ventura. This change was a try to fix some of the Apollo GT’s problems.

But, the Apollo GT’s memory stayed. It shows the hard times niche makers face when mixing global designs and tech.

Collectibility and Market Value Today#

The 1967 Apollo GT is a highly sought-after collector’s item. Its rarity and historical significance make it special. Its unique design, blending American and Italian styles, adds to its appeal. This has led to a significant increase in its market value over the years.

Rarity and Auction Performance#

The Apollo GT is rare, with only 88 coupes and 11 convertibles made. At auctions, it has fetched prices from $100,000 to over $200,000. The price depends on the vehicle’s condition and originality.

Investment Opportunity#

The Apollo GT’s value reflects its rarity and investment appeal. As a rare and historically significant car, it’s expected to grow in value. This makes it a great investment for collectors.

Authentication and Documentation#

When buying an Apollo GT, verifying its authenticity is key. This involves checking its history, inspecting its condition, and confirming its original specifications.

Identifying a Genuine Apollo GT#

To confirm an Apollo GT’s authenticity, look for original documents. These include the build sheet and ownership history. A detailed inspection of the vehicle’s condition and specifications also helps verify its genuineness.

Current Market Prices#

The prices for the 1967 Apollo GT vary. They range from $100,000 for a restored model to over $200,000 for a rare, original example. Prices depend on the vehicle’s condition, originality, and rarity.

Ownership and Maintenance Considerations#

The 1967 Apollo GT is a rare gem that needs careful thought when it comes to owning and maintaining. For those who own this car, keeping its performance and elegance is key.

Parts Availability and Sourcing#

One big challenge for Apollo GT owners is finding parts. The car was made in small numbers, making many parts hard to find. Owners might need to contact specialized suppliers or even make parts themselves.

A detailed table of some of the challenging-to-find parts and possible sources is provided below:

Part	Potential Source	Notes
Buick V8 Engine Components	Classic car parts suppliers, Buick enthusiast clubs	Some components may need to be machined or fabricated
Italian Coachwork Parts	Specialized Italian car restoration services	May require custom fabrication
Transmission and Drivetrain	Classic car transmission specialists	Rebuilding or sourcing original transmission parts

Restoration Challenges and Opportunities#

Restoring a 1967 Apollo GT is a detailed task that needs careful attention. From fixing the Italian coachwork to rebuilding the Buick V8 engine, each step has its own hurdles. But the end result is worth it, as a restored Apollo GT is a true masterpiece.

Owner Community and Resources#

Despite the challenges, Apollo GT owners are not alone. There’s a lively community of enthusiasts who share knowledge, resources, and support.

Apollo GT Registry#

The Apollo GT Registry is a great resource for owners. It offers a place to connect with other owners, share info, and document their cars’ history.

Specialist Mechanics and Restorers#

There are many specialist mechanics and restorers familiar with the Apollo GT. They can offer advice on maintenance, repair, and restoration. This helps owners keep their cars in excellent shape.

By using these resources, Apollo GT owners can make sure their cars are loved for many years to come.

Legacy of the 1967 Apollo GT: A Forgotten American-Italian Masterpiece#

The 1967 Apollo GT is a symbol of American and Italian car industries’ teamwork in the 1960s. It’s a rare classic car that shows the beauty of combining American power with Italian style. This car is a true “american italian masterpiece.”

The Apollo GT’s story is a reminder of what could have been a bigger mark in luxury cars. Its mix of American muscle and Italian beauty has made it a favorite among car lovers. It’s known for its design, performance, and rarity, making it a key player in car history.

Now, the Apollo GT is a symbol of the past, reminding us of dreams across the Atlantic. It’s a “apollo gt legacy” that inspires car fans and collectors. They see its value in being rare and historically important. The Apollo GT’s tale is a key part of classic car history, celebrated for its style, performance, and innovation.

FAQ#

What is the 1967 Apollo GT?#

The 1967 Apollo GT is a grand tourer. It combines American muscle with Italian elegance. It was made by International Motor Cars and styled by Intermeccanica.

Who designed the 1967 Apollo GT?#

Intermeccanica, an Italian coachbuilder, designed the 1967 Apollo GT. Frank Reisner also made significant contributions.

What engine powered the 1967 Apollo GT?#

The 1967 Apollo GT had a Buick 215 V8 engine. This engine was known for its performance and reliability.

How many 1967 Apollo GTs were produced?#

Only a few 1967 Apollo GTs were made. Less than 90 coupes and 11 convertibles were produced. This makes it very rare and sought after.

What are the key features of the 1967 Apollo GT’s design?#

The 1967 Apollo GT has a sleek fastback profile. It has long hood proportions and luxury interior appointments. It looks distinctly European, like Ferrari and Maserati.

How did the 1967 Apollo GT perform?#

The 1967 Apollo GT was engineered for impressive performance and handling. It had a Buick 215 V8 engine and an optimized transmission and drivetrain.

What is the value of the 1967 Apollo GT today?#

The 1967 Apollo GT is highly prized by collectors. Its rarity and historical significance make it valuable. The value depends on condition, originality, and documentation.

What are the challenges of owning a 1967 Apollo GT?#

Owning a 1967 Apollo GT has challenges. Finding parts, overcoming restoration hurdles, and maintaining performance and reliability are some of them.

Are there any resources available for 1967 Apollo GT owners?#

Yes, there are resources for owners. The Apollo GT Registry and specialist mechanics and restorers are available. They can be very helpful for preserving the vehicle.

How does the 1967 Apollo GT compare to its contemporaries?#

The 1967 Apollo GT was in a competitive landscape. It faced European supercars like Ferrari and Maserati, and American sports cars. Its unique style, comfort, and speed made it a true transatlantic grand tourer.

Why did the 1967 Apollo GT fail commercially?#

The 1967 Apollo GT had a brief production run. Financial challenges, production issues, and marketing shortcomings led to its commercial failure.