The Austin Apache was designed by Michelotti in 1970, alongside the almost identical Austin Victoria, and was produced by Leyland South Africa at its Blackheath plant from 1971 until the mid 1970s.
Like the Victoria, the Apache is a well-disguised Austin 1300, with extended nose and tails sections grafted on. The centre section is virtually unaltered, howewever, so the doors are a bit of a giveaway. Not much more to say about it really, but here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.
Publicity photos
UK Apaches
This splendid Apache is owned by Jason Heaton, who lives in Salford, Manchester. These photographs were taken when the car belonged to previous owner Martin Williamson, who received it as a 21st birthday present while he was living in South Africa. Martin later brought it with him when relocated to the UK, and sold it to Jason Heaton in 2002, as he wasn’t getting much opportunity to drive it.
This Apache image was taken from Graham Robson’s book, and as can be seen, it has been the subject of a colour change since its appearance in print.
With thanks to Martin Williamson for the images of his former car.
More at: www.kewengineering.co.uk
Keith Adams
Is the Editor of the Parkers website and price guide, formerly editor of Classic Car Weekly, and launch editor/creator of Modern Classics magazine. Has contributed to various motoring titles including Octane, Practical Classics, Evo, Honest John, CAR magazine, Autocar, Pistonheads, Diesel Car, Practical Performance Car, Performance French Car, Car Mechanics, Jaguar World Monthly, MG Enthusiast, Modern MINI, Practical Classics, Fifth Gear Website, Radio 4, and the the Motoring Independent...
Likes 'conditionally challenged' motors and taking them on unfeasible adventures all across Europe.
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Looks good on Rostyles! Wouldn’t mind one of those, and it would fit in my garage 🙂
Interesting comparison with the Allegro in the bottom picture too…
Totally agree, they could have soldier on together…
A red Austin Apache briefly appears in a recent British television commercial for LV (formerly Liverpool Victoria). LV film most of their commercials in South Africa, where film crews are cheaper and the weather is always sunnier. Like all cars in these ads, the Apache is bearing fake British plates. It gets side swiped by a grey Volvo in an ad for car insurance.
I’ve got an original owners brochure for an apache it anyone wants it foc.
Yet ANOTHER opportunity missed by BL, they could have sold this in the UK as a Triumph 1100/1300 below the Toledo/Dolomite for very little additional cost.
[ Other missed opportunities… V12 Range Rover, Straight-Six 2500 in Stag below 3.0 V8. V6 from Jaguar V12 to be used in SD1… the list seems endless ]