Although Apollo was a dismal failure as a company, the 1962-1965 Apollo GT itself was an undisputed success. Despite its uneventful and brief sales history, the automotive press heaped praise upon the Apollo time and time again.
Road & Track, Hot Rod, and Car and Driver all found the Apollo GT coupe a consummate sports car, particularly for its styling and craftsmanship.
![]() The Apollo’s lauded styling had been greatly influenced by Ferrari, notably at the front end. |
In November 1963 Road & Track wrote: "Our experience in the Apollo has been both brief and pleasant. The car is quite comfortable (even for extra tall occupants) and well finished. In general, the Apollo is a very appealing automobile, put together with loving care under the supervision of [Milt] Brown and [Newt] Davis in this country, and Frank Reisner, head of Intermeccanica, in Italy. The whole conception is basically sound and the company directors have proven to R&T that they are interested in producing a quality automobile and have the interest of the customer at heart."
In July 1964, Hot Rod said that "Workmanship is of the highest quality -- panels fit well, doors close with authority and the interiors are comparable to cars costing twice that of the Apollo."
![]() The interior also took its cues from Ferrari, and upholstery was hand-sewn leather. |
Race driver and automotive columnist Denise McCluggage, writing in Science and Mechanics magazine, lofted the Apollo to its highest praise when she said it was comparable to the Ferrari 2+2, Corvette Sting Ray, and Aston Martin DB-4. It was without question the right car at the right time, lacking only those two all-essential ingredients, marketing and money.
In all, a total of 88 cars were produced -- 76 coupes, 11 convertibles, and the prototype 2+2 coupe. In retrospect, the Apollo could be classed as something of a successful failure.
Having been recognized as an American Milestone Car and a valuable collectible automobile, the Apollo has proven that success in the automotive world is not always measured by financial statements alone.
1963-1964 Apollo GT Specifications
General | |
Wheelbase (inches) | 98.0 |
Overall length (inches) | 178.0 |
Height (inches) | 50.0 |
Width (inches) | 66.0 |
Tread, front (inches) | 56.0 |
Tread, rear (inches) | 56.0 |
Ground clearance (inches) | 5.0 |
Curb weight (pounds) | 2,485 |
Engine/Chassis | |
Type | overhead-valve V-8 |
Construction | aluminum |
Bore (inches) | 3.50 |
Stroke (inches) | 2.80 |
Displacement (cubic inches) | 215.5 |
Compression ratio | 11.1:0 |
Horsepower @ rpm | 200 @ 5,000 |
Torque (lbs/ft) @ rpm | 240 @ 3,200 |
Transmission | 3- or 4-speed man, 2-speed auto |
Rear axle ratio (std) | 3.36:1 |
Steering ratio | 17.5:1 |
Brakes | drum |
Swept area (square inches) | 224 |
Performance (Road & Track, November 1963) | |
0-30 mph (seconds) | 2.8 |
0-60 mph (seconds) | 8.4 |
0-100 mph (seconds) | 27.0 |
Standing 1/4 mile @ mph | 16.0 @ 82 |
Top speed (3.90:1 rear axle) | 104 |
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