1962-1965 Apollo GT Performance
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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