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Buick Apollo
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| Buick Apollo | |
|---|---|
| Buick | |
| Production: | 1973-1974 |
| Class: | Compact |
| Body Style: | 2-Door Coupe 3-Door Hatchback 4-Door Sedan |
| Length: | |
| Width: | |
| Height: | |
| Wheelbase: | 111" |
| Weight: | 3000-3300 lbs |
| Transmissions: | 3-Speed Manual, RWD 4-Speed Manual, RWD 2-Speed Automatic, RWD 3-Speed Automatic, RWD |
| Engines: | 4.1L (250 cid) I6 5.7L (350 cid) V8 (2 barrel standard; 4 barrel optional) |
| Power: | 110-170 hp |
| Similar: | Chevrolet Nova Oldsmobile Omega Pontiac Ventura |
| Platform: | X |
The Buick Apollo was a short-lived model, only being offered in 1973 and 1974. The Apollo was Buick's first-ever compact car and was an obvious clone of the X-body Chevrolet Nova, which was a very popular model of that time. The Oldsmobile Omega was introduced that same year also, and both were upscale versions of the Nova, the Apollo having a different nose and taillights from the lesser Nova, along with a few other distinctly Buick styling touches, such as, simulated rectangular portholes and brighter chrome trim (options included various hubcap styles, optional large chrome on the bottom sides of the car which is not shown in the photograph, option of chrome plating around the windows also absent in the photograph of the orange car, 2 large optional extra front bumper guards for added safety, optional vinyl roof, and optional side moldings with simulated chrome trim around the moldings. The side moldings were parallel to the portholes and ran the length of the car. As well as adding dent protection, they created a unique color contrast and hint of more luxury.) The Apollo, like the Nova, was also available as a 2-door coupe, 3-door hatchback or a 4-door sedan. Base engine was the Chevy-built 4.1L (250 cid) I6, with a Buick-built 5.7L (350 cid) V8 as an option. A 3- or 4-speed manual or a 2-speed Powerglide could be had with the 250 I6, and either the 4-speed or 3-speed automatic could be had on the 350 V8 (2 barrel standard; 4 barrel as an option). With the inclusion of a 350 V8, the 350 emblem was placed above the sides of the front yellow rectangular signals. Another option included sporty color matching sideview mirrors on both sides of the front doors. All cars with a radio included a hidden antennae under the entire hood of the car, providing excellent reception. Therefore having an outdoor antennae placed somewhere on the car unnecessary. The 3-speed auto was also available with the I6. With the Buick Apollo, the "NOVA" quartet was now complete, with the Nova, Omega, Ventura and Apollo - which spelled NOVA. Whether this was coincidence or purposely done has never been established.
There was virtually no change in 1974 other than the 2-speed Powerglide transmission was dropped. A sport-oriented GSX model, however, was added this year, which included a blacked-out grille, dual sport mirrors, and special appearance striping. The GSX could be had with either the 250 I6 or 350 V8. The Apollo would be replaced by an all-new revived Skylark, although the Apollo name briefly appeared on the 1975 Skylark 2-door coupe as the Apollo Skylark that year only.
