ado16.info club desk

Apache – The Prototype

Of course we have recounted this story before but whilst showing an Austin Apache on our stand at last weekend’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery it was very apparent that most visitors had no idea how the Apache came into being...

...Back in 1967/68 Michelotti was commissioned by BMC to re-style the ADO16 and accordingly he produced this stylish and modern looking prototype. However the design was rejected by BMC but was later in 1970 seen by a delegation from Leyland South Africa who wanted to replace their 11/55 ADO16 with something new and did not want to wait for the Allegro project.
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These pictures only came to light in recent years when Martin Williamson met with the late Ralph Clarke, former Engineering Manager at Blackheath and often affectionately referred to as Mr Leyland SA – Ralph Clarke was largely responsible for the development of the Apache from the prototype to the production model and these pictures came from his own private collection. Some have been marked by the engineers at the time to illustrate various points of change. Also, there are many aspects that differ from what became the production car.

Special thanks to Martin Williamson and to www.mginfo.co.uk/leyland

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Apache – Follow Up

The Michelotti styled Austin Apache we had on display last weekend at Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery attracted considerable attention with many considering it great development of the original Pininfarina styling of the ADO16.

What though of Apache development? In recent years these two images came to light and at first glance one might be tempted to think the car is an Authi Victoria.

The windscreen wipers indicate right hand drive; indeed we are looking at a South African Apache further confirmed by the front reflectors hanging below the front bumper. The headlights are not those seen on the twin headlight versions of the Authi Victoria De Luxe, they are Mark II Triumph 2000/2500. Notice also the front indicator position particularly in comparison with the Victoria.

The exterior door handles are stock British Leyland items as were used on the Apache suggesting that this is a factory produced car – albeit some form of styling exercise. At the time these photos came to light, it was also thought that the rims may have been changed to 13" but it's difficult to tell from these images.

Special thanks to www.austinapache.co.uk

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Update from India – More Painting!

The restoration of Mankaran’s 1969 Austin 1100 is nearing completion – the work has been undertaken by Dhananjay and it is actually he who on this occasion sent us these pictures last week...

...Dhananjay is delighted with how the car is turning out and estimates the car may be completed within as little as 20-days.

If you are new to following our pages you may not be aware just how amazing this particular restoration is; Mankaran’s car has been rescued from the very brink...

With a Club Facebook Group having around 1,950 members, contacts and representatives in over 40-countries, you can join the only ADO16 club with free and paid membership levels here: www.ado16.info/membership-join