Austin Apache
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2017}}
{{Refimprove|date=December 2009}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Austin Apache
| aka = Austin Victoria (Spain)
| image = 1976 Austin Apache 1.3 Front.jpg
| caption = 1976 Austin Apache
| manufacturer = Leykor (British Leyland)
Authi
| designer = Giovanni Michelotti
Alec Issigonis
| engine = 1,275 cc A-series I4
| production = 1971–1978
| assembly = South Africa (Leykor)
Spain: Pamplona (Authi)
| class = Compact
| wheelbase = {{convert|2370|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}{{Cite book | title = Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 77/78 | publisher = Editoriale Domus S.p.A | year = 1977 | language = Italian | page = 85 | location = Milano }}
| length = {{convert|4030|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1530|mm|in|0|abbr=on}}
| platform =
|layout=FF layout
| body_style = 4-door saloon
| related = BMC ADO16
}}
The Austin Apache is a small family car that was produced by Leykor between November 1971 and 1978.{{citation|title=Auto Data Digest 1981 |publisher=Mead & Mcgrouther |location=Randburg, South Africa |year=1981 |page=302 |url=http://www.kewengineering.co.uk/apache/Images/Auto%20Data%20Digest%20Austin%20Apache.jpg |accessdate=2010-12-27 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308000152/http://www.kewengineering.co.uk/apache/Images/Auto%20Data%20Digest%20Austin%20Apache.jpg |archivedate=2012-03-08 }} The Apache was the last BMC ADO16 car to be produced. The Spanish manufacturer Authi also built a version of the car, called the Austin Victoria, at its Pamplona plant between 1972 and 1975.
History
{{Multiple image
| align = left
| direction = vertical
| width = 220
| image1 = 1976 Austin Apache 1.3 Rear.jpg
| caption1 = 1976 Austin Apache 1.3
| image2 = Austin Victoria MKII De Luxe 1973.jpg
| image3 = Austin Victoria MKII De Luxe 1973 rear iso view.jpg
| caption3 = 1973 Austin Victoria MKII De Luxe
}}
The car was styled by Michelotti, and based on the chassis and various other components of the Austin/Morris 1100. Leykor executives saw Michelotti's prototype in England and chose it for production in South Africa, where ADO16 sales had been dropping. While the car's centre structure was that of the Austin/Morris 1100, its front and rear styling was all-new, styled (particularly at the rear, where the boot was a notchback) to resemble a scaled-down Triumph 2000/2500. The tail lights, and outer sections of the rear bumper were the same as those used by the Triumph 2000/2500.{{cite web|author=Williamson, Martin |title=The Apache Story: Introduction |url=http://www.kewengineering.co.uk/apache/introduction.htm |publisher=KEW Engineering Ltd |accessdate=2010-12-22 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629000847/http://www.kewengineering.co.uk/apache/introduction.htm |archivedate=29 June 2011 }} See also the more comparably sized Triumph Dolomite and Triumph Toledo.
In 1973 the Apache received a minor facelift, introducing proper CV joints, round Smiths gauges and a rod linkage for the gear shift. Originally, the ADO16 used rubber drive joints, a strip speedometer, and a remote extension gear lever. Also in 1973, the sporty TC model was added to the lineup. Power was up to {{convert|55|kW|PS|0|abbr=on|disp=flip}} at 5,800 rpm, compared to {{convert|46.2|kW|PS|0|abbr=on|disp=flip}} at 5,250 rpm for the 'cooking' versions. The TC also received Rostyle rims, vinyl roof, a rev counter, and a sporty steering wheel.{{citation|title=Auto Data Digest 1981 |page=303 |url=http://www.kewengineering.co.uk/apache/Images/Auto%20Data%20Digest%20Austin%20Apache%20%20TC.jpg |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308000223/http://www.kewengineering.co.uk/apache/Images/Auto%20Data%20Digest%20Austin%20Apache%20%20TC.jpg |archivedate=2012-03-08 }} All versions of the Apache and Victoria used the 1,275 cc version of BMC's venerable A-series four-cylinder, with a variety of outputs.
Production
References and links
{{reflist}}
- http://www.authi.net Website of Authi enthusiasts (in Spanish)
- [http://www.aronline.co.uk/index.htm?ado16spain2f.htm Austin Victoria page at AR on-line]
{{Commons category|Austin Victoria}}
{{British Motor Holdings and British Leyland cars, 1966-1986}}
Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles
Category:Cars introduced in 1971
{{Classicpow-auto-stub}}