Don't Let Them Disappear

If I asked you to name a particularly rare Austin from the 1970s, the name Apache wouldn’t necessarily pop into your head.

But that’s because the four-door Apache was never offi cially sold in the UK. Instead, it was manufactured by British Leyland in South Africa purely for local consumption.

Take one Austin 1300 saloon, fit a more modern front end with oblong headlamps, attach a saloon-style boot to the rear and you suddenly had the Austin Apache. And it was a handsome little machine, its Triumph-like back end being particularly well proportioned.

Produced from 1971 to ’77, just 21,685 Apaches were built in total before the model was finally usurped by the Marina. A handful of Apaches were privately imported to the UK over the years, but it’s thought that only two or three of these survive today. If you’re lucky enough to see one out and about, you’re looking at a seriously rare car. Meanwhile, for further information, check out the fantastic enthusiasts’ website that is www.austinapache.co.uk.

25 January 2008