If you like short-lived models, I’d guess you’re familiar with the Buick Apollo. If you’re not familiar and like the Chevrolet Nova but prefer something a bit more obscure, I’d like to introduce you to this 1973 Buick Apollo. This was sent to us by Barn Finds reader, Pat L., who found it here on Craigslist in Knoxville, Tennessee. The seller has an asking price of $6,800.
As teased, the Buick Apollo lived a short life, from 1973 to 1975. It was Buick’s X-body model and the sibling to the far more popular Chevrolet Nova. This 1973 example is from the Apollo’s first model year. Of the 32,793 Apollos built in 1973, just 9,868 of them were the 2-door hatchback style like this one.
The seller describes their Apollo as being in original condition and “in very good shape, but not a show car.” Based on the photos, that appears accurate. The burgundy paint doesn’t shine but may be able to have some life breathed back into it. There’s no close-up of the wheels, but it looks like they might be the Torq Thrust D. I like the wheel choice as it toughens the façade a bit. You can also count me a fan of the hatchback design – it’s not obvious, so it doesn’t really change the look of the car, but dramatically increases ease of access to the cargo area.
The interior is simply described as “original” and the couple of included photos don’t offer much more insight. We can see a black vinyl bench seat that has some seat bottom wear. The door panels, dash, and carpet appear to be ok. Perhaps a thorough cleaning could improve the looks there.
The 350 cubic-inch V8 and TH350 transmission are numbers-matching and original. The engine was rebuilt last year and included upgrades like: “Machined .30 over, new pistons, rings, bearings, lifters, gaskets, polished crank, new mild cam, heads redone. HEI distributor, converted to 4-barrel carb. New water pump oil pump, and timing chain. New aluminum radiator. New heater core, new battery, and much more.”
I’m among those who like short-lived models as well as cars that are a bit more obscure. This appears to be an honestly presented alternative to a Nova with a rebuilt engine with upgrades to boot. Who is making the trip to Knoxville to pick up this one?
Is this a running car? Positive battery cable sitting unattached and carburetor picture kickdown just hanging. Car looks like a buy just maybe, hate to say this, bring a trailer. I do like the car and if work was done correctly it’s a buy.
The fit of the front bumper is definitely off.
Probably it isn’t a bad fit. ’74 was the first year for the “5 mph” bumpers, and they were hidious looking.
1973 was the first year for the big bumpers ; it could be the bracket bolts are loose on the frame rails
Looks like it is hanging low. I have seen these cars before and the fit is definitely off.
73 had big front bumpers and added rear in 74 per government requirements
Maybe missing the plastic pieces that fill the space between the bumper and fender?
Reminds me of my cousins hatchback 74 Nova he bought after he graduated high school in 1977
Nice car.
Great buy for the $ IMO.
If this was a Nova, the asking price would easily be double if not more than the current, even in worse shape.
And given the upgrades, it would be more than capable of getting the groceries. Buicks rock.
Looks a little high in the front. Fix that, tuck the bumpers. Inside, a decent dash and re do the the seats. Plenty of fun to be had with a Buick 350. Got one in my Skylark.
This is what we called super cloned Chevrolet Nova,Oldsmobile Omega,Pontiac Ventura, Buick Apollo SPELLS NOVA
Speaking of Skylark, that’s exactly what this went on as beginning in 1975. The 350 4 barrel is a pleasant surprise.
video ! ! !
A law school friend had a four-door 4-speed 350/4 one in this color. I have to wonder how rare that car was.
My dad had the exact Oldsmobile version of this car. There is nothing slow about these cars which makes them fun to drive. Price not bad either.
I can’t understand why the common ubiquitous Nova is worth more than this car. So much cooler. I scroll past every Nova on Barn Finds but this caught my eye. Love it.
I own a ’74 Apollo that has been garaged its whole life. My grandmother bought it off the showroom floor at Sinclair Anderson Buick in Olympia, WA. I actually learned to drive in it. Perfect inside and out, but needs some engine work. It runs ok but sat for many years. Developed an oil leak. Its in the back of my garage, I start it occasionally, and will go thru it in the near future.