The 1974 Buick Apollo: A Rare Gem or a Pricey Flaw?
The 1974 Buick Apollo, a compact car that mirrors the Chevy Nova, is a rare find. With a modest 58,390 miles and a $9,500 asking price, it's an intriguing prospect. However, is it a good deal or a price that only the gods could afford?
In my opinion, the Apollo's rarity and unique features make it an attractive prospect. It's a survivor, a car that has endured the test of time, and it's a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. The fact that it's a mid-level mid-sized coupe designed to appease 1970s middle-American tastes might work against it, but it also makes it a more relatable and accessible classic.
One thing that immediately stands out is the Apollo's layout. With bench seats front and rear, it's a layout that's just not offered anymore. The column shift for the THM350 automatic and an appreciably low transmission hump mean that the front bench can be used for three-across seating, just like the back. This is a feature that many modern cars lack, and it's a detail that I find especially interesting.
However, there are some drawbacks. The engine could use a tune-up, and the car's lack of air vents in the outer corners of the dashboard is a downside. The absence of air conditioning is a significant drawback, especially in the modern era. Additionally, the car's surface rust and chipping on the front wheel arch are issues that need to be addressed.
Despite these drawbacks, the Apollo's rarity and unique features make it an attractive prospect. The fact that it's a survivor and a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history is what makes it so fascinating. In my opinion, the $9,500 price tag is a good deal for a car that has so much character and history.
What's your opinion on this rare Buick at that $9,500 price? Does that feel like a good deal to get on board the Apollo program? Or is that a price that only the gods could afford? You decide!
