Belgium's Automotive Legacy: APAL Horizon GT

Unique ONES - In the world of automobiles, brands from Italy, England, Germany, and France have long dominated the market. However, Belgium, a neighboring country, is often overlooked for its contributions to the automotive industry. Let's delve into the story of APAL (Application Polyester Armé de Liège), a Belgian automotive manufacturer that made a significant impact.

The APAL Horizon GT was produced from 1968 to 1969 in a limited run of only 10 units. (Picture from: Auta5P.eu)

Founded in 1961 by Edmond Pery, a fiberglass specialist, APAL began production in Belgium. Although not widely known, this manufacturer gained recognition for its buggies and coupé models. The first APAL model, produced between 1961 and 1965, was a coupé inspired by the 1959 Porsche Carrera Abarth and built on the Volkswagen Beetle chassis. Around 150 examples of this model were manufactured during that period.

The 1964 APAL Racing Coupe was a lightweight rival of the Porsche 356 at the Liège Sofia Liège rally. (Picture from: Spa-Sofia-Liege)

While most APAL Coupés utilized Volkswagen powertrains, it is worth mentioning that over thirty APALs were equipped with authentic Porsche mechanics. These included engines, gearboxes, wheels, brakes, seats, and dashboard instruments, adding a touch of sophistication and enhanced performance to these vehicles.

The APAL Horizon GT was built on Volkswagen Beetle floor pans, with a fiberglass bodywork design. (Picture from: Auta5P.eu)

One standout among the various APAL Coupés is the APAL Horizon GT, which was produced from 1968 to 1969 in a limited run of only 10 units. It featured a sleek fiberglass body and a detachable roof panel that could be conveniently stowed in the boot. The body panels of the Horizon GT appear straight and well-maintained, as the exterior underwent refurbishment some time ago.

The APAL Horizon GT's interior featured with a black vinyl upholstery, a three-spoke steering wheel and simple racing dashboard loads instrument panel and gauges. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

The APAL Horizon GT was built on Volkswagen Beetle floor pans, with a fiberglass bodywork design. It boasted a 1.7-liter flat-four engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, delivering approximately 100 horsepower. With this power, the Horizon GT could reach a maximum speed of about 200 kph.

The APAL Horiizon GT boasted a 1.7-liter flat-four engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, delivering approximately 100 horsepower. (Picture from: Auta5P.eu)

In 2017, at the Bonhams Retromobile auction in Paris, one of the ten APAL Horizon GTs (the car number 2) was sold for $34,800. This particular car had a notable history, having been owned by Edmond Perry, the founder and CEO of APAL. The interior of the vehicle showcased black vinyl upholstery and Smiths gauges, with an odometer indicating approximately 25,000 kilometers (~15,500 miles).

The APAL Horiizon GT featured a sleek fiberglass body and a detachable roof panel that could be conveniently stowed in the boot. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

Notably, the APAL Horizon GT remained unregistered until 2016, primarily serving as a show car for auto exhibitions and classic racing events. The current seller plans to register the vehicle in Portugal, and it currently holds a Belgian transitional title. Apologies for the lack of a video showcasing the APAL Horizon GT. However, what awaits you in the video below is a captivating digital creation by the talented designer, Da Feng. Prepare to be amazed!.

Belgium's contribution to the automotive industry should not be underestimated. APAL, a Belgian manufacturer, created a unique range of coupés, including the APAL Horizon GT. With its exquisite design, impressive performance, and limited production, the Horizon GT exemplifies Belgium's rich automotive heritage. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SPA-SOFIA-LIEGE | BRINGATRAILER | AUTA5P.EU | ]

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