Apal

Apal, a Belgian coachbuilder, carved a niche in the post-war automotive landscape by specializing in fiberglass bodies, often mated to pre-existing chassis. Their story began in the late 1950s with the Apal GT, a striking coupe built on Porsche 356 underpinnings. This set the tone: Apal wasn't about radical engineering, but rather about offering stylish, lightweight alternatives to established models.

The company's most recognizable creation is arguably the Apal Corsa, a dune buggy-esque vehicle built on Volkswagen Beetle chassis. This proved popular, reflecting the era's enthusiasm for off-road recreation and the Beetle's inherent ruggedness. Other notable projects included the Apal 1300, a more conventional sports car, and various conversions of existing vehicles.

Apal's production numbers remained relatively low, reflecting their niche market and the labor-intensive nature of fiberglass construction. The brand's fortunes fluctuated, and it eventually ceased production in the late 1990s. While not a household name, Apal's contribution to automotive history lies in its distinctive designs and its willingness to experiment with alternative materials and chassis, offering a glimpse into a period of innovative coachbuilding.