Over three years ago, GMÂ Authority reported that the 1964 Pontiac Banshee prototype was listed for sale at a dealership in Connecticut. Well, despite this extended period of time, the one-of-one Banshee sports car is still waiting for its new owner.
Listed for $1.2 million by Napoli Classics in Connecticut, the ad states that the Banshee has less than 1,500 miles on the odometer, and features an inline-six gasoline engine as well as a manual transmission. Outfitted with a silver exterior paint job and a red interior colorway, this iconic piece of General Motors history appears to be in great condition.
For those who may be unaware of the relevance of the 1964 Banshee, here’s the lowdown. Back in the mid-1960s, General Motors was caught flat on its feet when Ford debuted the first-generation Mustang. With no similar product to compete in the all-new “pony car” segment, GM and its brands were blindsided, and need to develop a competitor. Pontiac’s solution was the Banshee – a two-seater sports car with a long hood and short deck.
Pontiac developed two prototypes – the Banshee XP-798 and Banshee XP-833 (which this car is). Head of Pontiac John Z. DeLorean was particularly proud of the prototypes, and intended to take the concept to full-scale production. However, GM brass was worried that the Banshee would undermine the Chevy Corvette, and catabolize sales, so they canned the project.
Of course, the Mustang-fighter that GM needed eventually became the Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird.
Interestingly, the Banshee never completely disappeared. Sharp-eyed readers may note the similarities between the Pontiac prototype and the C3 Corvette. In actuality, the third-generation of the Corvette drew inspiration from the Banshee during development.
So, with all that in mind, would you pay $1.2 million for this one-off prototype? Let us know in the comment section below!
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Comments
It should be in the GM museum.
I would think if they we’re serious about it’s sale they’d list it with a reserve thru Barrett-Jackson.
Unfortunately, there is no “GM Museum”… they crushed most of their prototypes and one-off show cars!
However, with the obvious similarity to the C3 Corvette, I’m sure the car would be well received in the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green KY.
WRL
Actually, there is a GM Heritage Collection. Several existing Motorama and other concepts are there, including the three gas turbine Firebirds. Here’s its web page: https://www.gm.com/heritage Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public at this time.
I think they’re asking too much for a prototype, that most likely is unable to be titled and licensed for street use.
I would agree, put in the NCM. I was a teen when this car was made and remember reading something about it. Pontiac which at the time also developed an inline overhead cam 6-cylinder engine that was very popular. One Pontiac engine that never made it to production was a 427 overhead cam Hemi engine. That was a monster. I remember reading about it in a car magazine in the 60’s. In the article after describing the technical specifications was the following disclaimer (as best as I can remember), “Don’t write or call us, no way no how. You can’t buy this engine. I wish I had kept the magazine.
The Banshee did have the OHC six. Story is John Z pestered then GM president Ed Cole about making the car right up a shouting match in front of staff. Cole finally told him, “You can take the Camaro and make a car out of that!” In any case, Banshee was not a good name for a car, in mythology, it’s a spirit that appears to announce an approaching death.
Growing up as a Pontiac fan I always wanted Pontiac to perform better. I owned a 66 GTO and a 70 Ram Air 4 Firebird. I was always envious of the Chevrolet performance cars especially the Corvette wanting one but remained loyal to the Pontiac brand until I finally bought a used 74 C3. That was it. I have owned a total of 7 Corvettes over the years and now a proud owner of a 2023 C8 Z06. I was a fan of John Z responsible for bringing the GTO to life. Thanks for the info……
Sadly, I’m not in the market for million dollar collectible display pieces. If the sale included designs (for the car itself and its parts), it seems like a potential kit car business could be created…it’s still a nice-looking design.
I’ve read the whole story on these two cars and how two GM executives saved them. The 798 is the one I would pic with the V8 and roadster top.
Big question…. How did this get by the people who would send this to the crusher??? It’s very rare to see something like this get out to the public. Still, it looks pretty kool. Yes, take this to Barret-Jackson. Or even Mecum. trying to sell this on the open market, won’t so.
Rally Ii wheels in 64? At least they eventually made it!
Looks a bit like an overweight Opel. Same era, larger car.
Yes, I can see some Opel particularly with the round pop up headlights. I also see some AMX in the rear quarter B-pillar design.
I know the guy who owned this prototype. His dad was one of the two engineers who built these two cars and convinced Pontiac Leadership to allow them to buy the cars. Once his dad passed away, he held onto it for a few years. He then put it up for sale at Barrett Jackson which is where the guy from the dealership purchased it.
Nice to know a bit of the personal history of this car. GM made several different “IDEA” cars in the late ’50s and early ’60s. Oh how kool it would be to find the survivors that are still “alive”. There must be some hidden away in garages somewhere.. Lets keep looking!
I’m surprised Jay Leno hasn’t sniffed around for this car