The legendary 1964 Pontiac Banshee coupe concept, a one-of-a-kind automotive gem, has resurfaced for sale, now showcased in a listing on Hemmings with a hefty price tag of $1.2 million.
Originally conceived as a response to the Ford Mustang, the Banshee, internally designated as the XP-833, emerged from the creative vision of Pontiac’s then-head, John Z. DeLorean. Unlike conventional pony cars, the Banshee boasted a sleek sports car design, featuring aerodynamic fiberglass bodywork reminiscent of the later C3 Chevrolet Corvette and Opel GT models.
Despite its sports car aesthetics, the Banshee borrowed mechanical components from the first-generation Pontiac Tempest, leveraging the car’s unique rear transaxle system, powered by an inline-6 engine, and propelled by a flexible metal driveshaft, affectionately dubbed the “rope drive,” delivering power to the rear wheels.
However, General Motors halted the Banshee project after producing only two prototypes the striking silver coupe and a white convertible. Allegedly, GM executives feared that the Banshee’s allure would overshadow the Corvette, prompting Pontiac to pivot its focus towards the Firebird as its contender against the Mustang, sharing the GM F-Body platform with the Chevrolet Camaro.
Both Banshee prototypes remained concealed until they were acquired by GM employees, with the coupe remaining in possession of its purchaser until 2006. Renowned Pontiac collector Len Napoli, proprietor of a long-standing Pontiac dealership, acquired the Banshee coupe for $210,600 at a Barrett-Jackson auction in 2006.
Despite multiple attempts to sell the prized concept, including listings in 2010 and 2020 with an asking price of $750,000, Napoli has yet to secure a buyer. Now, with the Banshee once again up for grabs, will this iconic piece of automotive history find its rightful owner?