Prepare to be mesmerized by automotive history as the illustrious 1964 Pontiac Banshee coupe concept emerges once more for sale, captivating enthusiasts with its timeless allure. This iconic specimen, known internally as the XP-833, is now seeking a new custodian, beckoning aficionados with a price tag of $1.2 million, as revealed in a listing on Hemmings.
Conceived as General Motors’ riposte to the burgeoning Ford Mustang phenomenon, the Banshee epitomizes the visionary brilliance of John Z. DeLorean, Pontiac’s luminary leader at the time. Eschewing the pony car archetype, this sports car prototype boasts sleek fiberglass bodywork reminiscent of future classics like the C3 Chevrolet Corvette and Opel GT.
Underneath its beguiling exterior lies a cunning fusion of form and function. Unlike bespoke sports car platforms, the Banshee ingeniously repurposes mechanical hardware from the first-generation Pontiac Tempest. Notably, it adopts the Tempest’s unconventional rear transaxle—propelled by a flexible metal driveshaft famously dubbed the “rope drive”—to harness the power of an inline-6 engine and propel the rear wheels with finesse.
However, fate dealt a cruel hand to the Banshee, curtailing its production ambitions after the completion of just two prototypes—a resplendent silver coupe and an elegant white convertible. Allegedly, fears of encroaching on Corvette sales prompted General Motors to shelve the project, redirecting Pontiac’s aspirations towards the iconic Firebird as its Mustang adversary, forged from the same GM F-Body platform shared with the Chevy Camaro.
Subsequently relegated to obscurity, the Banshee prototypes found sanctuary in the hands of discerning GM employees, shielded from prying eyes until they found refuge in private collections. The coupe, a marvel of automotive artistry, remained under the care of a fortunate owner until 2006, when dealer Len Napoli of Milford, Connecticut, seized the opportunity to acquire it for $210,600 at a Barrett-Jackson auction—an event that marked the beginning of its storied journey under his stewardship.
Now, the Banshee coupe, a cherished relic from Pontiac’s golden era, returns to the spotlight under Napoli’s custodianship, beckoning collectors with its allure once more. With a history steeped in intrigue and a lineage steeped in Pontiac’s pioneering spirit, will this iconic prototype finally find its rightful place in the annals of automotive history? As it graces the marketplace once again, the stage is set for a new chapter in its remarkable saga.
