“The XP-833 prototype was a preview of future GM designs to come. Long nose, short deck, swooping “coke-bottle” profile, broad grille with chrome bumper surround, raked windshield, bulging fenders, triple slit taillights and hidden headlights with a suggestive power bulge on the hood,” the ad placed on eBay reads.
To compete against the Mustang, in 1967 Pontiac ultimately came out with the Firebird that shared both chassis and sheet metal with the Chevrolet Camaro. In 1973, John Delorean left General Motors and formed the DeLorean Motor Company to create his dream sportscar the DeLorean. Unfortunately, the Banshee never reached production.
The two drivable Banshee prototypes (a coupe and a roadster) avoided destruction by being hidden in shipping crates after the project was canceled by GM. Eventually, the cars sold by GM to employees that were closely involved in the XP-833 project. The example on sale has less than 1,500 original miles on it.
Bidding ends on September 19 and can be placed by following this link. This one-off prototype has the following features:
- Silver exterior with a red interior
- Unique solid-body construction of exterior fiberglass with Steel underbody
- Special hinged roof/top that flips up for easy access
- Specially-built cross flow head OHC inline six engine (155 horsepower)
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Solid live rear axle
- Cooling air intakes under its long nose
- Fixed seats with adjustable/movable pedals
- Stylish sport car dash
- Large 120mph speedometer
- Large 8,000 RPM tachometer
- Gauge pack (temp, oil pres, oil temp, water temp, amps, clock)
- Wood sport steering wheel
- Rally II style wheels
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