Pontiac Banshee XP-798 Concept: The Forgotten GM Vision
Suppressed Legend - The history of concept cars is often filled with bold ideas that never quite made it to the public eye, yet still managed to shape the future in subtle ways. Among these hidden chapters lies the story of the Pontiac Banshee XP-798 Concept—a machine that captured ambition, innovation, and internal corporate tension all at once. Emerging during a time when American automakers were fiercely experimenting with performance and identity, this concept became one of the most intriguing “what if” moments in automotive history.
The 1966 Pontiac Banshee XP-798 Concept was developed under the vision of John DeLorean, who had already begun shifting his focus toward the creation of the Pontiac Firebird after an earlier Banshee concept was rejected by General Motors. (Picture from: CarBuzz)
The XP-798was developed under the vision of John DeLorean, who had already begun shifting his focus toward the creation ofthe Pontiac Firebird after an earlier Banshee XP-833 concept was rejected by General Motors. Despite that setback, DeLorean continued to push creative boundaries. The XP-798, introduced internally around the time of the New York Auto Show in 1966, was conceived as a more refined evolution of the earlier XP-833. Interestingly, the “Banshee” name itself only came later, inspired by a military aircraft, adding a layer of aggressive identity to an already daring concept.
The 1966 Pontiac Banshee XP-798 Concept stood out with sliding hinged doors and upward-flipping roof panels, creating a futuristic entry system. (Picture from: CarBuzz)
Unlike its predecessor, the XP-798 leaned toward a grand touring philosophy. It was designed as a four-seater, drawing inspiration from European GT cars while still maintaining a distinctly American attitude. Its exterior subtly echoed the styling language ofthe Firebird, blending sleek lines with muscular proportions. Beneath that body sat a powerful 6.9-liter V8 engine, paired with independent suspension on all four corners—an advanced setup for its time. What truly set the car apart, however, were its unconventional access features: sliding hinged doors combined with roof panels that flipped upward, creating an almost futuristic entry system that hinted at ideas far ahead of mainstream production.
The 1966 Pontiac Banshee XP-798 Concept featured a 6.9-liter V8 engine with independent suspension on all four corners, advanced for its time. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Technically and conceptually, the XP-798was envisioned as a serious competitor in the growing performance segment—essentially a “Mustang fighter” with added sophistication. It even included practical touches like fold-down rear seats, reinforcing its grand touring character. Yet, despite its promise, the project was abruptly halted before it could be publicly unveiled. Internal concerns played a decisive role; leadership feared the car might overshadow the Chevrolet Corvette, while Chevrolet was simultaneously developing what would become the Chevrolet Camaro and Firebird platform. The XP-798 became a casualty of strategic overlap rather than a failure of design. As there is no video available for this car, here is one featuring its predecessor, the Pontiac Banshee XP-833 Concept. | MIi4RfK4cEM |
Although it never reached show floors, echoes of the Banshee’s innovation seem to have lingered. Some enthusiasts speculate that its distinctive door concepts may have subtly influenced later creations like the DeLorean DMC-12, though no direct confirmation exists. Decades later, the Banshee name resurfaced in another concept, adding to the confusion around its legacy. Still, the original XP-798 remains a fascinating reminder that not all groundbreaking ideas are meant to be seen—some exist quietly behind the scenes, shaping the direction of automotive design in ways that only history can fully appreciate. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | CARBUZZ ]
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Pontiac Banshee XP-798 Concept: The Forgotten GM Vision
The XP-798 was developed under the vision of John DeLorean, who had already begun shifting his focus toward the creation of the Pontiac Firebird after an earlier Banshee XP-833 concept was rejected by General Motors. Despite that setback, DeLorean continued to push creative boundaries. The XP-798, introduced internally around the time of the New York Auto Show in 1966, was conceived as a more refined evolution of the earlier XP-833. Interestingly, the “Banshee” name itself only came later, inspired by a military aircraft, adding a layer of aggressive identity to an already daring concept. 
Although it never reached show floors, echoes of the Banshee’s innovation seem to have lingered. Some enthusiasts speculate that its distinctive door concepts may have subtly influenced later creations like the DeLorean DMC-12, though no direct confirmation exists. Decades later, the Banshee name resurfaced in another concept, adding to the confusion around its legacy. Still, the original XP-798 remains a fascinating reminder that not all groundbreaking ideas are meant to be seen—some exist quietly behind the scenes, shaping the direction of automotive design in ways that only history can fully appreciate. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | CARBUZZ ]
