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Pontiac Banshee I
The Banshee I was the first in a long line of Pontiac concept cars that had an influence on production models. The first one to emerge in 1964 was extremely advanced with compact dimensions, a lightweight body and a powerful engine. Pontiac conceived it as a “Mustang killer.” But GM was afraid that a sports coupe from Pontiac could affect their Corvette sales, so they canceled the project.
Most car fans think that’s too bad since the Banshee I had the potential to be a fantastic car. GM even incorporated several design cues into the next generation Corvette. Today, both prototypes have survived: one silver coupe and one white convertible. But what would have happened if GM allowed Pontiac to build the Banshee and changed sports car history?