Camino LS6

I have no argument with any of that. Remember the revisons done to the Bel-Air after its debut? When it was next shown, the look had improved.

I think we can weed-out a few cars in this thread as Dream Car rather than producible concepts. '88 Banshee Dodge Super8 GMC Terradyne Efijy Another example would be the LaCrosse concept (which I loved). Contrast that with the G6 concept which was a wholly-reasonable package that would have advanced its brand had it not been ruined by the compromised production car.

You make a strong case for the Bel-Air, Z - it certainly qualifies for nomination. However, it lacks the visual punch it would need to get my vote in the poll. Like the Imperial concept, the idea really works but the execution leaves something to be desired.

OK, analagous then.

I just realized that the sleigh is right hand drive!

I see the Turbine as somewhat equivalent to the GM EV-1.

This is a pic of my mother and my grandfather from a very long time ago.

I don't know Balthy, one could argue that all three of those went to production...

I've never seen that Infiniti before, DF. Even a confirmed detractor of Japanese cars like me can't deny its beauty.

I don't know about that, most of these are confined to fairly recent times. And, the automotive world would be a better place with most of them in it as production cars. Some (like the '88 Banshee) are more in the Dream Car category, but most were good candidates for production in a form close to the showcars. There are only a handful that I wouldn't vote for in the poll. Still, we need more text supporting the choices - I agree there. I'll add some for my nominees if no one else does, but I know some of these are near and dear to certain members, so I'll hold off for now.

So very true, those concepts in the other thread have me drooling. Current Lincolns are invisible to me.

Someone run with these: Holden SSX concept Holden Coupe 60 concept Pontiac Banshee Concept (the original)

Not the Banshee I was thinking of, Roger. And one could argue that the '88 you posted was the dream car version of the 4th gen Firebird.

Nicely done.

Olds, I may go back later and give my reasons for some of my nominations if no one else beats me to it. Everyone else: have at any of my picks if it resonates with you. Just leave the G8 ST to me.

I could think of more... Especially if we go back a ways - Banshee anyone?

The 94/96 El Camino SS In yet another near-miss, this El Camino almost made production back when Chevy was looking at exapnding its B-body lineup. The raging demand for the Tahoe sealed its fate, along with the rest of GM's B-body cars, as the plant that built them was needed for the SUV craze. Too bad.

The Buick Avant Simply because it is beautiful, and all of its lines are perfect. It would turn heads wearing any badge.

The Kappa Nomad concept The Hummer HX This was GM's bonifide Wrangler killer, a package that was innovative and exciting. A real opportunity to both save the Hummer brand and trounce the venerable Jeep was lost when Hummer was axed. This no-nonsense concept was on the fast track to production and a bright future vs. Wrangler when diaster struck. Like the G8 ST, the Hummer HX is too good to waste and would be a natural under the GMC nameplate. Imagine this sitting next to a productionized Sierra All-Terrain HD in a GMC showroom circa 2012. For a refresher on the HX see this thread: The Converj The Converj is the necessary proof that green and clean need not be boring and ugly. As a Cadillac, style could trump function a bit without the constraints that prevented the Volt concept from taking on that role. This car simply needs to happen for Voltec technology to reach a transparent acceptance beyond its technical fascinations. The G6 concept The 1999 Dodge Charger concept This concept is one of the finest examples of melding heritage and contemporary design. It evoked the look of the classic Chargers without being retro. It maintained brand identity in the age of the Intrepid. It ran on clean fuel. It disguised its extra set of doors better than any other design ever has. And, it was drop-dead gorgeous in its own right. This car should have been greenlighted the day after its debut. The Plymouth Howler The Howler was a unique take on the production Prowler with classic T-bucket styling, but that isn't whereits greatest strength lay. What this concept did, more than anything else, was to correct the two major complaints against the production Prowler. The hideous plastic front bumpers were removed, and a powerplant worthy of the Prowler's styling was placed under the hood. Those two changes alone were worth implementation. The Chrysler Hemi-C convertible Long, low, sleek, and production-ready is how I would describe the Hemi-C. I simply have never seen such a production level execution on any other showcar. All this car lacked was management willing to pull the trigger. The Ford Interceptor An obvious platform mate to the Lincoln Continental concept, this car was even more of a no-brainer as a replacement for the ancient Crown Vic than the Continental was for the Towncar. On both cars the styling has a timeless appeal and the business case had a built in base. Ford dropped the ball on both. The Ford Bronco concept Read my endorsement for the Hummer HX and substitute the name Bronco for HX and you have the reasons to build this one. In this case, a further justification can be found in this concept's brilliant update of a Classic Ford design. I don't think that the mass appeal of this Bronco and the HX can be overstated. Both concepts are aimed squarely at a sliver of the market that has been ignored for way too long, and at a competitor that has little fresh appeal. Ford should do this now. The Cadillac Cien This one speaks for itself. But just imagine a world in which the Cien and the Ford GT competed side-by-side.

My G8ST. Unlike any other category 1 nominee, the G8 ST was actually announced for production. In fact, GM even ran the "Tame the Name" contest to name the new model. The top prize was the G8 ST itself. In an extraordinary reversal, the G8 ST was cancelled just ahead of the entire Pontiac brand. The contest winner had to choose his prize from among other Pontiacs. The Holden Ute on which it was based remains in production, and sells in several markets around the world. Here in the US, a genuine niche market exists for this entry as a re-born Chevy El Camino. In fact, it took some effort to understand why GM didn't plan to offer the Ute as a Chevy from the start. The notion was a that an expanded G8 family of bodystyles would strengthen the brand - after some serious thought, I accepted that it was a valid strategy. In an era of lackluster offerings among compact trucks, and a real fear of fuel costs, this excellent Zeta variant is still something GM should be selling. The federal testing is already done, and capacity exists at Holden to make it happen. It would be the ideal companion model to the rumored Chevy Zeta SS sedan badged as El Camino. It's a no-brainer, and more than "shovel-ready", so what's taking so long, GM?

Saw that promo - instant turnoff. When the first thing you think is "What assholes!", that doesn't bode well for the show.

...or not.

I think we have some pretty good candidates here at this point. Even the Ranger (though I've never cared for them). But an early 2000s Dakota is the choice to beat right now. I've found a bunch of them within budget range. There are lots of variables to consider, and some parameters not yet known, so anything could happen. Well, almost. I think we can safely scratch the G3 from the list of nominees.

Fairly even split.