We tend to take for granted just how special the original Dodge Viper GTS was when introduced in the late 1990s. The Viper RT/10 up until that point had been everything we were promised on the auto show circuit – a crude, rough-around-the-edges supercar that packed V10 power and tons of attitude. The GTS coupe didn’t lose much in the attitude department but made such significant strides in terms of maturity and packaging that its value trajectory has been completely different from the RT/10 – translated loosely, the GTS is a highly sought after item today. This example listed here on craigslist for $84,000 is a rare Indianapolis Pace Car edition with just 11,000 original miles.
When the GTS came about, it was not just a Viper that was easier to live with; it represented a key moment in muscle car history. While the RT/10 will likely be available for some time to come as a cheap muscle car – blame the low-rent aspect of its original construction – the GTS staked a claim that catapulted it into history as one of the most sought-after performance machines. Bob Lutz himself wanted to build a car that would lead to a modern version of the immortal Shelby Daytona Coupe, so right off the bat, there’s some serious star power involved. And rarely does Lutz involve himself with a project that won’t become iconic.
The fixed, “bubble-style” roof was instantly iconic. The Viper blue paint with white stripes doubled down on that notion and made an already special car even more immediately sought-after. The interior was still fairly crude but it was appropriate for a sporting muscle car. Of course, it was still manual-only. The Indianapolis 500 Pace Car editions weren’t much different from the standard model, aside from coming with an optional decal kit that would be affixed on the doors. This one doesn’t sport the decals, but given the seller claims to have purchased it some 25 years ago, there’s a chance he received it when he bought it in or around 2000.
The 8.0-liter V10 packed 450 horsepower in a fairly light package, clocking in at 3,444 pounds – sure, it’s not a Lotus, but this is still a car with some mass to it. The GTS was meant to be used like a track car, however, so Dodge looked for ways to shed weight any way it could, using light-weight components in the exhaust and suspension to shed some pounds. With a top speed of 184 miles per hour and a 0-60 sprint of just 4.2 seconds, the Viper GTS remains a near-supercar collectible that will only continue to rise in value in the years to come, and $84,000 seems like a very fair asking price. Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the tip.
I have one exactly like this and every time I look at it, I wonder what a drive would be like; unfortunately, it’s only a 1/18th scale model, LOL!! :-)
LOL, I’ve got that same replica too!
Me too. I think the first on came out in 92 or 93 and they were red.
I have never had the chance to drive a GTS. I have driven 3 Vipers and enjoyed the experience. The first RT10 was an early Hennessy 550. Either the first Vipers had more rear gear, or Hennessy installed more (higher numerically) because the the acceleration was incredible. (For back then in the late ’90s. Now days a 2 motor Tesla sedan has the same acceleration.) The later model RT10s don’t give you the same feeling, the torque however propells you at a high rate of speed that you don’t realize. 80 mph comes up in a big hurry when it is time to shift out of second gear! (4 more gears to go!) As much as I like the car I find that the pedal placement (better on the later cars) is not an ideal placement for my damaged back. (offset to the left to clear all that engine up front) . If the GTS has an improved pedal placement perhaps it has improved economics. It certainly is cool looking.
I drove an RT10 Viper some years back (not mine) and remember two things vividly, I was an instant celebrity, and to this day it was the only car I ever drove that I simply thought about passing another vehicle and I was already around him.
Yes, the torque of these cars is so smooth, that the acceleration is deceiving. Very very fun! Your wish is its command!
I worked at Bob Caldwell Dodge in Columbus OH through the ’90s in both the parts and service department. It was an exciting time in the brand history. Especially considering there were a lot of employees that endured years of products such as the Aspen and Aries K. Even the awful Monaco that came from the AMC/Renault acquisition. The new Ram truck and Viper changed things dramatically.
Funny story about my 1/ 18 scale diecast version of this beautiful car.
I had an apartment with all my diecast out on display, on shelves. Some contractors needed entry into my apartment to do some work, and when I came home from work later that day I saw a blank spot where the Viper should be.
( It was taken ) !
So, I notified the Super of the building, next day the head contractor showed up and asked how much the car was worth ( I said, $ 100.00 ) and he gave me $ 100.00 on the spot also telling me the person that took it was fired.
2 weeks later, I’m heading out to work and in front of my door was a plastic bag containing the stolen Viper !
Could not believe it.
Good luck to the seller …