I have always believed that the motoring world during the 1970s and 1980s provided enthusiasts with little visual excitement. Manufacturers managed to claw back much of the engine power lost to emission regulations, but styling had become quite conservative. Then Dodge came along in 1992 with the original Viper. The swooping lines, low hood, and muscular stance set pulses racing, but its powerplant gave it the muscle to match the looks. This 1996 Viper RT/10 is an unmolested survivor with a claimed 13,000 original miles on the clock. It is a clean and tidy driver needing a new home. The bidding action in the seller’s auction has been relatively sedate, but would you consider changing that situation?
Some classics are subtle and restrained, barely creating a ripple wherever they go. However, the Viper is a different kettle of fish. Cars don’t come much more “in your face” than these vehicles. Dodge wished to make a bold visual statement, and it is fair to say that it succeeded in achieving that goal. The Viper is low, muscular, and menacing. The word “subtle” is redundant, because the Viper is anything but. The first owner ordered this 1996 RT/10 in Viper Black, 1-of-4 paint shades available during that model year. It holds a warm shine, with no major flaws or defects. The seller supplies an excellent array of photos in their listing, with the close-up shots revealing a collection of minor scratches and chips that prove that this Dodge has seen active service. Potential buyers should consider it a tidy driver, rather than a pristine classic. The seller recommends a professional detail and paint correction, which would make a difference to the car’s overall presentation. There is no evidence of rust or accident repairs, with the seller including a clean Carfax Report tracing the car’s history. The glass looks crystal clear, and the wheels are free from marks and blemishes.
Dodge chose to bless the Viper with the muscle to back its looks, slotting an 8-liter V10 under that long and low hood. It generates 450hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to the road via a six-speed manual transmission. These cars are genuinely fast and will demand respect whenever the driver hits the “loud” pedal. The ¼-mile journey becomes a memory in 12.3 seconds while keeping the pedal to the metal will push the needle to 168mph. Those numbers look impressive in a modern context, but they must have seemed the stuff of dreams for performance car enthusiasts in 1996. Potential buyers should consider this a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well. The seller includes this YouTube video in their listing. It is short and sweet, but it allows us to see and hear the Viper in action. I didn’t spot anything that might cause concern.
Dodge marketed the 1996 Viper as a hard-edged sports car, but occupants received enough creature comforts to make any journey a special occasion. These included air conditioning, leather trim, white-faced gauges, power locks, power mirrors, a leather-wrapped wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player. The interior condition is tidy, with no evidence of significant wear or distress on the upholstered surfaces. A set of genuine Viper mats protects the carpet, and the trim and plastic show no signs of cracks or other physical damage.
This 1996 Dodge Viper RT/10 isn’t a trailer queen, as confirmed by the close-up shots in the seller’s listing. It has a claimed 13,000 miles on the clock but appears to have been driven and enjoyed as its creators intended. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Ashburn, Virginia. Bidding sits below the reserve at $26,800 following relatively sedate action. It should comfortably top $30,000 before the hammer falls, although I would be surprised if it hit $35,000 due to the paint imperfections. Do you agree, or do you have another figure in mind?
No figures in mind but to me it’s one of the best designed cars in it’s class. Looks fast sitting still, goes fast while it’s moving. The followup coupes are just as fast and just as beautiful.
I was in LA when a large Dodge dealer showcased the first Vipers, late ’91-early 92. Only had one on display. It had plastic pull up windows, and side exhaust that was later changed in production because heat discolored the fender paint. Looked crude, but looked fast also. Priced at 49,900.00 (no dealer markup as yet).
Neat car. The only drawback I ever saw with the Viper was the exhaust note. I nearly bought one in ’97, but even though they sound like BIG 6 cylinder, they just don’t have the proper growl for me. I know that a ton of folks will vehemently disagree with me, but that’s my opinion.
They are a toy, no more, no less. Only 13,000 miles because they are so awful to drive and impractical for almost any purpose you would have a motor vehicle for, between suspension that transmits every bump in the road, exhaust so loud only a teenager could love it, fear of theft if you park it anywhere than your double locked garage, never, never trust a valet parker, never, never trust you will clear a speed bump, magnet for traffic cop, buit, if you gave it to me, would I love it? Yes. Would I drive it? Maybe once a week to the grocery store.
You make some pretty valid points.
Yep, gotta agree that it is going to appeal to the type of people that love owning anything exotic. It’s good that there are plenty of people out there that will appreciate it, despite all of the “afflictions” that you mention.
Those people, including myself would drive it far more than once a week, and never to the grocery store.