Is the first generation Dodge Viper RT/10 one of the best deals on the collector car market right now? It sure seems like it, and given you can live with the roughshod construction and outrageous performance, the Viper is an extremely smart buy for a car that is almost certain to appreciate significantly in a few years’ time. The RT/10 shown here is a driver, even with 22K original miles. It shows some signs of wear and tear so it has clearly been used; however, it comes with a long list of recent maintenance, and the reserve remains unmet with bids to $29,100.
To me, the first generation Viper will always be one of the most striking cars ever made. Nothing will come close to matching this design again, as it hails from the era when Chrysler was simply cranking out cars and trucks that were all blessed with some level of performance capabilities and almost every model was a home run, design-wise. Even the “cab forward” years with the Concorde and LHS sedans represented some of the best designs to come out of Detroit at the time. There’s no mistaking the Viper’s tail lamps, targa top, and side exit exhaust which will always burn your leg it you’re not careful.
The interiors seemed like they could have been assembled at the Playschool factory in terms of how durable they felt; while likely pretty cheap to maintain overall, the lack of fit and finish was a turn-off to some of the target market buyers for the Viper when introduced. These days, I’m a big fan of older cars that are on the more affordable side to buy and look after, and I will take the cheap Moper switchgear and HVAC controls all day long over the vacuum-operated components as found in old Mercedes and Audis. The seller notes the installation of a “skip shift eliminator”; otherwise, the interior appears to remain in stock condition.
These days, the performance offered by the monstrous V10 might not seem nearly as mind-blowing as it was when first introduced; however, that hardly means the Viper isn’t still entertaining to drive. 400 horsepower routed through a Tremec T-56 six-speed manual will always be a good time in my mind, and a limited-slip differential is there to make sure the fun doesn’t get out of control. The Viper is an icon on the modern-day muscle car scene and this one looks like a potential bargain at the current bid price. It recently was a no sale on Bring A Trailer, so time will tell if it finds a new buyer here on eBay.
With all due respect to Mr Lavery, anyone who says the Viper’s performance “isn’t as mind-blowing as it was when first introduced” needs to get a drive — or at least a ride with what one hopes is a competent driver — in one. These things were and are impressively fast, handled like giant slot cars, and maybe even a little terrifying. The omission of all the electronic nannies meant the driver had to provide traction control, cornering assist, lane-keeping, and all the computerized features most people expect today.
In short, you had to pay attention, and all the kit-car aspects of the Viper’s makeup didn’t mean much; you really didn’t have time to notice them. And, as the author points out, things like switches, HVAC controls and the like are pretty easy to source if needed. Chrysler made them by the hundreds of thousands….
The Viper is a relic of the days when Chrysler was pretty adventurous. For all it’s niggling faults it was an in-your-face tire-shredding monster capable of delighting an attentive driver.
And if horsepower is your game, there was a twin-turbo aftermarket version — built, I believe, by Hennessey — that claimed 1,000 bhp. That certainly made it into the Top Five of the most frightening cars I ever drove. The “regular” Viper was, by the way, on that list, too.
If I had the budget and garage space, I’d bid on this one, at least if the seller could verify that it had never left the road tail-end first. It’s a classic.
Adventurous is right on for that time Ray ! I worked at a Dodge dealer through much of the ’90s (parts counter, service advisor). This car created excitement not seen since 1970 +/-. Then came the new Ram truck, cab forward Intrepid, etc. It was really a great time to work there. Optimism was sky-high and partnering with Daimler Benz only increased it. Big difference working at a place only selling and servicing K-bodies and minivans to that point.
Same car, parked in the entrance of the garage at the ’91 Indy 500. Never forgot it, never will. Wow! factor went to the moon.
I’ll register my upvote for bobhess here (why can’t I give ’em out like regular people, BF?).
Back around 1990, I got a ride in a prototype Viper with Bob Lutz. He was a heckuva good driver and was obviously having a lot of fun, but in years of riding with some pretty good pilots, I don’t think I was ever so tensed-up as I was that day. The Viper was wicked fast. I was delighted not to have to pay for the huge Goodyears he was turning into smoke.
Some things you just don’t forget!
Can I register a vote that “SR’s” privileges be revoked….unless that was sarcasm. 80% of the things/people/animals in my life that provide joy are uncalled/unasked for.
I wouldn’t go quite that far. There are all kinds of opinions around here, from people who love every derelict ride that makes these pages to those who wish they’d include more King-O-Lawn tractors and Rupp minibikes. They’re all worth looking at.
Seems to me Chrysler smiled all the way to the bank with the Viper. At the very least, its “halo” value was enormous.
I will note that more Vipers have probably been restored, coddled and kept up than Omnis….
And bobk, too, would get an upvote from me if I could make that fershlugginer “like” button work!
RayT, he’s been a troublemaker on this site for years under countless user names. Always trashing expensive or performance cars, especially Mopars and Porsche’s. Saying every Challenger, Cuda or B-body would have been better with a slant 6 or 318 and with a 3spd manual.
Steve R
SR, they should delete your current account for making false statements like that. This is a forum without direct communication among non members, fabricating malicious claims about a total stranger shouldn’t be tolerated by the people that run this site. They’ve done it to you before, it’s surprising they haven’t blocked you permanently or automatically delete your account whenever you pop up.
Steve R
I am very familiar with “SR”, as SteveR has been the unfair target of their derisive comments for several years now.
This annoying troll will crawl out from under the bridge every once in awhile to stir things up, then cower back and hide. They must get a big kick out it, for some odd reason.
I did not see the recent comment – it has already been deleted – but I don’t need to see it in order to get the gist of what it said – same old stupid drivel.
A Viper offers zero practicality. That’s a big turn-off for me.
Practicality is not the reason buy Vipers. They buy them because they are pure awesomeness!
Larry Rag ans, ?do you have a relative who frequents this site?
So generally when I find no interest in a vehicle, I don’t comment on it unless I have something constructive to add to the ongoing flow of the conversation.
I’m picking up what you are laying down on this Viper. Sooo, you don’t think they are practical…huuummm.
I don’t think unicycles are practical.
But, somebody still makes them, and somebody still buys them, and somebody still rides them.
Time to realize that everything in this world is not made for you.
Billy
The Larry Ragans of the world prove why Camrys, Accords, Rav4s, and CRVs are the best selling vehicles.
Not sure why they would waste their time on an automotive fan site like BF.
No likey? No buyee. Viper supported many jobs.
Never seen a muscle car that was practical
SR, so are we all to think that Chevrolet should have made more Corvairs than the “plaything for the well to do”, Corvette?
Have to agree with Steve R on this one.
Billy
WHOA, SR! SLOW YUR ROLL!
Holy Moly Man! Did something happen in your childhood that made you this vindictive and sour?
How do you stay on this site?
Again in agreement with Steve R!
As a Dodge salesman I hated Vipers. A bunch of questions from people who would never buy one. A bunch of when I hit the lotto buyers. The worst is when a customer tells you my first car was. You hear about every car the guy ever owned! All part of the job.