The first generation Dodge Viper GTS coupe is not a cheap car to buy, but in the world of 90s supercars, it is definitely one of the most affordable (there’s an important distinction in word choice). The Viper shown here is a classic blue with white stripes combination, and it appears to have been modified by a shop known for setting Vipers up for road racing. This 1996 Viper GTS is listed here on craigslist with 30,000 original miles and likely a whole host of upgrades courtesy of West Coast Vipers. The asking price is $51,000, and thanks to Barn Finds reader Tony Primo for the find.
The Viper GTS was the first hardtop offering after the initial run of RT/10s with its removable targa roof panel. The increased rigidity and arguably better looks made the GTS an instant favorite, and it also opened the door for the Viper to become a track weapon of choice on road courses all over the country. At any given major racing series, you will always see well-capitalized racing teams on deck with a few Vipers in the paddock, which speaks to their durability and road holding abilities, along with impressive straight-line speed. The seller’s car is listed as as a great “driver quality” car, which likely provides a clue as to this Viper’s past as having belonged to a popular racing instructor.
The work done to this Viper remains a mystery in terms of the extensiveness of the modifications, but there’s a plaque (see below) that indicates West Coast Vipers performed a few different tweaks to this car. The seller also notes it comes with a stash of OEM parts, likely removed during the build process. The engine bay shows signs of an aftermarket induction system and I’m sure more modifications are hidden beneath those iconic valve covers. The seller notes it traps at 124 miles per hour in the 1/4 mile, which is a great number considering stock is around 117.
So, here’s the interesting little history nugget: Kalilo Messier is listed as the head honcho at a performance driving school in California. Sadly, it seems like there’s some legal activity – not saying good or bad, just that the name is mentioned in some court documents posted online – that may indicate the business hit some snags. Regardless, the Viper was seemingly built for him by a shop known to be visited regularly by owners of Vipers that are used on local roads courses. Suffice to say, this GTS was likely built to a very high standard when it was commissioned, and I doubt you could replicate the build for the asking price. Seems like a phenomenal deal from where I’m sitting!
Why am I so tempted to find a capital letter “F” in white, about 30” tall, and drop it off in front of this business late at night?
Got to admit the ART behind the car correctly describes it.
Not for me. I drove one……once. Once was enough. Loud, cramped, inside was full of cheap plastic that rattled. Oh sure, it threw you back in the seat, but not really my kind of well rounded driving machine. My kind of car handles well, but not so stiff that any kind of jaunt over a hundred miles leaves you sore. Good performance, but balanced with reasonable fuel economy. THE OLDER I GET (AND I AM PRETTY OLD), the more I appreciate some amenities, like air, a decent stereo; things like that. A car like this meets non of those criteria. Where is the luggage space? There is nothing better that the wife and I love to do, but drop a few days worth of clothes into some bags and head out for a several day scenic road trip in a great car. Isn’t that what being a car person is all about? Or is it for short bursts of speed around home, hoping you don’t get caught? Or dare I say, just to impress and invest? The former is childish, and the later has ruined the hobby for so many.
E
Drove one once also. It was great. Instant speed in every year.
Always wanted to get one.
The 1996 Viper GTS came standard with leather seats with lumbar support, 9.18 cubic feet of luggage space, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, air bags, 6 speaker stereo system with CD player, and for taller and shorter driver’s adjustable foot pedals.
I should clarify, when I mention it being cramped, that meant for me…Mr Tubby.
Yeah I’m no picnic to ride with when a car has no a/c & it hasn’t always been that way , the struggle is real!
Gone. This was too good to be true.
The 1996 Dodge Viper GTS came standard with air conditioning, leather seats with lumbar support, 9.1 cubic feet of luggage space, 6 speaker stereo system with a CD player, power windows, power door locks, air bags, and for taller and shorter driver’s adjustable foot pedals.