If modern cars have lost one thing compared to their predecessors, it is the use of evocative names. Badges like the Mustang and Corvette survive, but manufacturers find it hard to set pulses racing with names like Kona or Alero. Dodge faced no such challenges when it released its two-seat sports car in 1991, christening it “Viper.” This was Detroit at its best because it ignited passion in the souls of performance car enthusiasts. Our feature car is a 2000 Viper RT/10 that the seller admits isn’t perfect. However, it could be ideal for someone seeking a driver-grade classic with power to burn. The seller has listed the RT/10 here on eBay in San Antonio, Texas. The auction opened at $29,500 but has received no bids. This opens a tantalizing possibility that is worth considering. This is a No Reserve listing; if the action doesn’t intensify, someone could take it home with a single bid.

Dodge introduced the Viper in 1991, with the updated SR II version landing in showrooms for the 1996 model year. Many words have been used to describe the Viper’s styling, but I don’t remember seeing the term “subtle” coined very often. From its enormous hood to the scoops and swooping body, there is no doubt the company meant business with this car. The original owner ordered this RT/10 in Viper Steel Gray Pearl, which is a classy shade. The seller admits it isn’t perfect, although the overall presentation is impressive for a classic with over two decades of active service under its belt. The paint shines beautifully, and the owner’s decision to fit a “car bra” has protected the prone front from chips and marks. Vipers aren’t renowned for rust issues, and this car’s location should ensure it is rock-solid. The top fits tightly, the glass is clear, and this Viper rolls on later wheels.

One aspect of most classics that reveals much about their life is the interior. Touching up exterior chips and scratches is typically straightforward and inexpensive, but an interior retrim often isn’t worth the cost. That means that abuse and neglect stand out a mile away, particularly if the vehicle is a Convertible. There are no such dramas with this Viper because, apart from stretching and wrinkles that are part of the material’s character, the Brown leather seatcovers are in good order. The same is true of the remaining upholstered surfaces, with the dash spotless and the plastic pieces exhibiting only minor marks and scratches. A JVC stereo sits where the factory system should be but appears to be the only addition to an interior with plenty of standard equipment. The new owner receives a pair of airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, white-faced gauges, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel.

The seller indicates this numbers-matching Viper features an upgraded radiator and cooling fan for improved reliability. The new air intake and Borla exhaust should improve the noise produced by this classic and may unlock a few additional ponies. Not that this car really needs them! Dodge didn’t mess about when developing the Viper, with its engine bay housing an 8.0-liter V10 producing 450hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque. That power feeds to the sticky rear tires via a six-speed manual transmission, with power assistance for the steering and four-wheel disc brakes standard fare. Was the Viper fast? With a ¼-mile ET of 12.3 seconds and a top speed of 168mph, the answer appears to be a resounding “Yes.” The engine bay presentation tells much of this car’s story. It presents well for its age and doesn’t flatter to deceive. This Viper is a turnkey proposition where the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.

The only thing surprising about this 2000 Dodge Viper RT/10 is the lack of bidding action. The opening bid figure looks highly competitive in the current market, and if it kicks off, the price could climb to around $40,000 on a good day. However, the lack of interest could be a blessing for those seeking a potent classic. I raised the idea of securing this Viper with a single bid, which remains possible. So, are you tempted by that thought?