Continuing in that vein of featuring cars that I have never heard of, and believe me, it’s many, today we have a 2009 Devon GTX that is one of only two ever produced. The listing initially states it as a 1980 model but it is later corrected reflecting its actual model year. What a find, huh? Let’s examine this rare sports car and its history. This Devon is located in Dunedin, Florida and is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $250,000 (yikes!). There is a make an offer option too.
A product of Los Angeles-based Devon Motorworks, an industrial design concern, their interest was in building an exotic sports car based on the Dodge Viper platform. Unsuccessfully bidding for the Viper backbone, Devon went its own way and built two GTX prototypes before calling it quits on the idea. The original plan, according to Hot Cars, was to produce 36 units per year that would be tagged with a $500,000 tariff but the GTX was shelved, primarily, due to the Viper’s cancellation. The Viper platform was necessary to amortize tooling costs and Devon’s inability to acquire it put a permanent wrench in the works.
One of the GTX’s claims to fame is the aircraft-quality carbon fiber body. As Hot Cars explains, “The body makes the car lighter around corners which means it can go even faster. The car also had articulating doors and we cannot forget about the two-tone wheel surrounds“. Test runs at Laguna-Seca and Willow Springs are testament to this supercar’s on-track capability, much of it due to its design and construction, though at 3,400 lbs., it’s not exactly a lightweight. Of note are the doors, they are considered “articulating” as they swing up but then fold in towards the vehicle’s centerline. I’m trying to determine what existing car I think this Devon most closely resembles – it’s not shaking anything loose.
Contributing to this two-seater’s weight is its 650 HP, 8.4-liter V-10 Viper engine. So while the GTX is not based on Dodge’s erstwhile supercar, it is powered by the same powerplant. A Tremec six-speed manual gets the grunt to the rear wheels. So, how does it perform? The seller doesn’t elaborate but “lethal” is one descriptor that comes to mind.
There is so much going on outside, and under the hood, that the Devon’s interior tends to get short-shrift. I would consider it to be clean and purposeful. The seats appear to be designed for some serious tail hanging out, forward motivation while the remainder is restrained and to the point. It looks like a very pleasant environment and free from any defects or needed attention.
So, if your counting, this car is number one of two as it’s the first of the pair that was assembled. We’re told that both GTXs sold at Barrett-Jackson in 2012 with one moving on a $220,000 bid. Considering all of this, a Devon GTX seems like one of those automotive things that one acquires for the sake of ownership. It’s not really a car that can be used or enjoyed. I suppose you could – the engine and transmission are no mystery, but the rest probably is. When I find a short-lived rarity like this Devon GTX, I tend to wonder what if? What if this exotic had made it to continual, full production status? Fun to dream on, right?
Wow. A Bat-Viper. Well, I never…
Something cool and radical. With it based on Viper mechanicals it makes it reasonable to maintain and service and it backs up its good looks with performance. I’m certainly not in this market to purchase but if I were looking to stand out in the exotic car crowd I would consider this one
That car is about 4 blocks away from my house.
Seen it once riding past on Edgewater Dr on a Sunday.
i don’t know whats up with barnfinds. i wanted to sell my car and they would not list it. the reason was the add we gave them looked suspicious. they wouldn’t give me a reason why it looked suspicious to them.
– wayne
was it your spelling?
Grammar nazi’s at work?
Saw one of these two in the lineup for auction at Barrett Jackson in Scottsdale some years ago. Scott Devon was there too. My 16 year old son knew all about the car. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of super cars. He went up to Scott and they talked cars like long lost buddies. Nice to see him give time to a young kid.
Love it. Also noticed it is rocking a McIntosh stereo system.
Did you know the 2002 Subaru Outback Limited also features a McIntosh system?
SO WHAT! WHO CARES ABOUT A 2002 Subaru! radio! WERE TALKIN’ ABOUT THIS RARE FABULOUS AUTOMOBILE!
As does the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. As one of my audiophile buddies said recently, “makes you want to buy the vehicle just for the sound system!”
Wow, Leo C you need to chill out. It was an observation not an affront to the car listed. Sheeesh!
Wow. This out-Vipers the Viper. Beautiful car all around, I really like the rear end treatment. It’s a shame this never made it to full production. The streets would look better with some of these running around.
Enjoyed finding the facts on this car, it was in my memory bank. Just couldn’t remember why and how. Hate to say it but at first glance ,I thought Bat Mobile, not sure why. It really is a very cool in practical Car.
2 words: UG LEE.
Looking at the back, I wondering where Devong, TX is?
Mike – having a medical background, I went to “Devong” tx, as DEVONG treatment. And wondered what the impairment was that required it…
I think it looks great, but would be even better with a one color paint job, they have a Lotus Espirit listed also.
Wow , this is surely a car to examine up close
I think the pictures doesn’t do it justice
The paint looks weird to me
I will try to find a picture without the 2 tone colors
This is definitely not in my price range and the ad should be on bat
I remember this story, probably read about it in a magazine at the time.
Seller must be testing the waters before it gets thrown into one of the upcoming auctions.
It most closely resembles a hardtop Viper with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
When your wife says SELL THAT CAR, it is best to comply.
So list it for triple market value, celebrate a sale or shrug your shoulders if no-sale and tell her that the car is unsellable.
Not all car listings are designed to result in a sale.
The overall feeling I’m getting from the car, is that it’s reaching for a sort of “Rolls-Royce” sports car. Likely due to the lighter colors on the fenders, and the tailight treatment. Front and hood far too “busy” for my tastes.
Curious that Chrysler wouldn’t sell them chassis, though my memory says they had problems selling the Vipers they made after the first year or so of production.