This 1997 Dodge Viper GTS coupe is a low-mileage example that is being offered by the second owner with under 30,000 original miles. The solid-color GTS, meaning it has no stripes going down the center of the body, looks to be in good condition cosmetically, exhibiting some signs of use normally associated with a driver rather than a time capsule. The seller has decided to sell the Viper due to the poor condition of local roads and not being able to enjoy the Viper to the fullest. Find the coupe here on eBay in an auction listing ending Sunday, with bidding up to $30K with no reserve.
The Viper GTS is a muscle / supercar I have fond memories of, having had the opportunity to drive one as part of the Skip Barber driving school experience. It’s a monster of a car, with a horrible driving position, awkward pedal box, and the sort of power that makes it challenging to drive such a car smoothly as a novice. But it hails from an era where the car didn’t exist to make you look good; no, you had to figure that out for yourself. As far as not having stripes from the factory, some collectors prefer the solid paintwork.
The interior does reveal one tacky detail, which is the Viper snake logo being sewn into the seat back. I realize this is a subjective opinion, but the Viper is not exactly a car that needs a custom touch like this to remind you what it is. It’s already a two-tone bucket, which is eye-catching enough – must it also have a snake’s head? These cabins were made of low-rent materials when new, so it’s hard to expect much out of them in terms of quality years later; it appears the factory radio remains in place.
No major maintenance updates are listed, with the seller simply noting relatively fresh tires and new plugs and oil. The engine at least looks completely stock, but it’s a bit jarring to see the tired cosmetics on the valve cover for such a low-mileage example. The seller’s claim that his hometown in Indiana doesn’t have the sort of road quality to support owning a supercar like the Viper may seem far-fetched, but I can emphasize with not enjoying a hard-riding classic as much due to pockmarked roads and broken pavement. However, I’m not sure it would drive me to part with an iconic muscle car like the GTS.
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