1994 Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster

Conceived by the Chrysler Advanced Design studies in 1988, Chrysler President Bob Lutz and Designer Tom Gale started with the goal to create the modern Cobra. They saw the need for a performance car in Dodge’s rather rapid lineup. First seen in concept form at the 1989 North American Auto Show, the reception was so strong it headed straight to production. Despite a few financing delays, Team Viper was able to work with Lamborghini for the prototype V-10 aluminum engine blocks and, by the Indy 500 race of 1991, it was pretty much fully developed, and the automotive press wanted more, so Carroll Shelby actually drove the pre-production car as the pace car that year.

The Gen 1 Vipers met the goal of emulating the Cobra, fully capable of 165 mph with 400 HP on tap. They are a visceral experience to drive with an amazing feel for the road. The Viper held a unique position in the U.S. market as one of the purest “driver’s car” available.

Offered here is a very original Viper that presents with just 742 miles from new. Finished in its correct Viper Black, this sleek and beautifully executed Tom Gale design is rendered in the factory original paint that offers a brilliant shine. Like the Cobra roadster it emulates, there are no outside door handles or key cylinders, and almost no trim, just an aerodynamic shape in impeccable condition.

This venomous specimen received the kind of care we all hope to hear about when we consider purchasing an original collector car. Under the clamshell hood lies its like-new aluminum 8.0-liter V-10 engine that produces 400 horsepower. Backed by a six-speed manual transmission that sends the immense power to the rear wheels, it creates an unforgettable drive for its pilot.

The days of walking into a Dodge dealership and purchasing a new Viper RT/10 straight from the showroom floor are long gone, but this example comes remarkably close to recreating that experience. Presented with just 742 original miles from new and still displaying its factory window sticker affixed to the windshield and accompanied by its owners manual, it represents a grand blend of originality, preservation, and raw American performance, giving its next caretaker the choice of preserving this modern icon or experiencing firsthand the visceral and venomous thrill that made the Dodge Viper a legend.