Blown Viper: 28k-Mile 1997 Dodge Viper GTS

Launched at Detroit in 1989, the Dodge Viper recalled the purity and purpose of the original Shelby Cobra. Casting the economical K-Car into distant memory, the Viper resurrected Chrysler’s once proud performance heritage, with key creators including company president Bob Lutz, design chief Tom Gale, and Carroll Shelby, then acting as a consultant to Chrysler. Looking much like a new-school Shelby Daytona Coupe, the sleek Viper GTS debuted for 1996, based on a showstopping concept unveiled in 1989 to overwhelming public response and eventually prompting Lutz to produce it. Far more than a simple closed version of the original Viper RT/10 roadster, the GTS featured a new chassis and suspension, dual airbags, a new steering wheel, power windows, unique wheels, and more. Speeds up to 180 mph were on tap, thanks to better aerodynamics, and Several competition-intended versions were produced. In 2001, the Viper GTS won the FIA GT championship, and in 2002 a Viper won its class at Le Mans.

With only 27,560 miles, this Paxton-supercharged 1997 Dodge Viper GTS has had just three registered owners from new and comes with clean Carfax and Auto Check reports. The seller recently acquired the car from a fellow Viper enthusiast, and they have just installed brand new Nitto 18-inch tires plus brand-new BC coil overs all around, along with new Moog end links. The passenger-side rocker panel/skirt had a bad scratch/dent in it from the previous owner loading it onto a trailer a few years ago, so the seller had it repaired and repainted it to new or better condition. Other choice updates include Lloyd’s floor mats, clear side markers, and professional paint correction by JP Platinum in Phoenix, topped off by application of protective 1-year sealant. Upgrades under the original owner were completed in 2007, including beautiful Forgeline VR1 wheels, a complete Paxton supercharger kit, B&B headers, and Corsa cat-back exhaust with high-flow cats, plus an Archer Racing performance clutch, with this work performed at a total cost of nearly $27k at the time! According to the seller, the V10 engine is completely OEM and has never been taken apart. Every modification is completely reversible, and this car can be brought back to bone stock quite easily. The seller, who has owned several of these awesome beasts, states this Viper GTS is phenomenal and a joy to drive, with responsive steering, firm underpinnings and a smooth-shifting transmission. The seller’s online sale ad for the Viper is extensive, detailed, and must be reviewed for a full understanding of this honestly presented car’s condition.

Check out this video of the owner starting it up: