This Dodge Viper GTS Is the Retro Cobra Daytona Ford Should Have Built
Performance
Sports Cars
Classics
American
Some things should be immediately stashed away for safekeeping. For example, priceless artwork and family photos should be preserved for posterity. However, four-wheeled rolling art, like this 1996 Dodge Viper GTS recently offered on eBay, has to be experienced to be enjoyed.
This ’96 example, with less than 1,000 miles, is not yet broken in. That should be corrected—pronto.
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A Borrowed Heritage
In the early 1990s, Chrysler was struggling, so it decided to add sizzle to its lineup—a sports car to compete with Corvettes and Mustangs. Chrysler engineers and designers looked to the past for inspiration, mostly from outside sources. For example, Mopar took inspiration from the Shelby Cobra - opens in new window or tab. of the 1960s—a British AC roadster powered by a Ford V-8.
For the first Dodge Viper in 1992, Chrysler leaned on its ownership of Lamborghini. It created a raw, open-topped beast powered by an eight-liter pushrod V-10 engine - opens in new window or tab. producing 400 horsepower. The prototype was chosen at the last minute to be the Indy 500 pace car - opens in new window or tab. in 1991. The Viper replaced the Dodge Stealth - opens in new window or tab.—it wasn’t a good look to have a Japanese-built Stealth pacing America’s greatest race.
Ford-Shelby heritage emerged further when Chrysler developed the second-generation Viper coupe, as seen in the eBay car. This 1996 Dodge Viper GTS was modeled on the 1964 Shelby Daytona - opens in new window or tab. coupe that tore up racetracks. Designers went so far as to use classic American racing colors—deep blue with white center stripes.
Second-Generation Changes
In addition to the new coupe body style for 1996, known as the GTS, the Viper was still offered in RT/10 form—the original roadster body from 1992.
Dodge replaced the classic side-exit exhaust pipes with full-length versions leading to the back. The side pipes - opens in new window or tab. look fantastic, even if there were reports of burns from the hot exhaust. The rear pipes give less back pressure and more power—415 horsepower in the RT/10 and 450 in the GTS coupe.
Every Viper is a limited-production, low-frills car.
- The original roadster didn’t have door handles or windows.
- The zip-up plastic windows had a flap to allow owners to reach the interior handle from the outside.
- The ’96 model was the first to get airbags, power windows, and air conditioning.
Despite their Spartan nature, these cars are adored by their owners, who often modified them for high-performance track duty.
Drive It, Don’t Store It
This Dodge Viper GTS example is one of the lowest-mileage second-generation coupes we’ve seen. That said, rubber parts probably need reconditioning. So that’s our first recommendation. But the more important suggestion is to save shipping costs and pick up this car in person. There are few better ways to get to know a new vehicle than a long road trip—treating yourself to a long, exuberant drive and a chance to savor the intoxicating sound - opens in new window or tab. of the Viper’s massive V-10 engine.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.