Many modern performance cars have taken a “less is more” approach. Look at the Toyota GR Corolla hatchback, for example, which is able to crank out 300 horsepower from a tiny 1.3-liter three-cylinder.
Thirty years ago, the idea was very different: Design teams sought to raise the performance bar by installing the biggest engine possible into any given platform. Some of the world’s greatest supercars have been powered by massive V10 engines: The Porsche Carrera GT, the Lexus LFA, the Audi R8 and the Lamborghini Huracan were a few. The Dodge Viper, being a domestic make, was in a class all its own among them.
The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1996 Dodge Viper RT/10 listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in St. Louis, Missouri. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Finished in iconic Stone White with blue racing stripes and complemented by a sleek black interior,” the listing says. The car has only 12,775 original miles and comes with improvements not found on earlier Viper models. For example, Vipers from 1991 through 1993 didn’t even have air conditioning! Later models also received suspension updates, a new exhaust system and increased power. The blue accents of this car continue to the cockpit – complete with blue treatment for the steering wheel, shift knob and emergency brake lever.
Since its initial launch in 1991, the Viper solidified its place in automotive history as one of the most engaging sports cars ever built. Its muscular lines were matched by an equally potent powertrain, and about the only criticism the automotive media could come up with was that it was simply “too much car” for a lot of people. After all, a lightweight, 400-plus horsepower two-seater with no anti-lock brakes, no airbags and no traction-control system could easily get an unskilled (or careless) driver into trouble in a hurry. “Drive one if you dare” seemed to be the name of the game.
Fittingly, one of the original magazine ads for the Viper said, “Born to be a classic.” And that proclamation was absolutely right. The Viper has been included in Hagerty’s annual Hot List, which recognizes high-collectible vehicles. The Viper also has a dedicated enthusiast base, top-tier performance credentials and an influence that has dominated pop culture over the decades.
Underneath the car’s clamshell-style front clip resides an 8.0-liter V10 that was rated when new at 415 horsepower and 488 lb-ft of torque. The engine was coupled to a BorgWarner six-speed manual transmission – the perfect pairing for an engaging driving experience. Performance tests from the period showed that the Viper was capable of a 0-to-60 time of fewer than 5 seconds.
“This Viper is a perfect blend of raw power and refined aesthetics,” the listing says. “Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of automotive history. The analog feel of the Viper is hard to beat in a world of overly complex cars.”
The dealer’s asking price is $61,900 or best offer.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
