1997 Dodge Viper

GTS Coupe

V10

Manual

1B3ER69E8VV301091

Clear

Gasoline

The Viper was first introduced as a concept car in January 1989 to an enthusiastic response at the North American International Auto Show. Project engineer Roy Sjoberg and Power Plant engineer Dick Winkles put together “Team Viper” in March 1989 and Lamborghini, (then a Chrysler subsidiary), cast a prototype V-10 aluminum block in May. The production body was completed in the fall and a chassis prototype was testing in December. Launch approval was given by Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca in May 1990 and only a year later Carroll Shelby piloted a pre-production pace car for the 1991 Indianapolis 500 race. In November 1991, the Viper was released to the automotive press for review with the first retail shipments beginning in January 1992. As enthusiasts know, the first Vipers were built to be a modern–day Cobra 427 S/C with a focus on pure power and performance with its 400 hp and 465 lb ft of torque V-10 engine. Thanks to heavy involvement from Carroll Shelby and design cues from the Pete Brock-designed Shelby Cobra Daytona, the Viper was a minimalist straight-forward design with muscular and aggressive styling. The 1st series Vipers had no exterior-mounted door handles so entry was by unzipping the soft vinyl window and reaching into the interior to pull the interior door release handle. Air conditioning was not offered, only a soft canvas top and vinyl side windows kept the rain out and airbags were not included. The Viper GTS “Double Bubble” coupe is a 2nd generation Viper and so is fitted with all the creature comforts including AC that actually works, power windows, airbags for safety, extended leg room, seats that fit like a glove, and sharper-edged bodywork. Dubbed the “double bubble”, the roof featured slightly raised bubble sections that harken back to the Zagato “Double-Bubbles” of the 1950s and early 1960s, accommodating both very tall drivers and weekend warriors with helmets. The GTS comes with the same 8.0 liter V-10 engine but stock power was increased to a whopping 450 hp. More than 90% of the GTS was new in comparison to the earlier 1st Series Viper, despite similar looks. The much stiffer chassis and “Double Bubble” roof allowed the 2nd generation Vipers to be very successful in competition. The Viper GTS-R, the racing variant of the car, was co-developed with Oreca and Reynard and had an illustrious and successful career in international motorsports. The GTS-R dominated in both the FIA GT and ALMS series including sweeping class championships in FIA GT racing in 1998 and 1999 and Le Mans 24 hour class wins in 1998, 1999, and 2000. This Viper GTS is in excellent condition with minimal cosmetic wear. The interior shows almost no wear as well, with excellent leather, including the driver’s seat bolster. The dashboard, controls, and instruments are all like new. The rear compartment is similarly unmodified and clean in appearance. The engine and engine bay are also extremely clean. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a very clean Viper GTS. Extensive, tasteful performance modification and significant diligent upkeep make this car a great driver with unbelievable performance. Within the last 500 miles the following has been done to the car: · New 3” Magnaflow exhaust – high flow cats and mufflers (Stock is only 2.5”)· Gen 3 Brake upgrade – new pads, larger calipers, Wilwood brake bias adjuster· New stainless Ipsco brake lines· Heads removed and reported by CFM Performance (+30CFM intake)· Throttle bodies cleaned· New Clutch (approximately 4K miles ago)· Silicon Smooth Tubes· Spark Plugs and Plug wires replaced· New Radiator and hoses. Cooling System Flushed· Oil Changed and Filter Replaced· Crank and lower end inspected· New Cometic gaskets including head gaskets· Custom Forged 19” two-piece wheels – Brand new 345/30ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sports on the rears. · Full Shop Manual comes with the car Sum of all modifications puts the horsepower around 500 HP and torque estimated at 540 ft/lbs. Viper GTS’s are docile in traffic, with an amazingly light clutch yet can go from 0 to 60 in 4.0 seconds and hits 100 MPH in 8.6 seconds, almost as fast as the Ferrari 599, and with low service costs a Ferrari owner can only dream of, while being mechanically bullet-proof. As a 2nd-generation Viper, it is not only fast, but user friendly. Feel like starting in second gear? No problem! How about shifting into third while going 5 MPH, then nail the throttle and hold on. If you feel like a full throttle launch, drop the clutch at 3,000 rpm and the Michelins will smoke down the asphalt. If you’re tired of $6,000 to $12,000 engine-out cam belt services on your Ferrari, a Viper’s annual engine service and fluid change is in the $500 to $700 range. This represents a rare opportunity to get into the 500 horsepower club with an appreciating asset that has tons and tons of eyeball and enthusiast appeal. Car is in excellent condition and ready for a new owner. Car is located in San Diego, CA. Car is sold As-Is, Where-Is with no Warranty express or implied. Please feel free to email me with any questions. Car is for sale locally and I reserve the right to end the auction at any time. I have the original wheels as well as original calipers that I will sell at an additional cost+shipping. Wheels are worth $1200-$1500 and Calipers almost $1000.