As one of the most iconic American vehicles of the 1990s, the second-generation (GEN II) Dodge Viper GTS Coupe continues to make headlines with several vehicles going for record money on the auction block. One 1996 model, went for $148,000 at the recent Mecum Kissimmee event in January.
This particular 1997 model was purchased new by the current owner’s father. Fast forward 25 years, at the Viper only has 9,000 original miles on the odometer. Painted in the beautiful GTS Blue Pearl, it carries over the iconic scheme from the 1996 model with bold dual White stripes.
Providing 450 horsepower and 490 lb.-ft. of torque, sits the legendary 8.0-liter VIPER V-10 engine under the hood. Mated to a 6-speed BorgWarner T-56 manual transmission and limited-slip differential, the GEN II GTS Coupe was capable of putting down some impressive numbers for its time (0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, 1/4-mile time of 12.4 seconds @ 115 mph) depending if the driver could shift fast enough.
Of course, like other Viper GTS Coupe models, this car comes with 17-inch polished wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot SX rubber (showing 1996 manufacturing dates on them), a center-mounted rear exiting exhaust, fog lamps, integrated duck bill rear spoiler, power adjustable pedals, A/C, and factory Alpine CD player stereo.
With a U.S. starting Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $66,000 (that is around $116,670 in today’s money with inflation), this Viper stickered for a total of $71,200 thanks to a $300 upcharge for the polished wheels, $1,200 for the Viper Blue paint and White stripes, and a $3,000 Gas Guzzler Tax (thank you, Uncle Sam).
After bidding ended on the popular automotive auction site, Bring A Trailer, the Viper just missed the six-figure mark ending with a total of $95,500.
1997 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe Image Gallery:
No replies yet
Loading new replies...
Join the full discussion at the Mopar Insiders Forum →