Normally, presenting a prototype to an automotive CEO to sign off on production is a long, grueling process. However, after riding in a prototype Dodge Viper for half an hour, Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca absolutely loved everything. He even turned to Bob Lutz and told the man, "What are you waiting for?" and the rest is history. Lead engineer for the original Viper, Roy Sjoberg, drew inspiration from Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works special division, which designed crazy planes like the SR-71 Blackbird and U-2 spy plane. He wanted to pass that inspiration on to his team so they'd make a special car like nothing Chrysler had ever seen before, which was why he gave everyone a copy of the book Skunk Works by Ben Rich.
Here we offer up for consignment a 1998 Viper RT-10 in arrest me red, Viper Red actually, and coming to our Hallowed Halls as a 23,005 title verified actual mile car, with some performance add ons that only accentuate this snake's ability to hand out one seriously venomous bite. This car has been driven sparingly and enjoyed and even has a removable hardtop to enhance your driving experience with open air pleasure. A true original 10 cylinder ass kicker!
Exterior Slithering into our Hallowed Halls, this car is draped in Viper Red that shows a few inclusions and areas of solvent pop in more than a few areas. A true pony design on steroids with its long hooded front section, ending in a large swooped cove and inset doors. All integrated aerodynamically inserted headlights and running lights and oval quad separated grille, the design is iconic in its sports car styling. Just below the doors is a seamless red cladding over the B&B 3-inch piped exhaust melted into the rockers on either side. A wide low bulbous rear with more smoothly inserted tail lights and signals and a small rounded trunk lid are framed below by another body matching red bumper. Just above is a Viper Red painted carbon fiber spoiler and the B pillar and roll bar design houses a vertical rear glass, and on top is a 1 piece removable roof that opens the cockpit up to the sunshine. 17-inch polished 5-spoke aluminum wheels appear to be spinning when standing still and are wrapped in newer Michelin staggered width rubber on the corners.
Interior A swing of the speedy styled swooped rearward doors in charcoal black leads up to the immaculate high back leather buckets which are within black plastic shells. A wide central console races between these buckets, and houses an ashtray, the leather wrapped shifter, handbrake, and power window toggles. As the console coils upward, there is a high-power Alpine AM/FM/CD radio and climate controls. Onto the dash top now we note a series of 4 white faced gauges aimed at the pilot for their monitoring. In front of the rally steering wheel are a duo of deep inset circular instruments and warning light cluster. Also noted are a storage cubby and Kicker speaker just behind the console rising up to the rear glass like they are being charmed by a pungi wind instrument. SSSSSSSSssssssssssssleek.
Drivetrain Under the hood is where the real venom of this car is stored, and it strikes in the form of an 8.0 liter V10 original mill. Power has been stepped up thanks in part to the S&B air filters, a 708 camshaft and 1.7 Harland Sharp roller rockers helping to produce a consignor estimated 525hp. This has electronic fuel injection, and a T56 6-speed manual transmission on the back which had a new slave cylinder installed in March 2024. All power coils rearward to a 3.07 Viper axle.
Undercarriage True showroom condition would best describe the underside with no rust, aero design, and sporty suspension. Power disc brakes are all around as are independent coil sprung suspension, (how appropriate!). A tubular space frame provides the rigidity. B&B exhaust snakes its way to the side exits after being fed their audio venom courtesy of shorty headers and high flow catalytic converters.
Drive-Ability This car ignited immediately to a thunderous roar only a V10 can produce. Tightly strapped into the cockpit, I put it through its paces, and it responded very well. It handles like it's on rails, and one needs to be gentle with the accelerator or the rear wheels will get very happy. Lots of V10 power, and a smooth sports car like ride. Even neater was when the top was off it was a whole different experience, and a good one! All functions were working as designed during my tenure as a snake charmer. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. Here's a classic car you can drive!
Obviously well cared for and put neatly away like a favorite toy would be when finished playing with it. Ssssssssleek design, a biting V10, and a seat in this car and it will wrap its sporty charm around you and definitely get a choke hold on you.
1B3ER65E3WV400425
1-USA B-Dodge 3-Passenger Car E-Manual Belts, Front Airbags R-Viper 6-Performance Image 5-2 Door Specialty Convertible E-8.0 Liter V10 3-Check Digit W-1998 V-Conner Ave Assy Plant 400425-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
