1997 Dodge Viper GTS

1997 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe The idea for the Dodge Viper started with one conversation between Chrysler's chief of design, Tom Gale, and its president, Robert A. Lutz, in 1988. As Gale walked by Lutz's office, the Chrysler president called him in. Lutz had an idea. He wanted to start a project that was like a revitalized Shelby Cobra. Gale got to work to implement Lutz's vision for a two-seater that took inspiration from classic 1960s sports cars, like the Shelby Cobra and Jaguar E-Type. This car would need to have a manual gearbox and a staggeringly powerful engine. As Lamborghini was owned by Chrysler at the time, Gale brought them in to help with the exterior and engine design. One of the major challenges of crafting this ultra-powerful sports car was accommodating a V-10 engine in the car. The team at Chrysler wanted a V-10 to power their Viper, as it would set the car apart from others and give it "a heroic proportion." Essentially, they wanted the Viper to be unlike anything else on the market at that time. It was a bit difficult to source a V-10, as there weren't many technical reasons for that kind of engine. However, they were eventually able to find one in-house. This iron-block 8-liter unit was designed for future use in pickup trucks, but Chrysler redesigned it, turning it into a lightweight, aluminum-block engine. With the engine figured out and an exceptional team working on all levels of the car, the historic Viper was born.For consignment, a second year Gen 2 1997 version of the Dodge Viper in GTS form...meaning more horsepower, more luxury and less weight and with the V-10 it now puts out 456hp to tear up any road you may want to carve through hill and dale. Only the same year's Porsche 911 Turbo is quicker, but this one has more luxury and features. A mere 5,013 title verified miles clocked on this 3 owner garage kept beauty and it's definitely like new with aftermarket exhaust and a billet power steering pulley. Read on!ExteriorFiberglass with reinforced plastic is sculpted to create the sexy curvaceous body which is truly all racer. From the chin spoiler to the mid grille air dam, to the front of the car that curves upward to the long GTS hood with a small air intake in the center, aero head lighting open for all to see on either side of front quarters, along with fog lights in the round on the front corners it's all moving while standing still. Some shark gills are on top of the front quarters to keep the brakes and engine cool, and a cove is created by those front quarters for the doors, just above a wide rocker which creates the thresh-holds. A wonderfully rounded roofline melts into greenhouse glass which flies upward on the tail to make a rear spoiler. Careful, the rear tire is right there under the B pillar which melts into the rear quarters that eventually curve around to form the back of the sports car which have the ubiquitous curved tail lighting for all Vipers from their inception. A body matching neoprene bumper and dual central located exhaust tips under the rear roll pan peek out from under the wide stripes which are running the gamut of the car. This model bathed in fully ceramic coated Viper Blue Pearl with white painted stripes, it's all over for the exterior, but it ends in race car greatness, as it appears ready for the track sans the number on the side. A clear bra has been applied on the nose and rocker panels for extra protection and the only fault to note in the finish is a twin scuff and chip off of the paint at the front lower on the driver's door. This is due to an over-extension of the door stop. All this rides on 17-inch polished 5 spoke wheels wrapped in the factory 275/40ZR17's in front, and 335/35ZR17's in back.InteriorSeveral sacrificial animal hides are applied throughout this interior with its sporty high back curvaceous black leather buckets that are flanked by a wide center console. The design utilizes seamless construction of this console to melt into the dash in front where climate controls, an AM/FM/CD stereo and on top a 4 count of white faced round gauges to keep your eyes on the vitals of the engine. In front of the driver are more white faced round gauges deeply unset into a crescent molded dash top that has a few digital readout clusters of warning lights. A leather wrapped rally style steering wheel reaches for the driver frontage of this dash. Black carpeting floods the floors, and above is a black headliner. The doors are completely molded for a clean sleek look and are also in black.DrivetrainStuffed under the forward hinged hood is a massive red headed V-10 8.0 liter mill. It has EFI and a T56 6-speed manual transmission. Rear tires are spun by a 3.07 Viper rear axle. All very clean and very powerful with a touch of dress up in the form of a billet power steering pulley. For the purists, the original pulley is included.UndercarriageNearly like the showroom with just a few scuffs on the underside of the front fascia, just plenty of straight structural steel and cast aluminum suspension which includes independent coil springs for front and rear. Power disc brakes are all around, and a like new dual Berlanger cat-back exhaust its snaking its way to the back of the car. Again, for the purists in the room, the original exhaust is included with your purchase.Drive-AbilityVery seductive, I slipped inside and popped the clutch and was off like a flash to the test track. Here it had me falling in love with its rail-like handling, neck snapping acceleration, and ease of operation with surprising comfort and plenty of options to keep me occupied. All in perfect working condition. Definitely an E ticket ride.Inspired by Peter Brock's Daytona Cobra Coupe, this 2nd year Gen 2 GTS is a throwback to the 60's, with its twin stripped exterior, luscious curves and V10 power, right down to the gas filler cap cleverly disguised as a racing fuel filler hinged version. 1 of a mere 1,671 versions built, 3 owners and low low original miles, it's worth a look, and then some as it is virtually a new car ripe for the picking from our Hallowed Halls here at Classic Auto Mall.1B3ER69E2VV3015721-USAB-Dodge3-Passenger CarE-Manual Belts, Front AirbagsR-Viper6-Performance Image9-2 Door Specialty CoupeE-8.0 Liter V102-Check DigitV-1997V-Conner Ave Assy Plant301572-Sequential Unit NumberClassic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (8**) 2**-0***. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.