Vehicle Description
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
aftermarketexhaust and a billet power steering pulley. Read on!
Exterior
Fiberglass 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.
Interior
Several 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.
Drivetrain
Stuffed 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.
Undercarriage
Nearly 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-Ability
Very 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.
1B3ER69E2VV301572
1-USA
B-Dodge
3-Passenger Car
E-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
R-Viper
6-Performance Image
9-2 Door Specialty Coupe
E-8.0 Liter V10
2-Check Digit
V-1997
V-Conner Ave Assy Plant
301572-Sequential Unit Number
Classic 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 (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.