West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this original southern California 2001 Dodge Viper GTS with the legendary 8.0L V10 engine in the striking original factory 'Viper Race Yellow' exterior paint with 'Black' sport stripes and Premium black leather bucket sport seats interior and boasting only 5K original miles!
The first generation (1992-1995) of Dodge Viper's went on sale in 1/1992 as the soft roofed RT/10 Roadster. The centerpiece of the car was it's engine - as Sir William Lyons, creator of the legendary Jaguar sports car once said "An automobile is primarily an engine, so it must be valid, it must astonish when the hood is opened"! He would have been pleased and perhaps even astonished then by the Viper's RT/10's magnificent power plant - the only V10 engine then available other than a Formula One race car and mounted on what is believed to be the stiffest sports car chassis ever built which is responsible in part for the Viper's legendary remarkable handling characteristics in large part due to it's unparalleled torsional rigidity! The car was devoid of any luxuries at all. Along with the absence of exterior door handles, the vehicle lacked windows and even a roof. Although a soft top and hard top were available, it was designed primarily for outdoor vehicle storage only. In terms of interior space, the trunk was large enough for the rain cover and little else. Chrysler's purpose for the vehicle was clear in almost every aspect of it's construction, from the unyielding bolstering of the seats to the side exit exhaust that came with it's own disclaimer against passenger injury. Performance came first, creature comforts last if at all!
The first GTS coupe appeared in 1996 and addressed some of the roadsters shortcomings for the driver seeking a more modern supercar alternative. It had a roof, obviously making it instantly weatherproof, more rigid and quieter, and every body panel was new with many components changed for the GTS. Also power was increased, even as the weight was dropped by over 40lbs due to composite bodywork and an all aluminum 8.0L V10 engine & an improved aluminum suspension with 4 wheel high performance power assisted brakes with ABS. It was also surprisingly practical thanks to a rear hatch/window and generous trunk space. Massive 335/35x17 radials helped put down the enormous torque through the rear wheel drive. Next generation driver and front passenger air bags were another new safety feature for the year 2001.
The colossal Viper V10 engine started life in a truck, before being given to Lamborghini (then owned by Chrysler) to be turned into something fit for a supercar. It was recast in aluminum and tuned to give 400 bhp and for the GTS 450 bhp. Despite it's monstrous 8.0L capacity it is remarkably docile until the accelerator is prodded. The Viper has proven to be one of the all time great muscle/supercars with lines that echo the Shelby Daytona Coupe from which the evocative stripes were borrowed and with the GTS proving even more aerodynamic than the roadster. Top speed is over 185 mph.
This particular 2001 Dodge Viper GTS was purchased in 2004 with only 3,209 miles by only it's second southern California owner at 'Valley Chrysler Jeep Dodge' of Van Nuys, California where it had been originally purchased and serviced since new and where it was continued to be serviced. Obviously always driven by only two mature southern California owners since new and always garaged - babied all the way - never raced or abused.
The original factory 'Viper Race Yellow' color paint is in absolutely beautiful condition and the black leather interior is in exceptional condition with virtually no signs of any wear. The car drives exactly like a well maintained and serviced ultra low mileage Viper should and must be driven and seen to be fully appreciated! The car drives exactly as the day it left the showroom floor with the clutch and transmission shift as smooth as when new and the temperature always remaining cool.
You will surely look long and hard to find a finer example of this exceptionally clean and low mileage 2001 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe for the ultimate supercar driving experience with V10 power in this most striking of color combinations, a perfect opportunity for the classic American car collector to add this choice Viper GTS to his collection.
Go on - you deserve it!! See what the pros say:
"The most exciting ride since Ben Hur discovered the chariot, it's intended to go fast, hang onto corners and give everyone in sight, driver, passenger and bystanders a thrill that will make their day" - (Car & Driver 1994).
"It's very American in the way it drives, so simple and easy and so powerful!" (Valentino Balboni - Official Test driver Lamborghini).
"Torque is the Viper's calling card. Torque is the first and overriding sensation you have when you nail the accelerator. It is there, all at once, nearly all 450 pounds of it" (Automobile Magazine).
"The Viper isn't about numbers. It's about unbridled emotion on wheels. It's about locomotion and the power to blast to 100-150MPH at will without breaking a sweat!" (Road and Track)
"Nothing can really prepare you for the intensely physical experience of driving the Viper... In the end it's so damn exciting that nothing else matters" (Autocar & Motor)
"In my opinion the Viper is more just plain fun to drive than a $500,000 Ferrari. It's not supposed to be the world's most sophisticated sports car, just a 60's style all American performance car that'll put a grin on your face when you dive it!" (Carroll Shelby no less - former Le Mans winner and creator of the legendary AC Cobra racing cars)
