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6k-mile 2001 Dodge Viper hits Bring a Trailer

I'm an unapologetic fan of the second-generation Dodge Viper GTS to the point where I keep my eyes peeled for nice examples of the final years of its production. This Bring a Trailer listing landed in my inbox when it went live Tuesday morning, and from the limited photos and information provided, it seems like a reasonably clean driver, rather than a museum-quality piece. For somebody who wants to experience a Viper that hasn't been beat on too extensively, this 6k-mile 2001 GTS may be just what you're looking for. Apart from the iconic launch model in white-over-blue, these later-year coupes represent some of the most desirable examples of the earlier Viper. Unlike the first few model years, they were equipped with anti-lock brakes. They didn't do much to improve the Viper's ultimate stopping capabilities, but at least they allow for a little more control at the limits of adhesion.  The later second-generation cars also benefited from suspension development that came out of Chrysler's factory racing program, and while a GTS isn't quite as track-ready as the hardcore ACR model, these later examples are certainly better suited to it than those from prior years. Their frames were also better-reinforced than those of earlier models.  The listing notes that the car shows some interior wear, and the paint seems less than pristine in the (admittedly low-quality) exterior photos provided by the seller, but by all accounts, everything on the car is original and in well-maintained, running condition. It has lived in California and Arizona for its entire documented life, and the underside is nothing short of immaculate.  Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

The first production 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 is up for grabs

The 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 was a game-changer both for parent company Chrysler and the U.S. auto industry at large. While it was significant for bringing its automaker out of its dull, post-1980s funk, it also lit a fire under the rest of Detroit. If it hadn't been for the Viper, the world may not have gotten the C5 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (and its many world-class successors) or the revived Ford GT.  And the very first one is headed to auction.  This Viper is particularly special for two reasons. Not only was it the first production RT/10 to roll off the line at Chrysler's Mack Avenue plant (the Viper wouldn't move to Conner Avenue Assembly until 1996), but it was immediately scooped up by industry icon and then-Chrysler executive Lee Iacocca, who famously ushered fellow great Bob Lutz on stage at the Viper concept's reveal and told him to "build the damn thing." Even if you've never heard of Iacocca, you're certainly familiar with the cars he's influenced, whether you know it or not. Whether it's the Chrysler K-Car platform (and the minivan segment it spawned) or the 1964 Ford Mustang, one of Iacocca's projects has undoubtedly touched your life in one way or another.  Showing just over 6,200 miles, this Viper remained in Iacocca's possession from day one until his passing in 2019. Even without the Iacocca connection, this would be a special lot. VIN #001 is all-original, packing the 8.0-liter V10 engine that made the Viper famous. Dodge's bruiser was also known for being light on superfluous extras, such as anti-lock brakes, which the Viper didn't receive until 2001 — just before the second-generation model was discontinued.  Bonhams projects this Viper will go for between $100,000 and $125,000. That's probably a bargain. Opportunities to own such a unique and significant piece of automotive history come around very rarely, and considering this is about the same amount FCA was charging for a brand-new Viper when it went out production in 2017, it's not an unreasonable price point.  The Viper will cross the block on Jan. 16.

Here's your chance to own a first-year Dodge Viper with just 333 miles

The Dodge Viper is certainly one of the most outrageous cars to come out of the 1990s, with its cartoon styling, massive 8.0-liter V10 engine, and utter disregard for anything other than performance. The first-generation models are the purest example of the breed, with an assemble-it-yourself toupee roof, side curtains, calf-searing side pipes, no air-conditioning (until '94), no airbags, no ABS, and no traction control. This first-year 1992 Viper is coming to Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale auction in January and has just 333 miles, making it a near-new example of Chrysler's wild child. Only a couple hundred first-year Vipers were built, making them among the rarest of the breed. All '92 models were red, the same color as the 1989 show car, the overwhelming reaction to which spurred Chrysler to put the car into production as a modern-day Cobra. With the Viper's departure in 2017, the car seems destined to forever remain the improbable offspring of a moment in time. That time has passed, but an ultra-low-miles example like this allows its lucky new owner to chance to experience firsthand what all the fuss was about.