A super muscle-car, the AC Cobra was the idea behind the Dodge Viper GTS, a concept first dreamt up in late 1988 at Chrysler’s Advanced Design Studios.

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In February 1989 Chrysler president Bob Lutz suggested to Tom Gale that the company should consider producing a modern Cobra. Gale was an American automobile designer associat4d with the Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth marques. Working with his design partners Trevor Creed and John Herlitz, Gale had been responsible for breakthrough designs that twice rescued Chrysler from bankruptcy.

Public reaction was so enthusiastic that chief engineer Roy Sjoberg was directed to develop it as a standard production vehicle. But at first Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca delayed approving the $70 million needed to put the sports car into production, saying it was a lot to spend without assurance of financial return.

All the same, the Dodge Viper debuted in 1991 with two pre-production models as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 when Dodge was forced to substitute it in place of the Japanese-built Dodge Stealth, because of complaints from the United Auto Workers, and it went on sale in January 1992 as the RT/10 Roadster.

Lamborghini (then owned by Chrysler Corporation) helped with the design of the V10 engine for the Viper, which was based on the Chrysler’s LAV8 engine. A major contributor to the Viper since the beginning was Dick Winkles, the chief power engineer, who had spent time in Italy overseeing the development of the engine.

The roof was made from canvas, and the windows were made from vinyl using zippers to open and close, much like the Jeep Wrangler. However, the Viper was still equipped with some domestic features, including manually-adjustable leather-trimmed sport bucket seats with lumbar support, an AM/FM stereo cassette player with clock and high fidelity sound system, and interior carpeting. Aluminum alloy wheels were larger in diameter due to the larger brakes.

A lightweight fiberglass hard roof option on later models was also available to cover the canvas soft roof, and was shipped with each new car. There were also no airbags, in the interest of weight reduction. Adjustable performance suspension was also an available option for most Vipers. The second-generation Viper was introduced in 1996. The exposed side exhaust pipes on the RT/10 roadster were relocated to a single muffler at the rear exiting via two large central tailpipes during the middle of the model year, which reduced back pressure, and therefore increased the power to 415 hp (309 kW; 421 PS).

Later in the 1996 model year, Dodge introduced the Viper GTS, a new coupé version of the Viper RT/10. Dubbed the ‘double bubble’, the roof featured slightly raised sections that looked like bubbles to accommodate the usage of helmets and taking design cues from the Shelby Daytona. More than 90% of the GTS was new in comparison to the RT/10 despite similar looks.

The GTS would come with the same 7,990 cc (8.0 L; 487.6 cu in) V10 engine but power would be increased to 450 hp (336 kW; 456 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 664 N⋅m (490 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,700 rpm. The 1996 GTS would be the first Viper to be equipped with airbags and also included air conditioning, power windows and power door locks as standard equipment. The Viper GTS would be chosen as the pace car for the 1996 Indianapolis 500. It would do 185 mph and 0-60 mph in 4,4 seconds.

At Beverly Hills Car Club we have one of these power-packed beauties right now, a superb 1996 Dodge Viper GTS that is finished in blue and complemented with a black and blue interior.

This stunning Viper GTS is a true American sports car icon that exudes power, performance, and style. With only 55,019 miles on the odometer, this example is a rare find that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, 8.0L V10 engine, dual exhaust outlets, power windows, Alpine radio, dual-side rearview mirrors, Michelin tires, 3-spoke steering wheel, and spare tire. Step inside the cockpit of the second-generation Viper GTS and you’ll be greeted by a driver-focused interior that is both functional and luxurious.

The cigar lighter with an ashtray adds a touch of old-school charm to the interior, perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate the finer details. The integrated rear spoiler not only enhances the Viper’s aerodynamics but also adds to its aggressive aesthetic.

Do not miss your chance to own this legendary American sports car that is mechanically sound.

-Alex Manos, Owner