1994 Dodge Viper – Original Owner Keeping

January 22, 2021 Update – After much thought, the original owner has decided to keep his Viper RT/10! Who can blame him when it’s still a new car!

No anti-lock brakes, traction control, or other “Nanny” devices to keep you out of trouble.  The first-generation Dodge Viper RT/10 produced from 1992 through 1995 is a modern interpretation of the raw Shelby Cobra that dominated sports car racing through much of the 1960s. While 400 horsepower is a good start in modern cars, keep in mind these Vipers have no controls to keep drivers out of trouble so this much power is a handful, especially when an inexperienced driver is behind the wheel.  Consequently, many of these “SR1” generation Vipers ended up receiving some kind of damage over the years. Many, but not all.

That’s why GuysWithRides.com is pleased to auction this 890 original mile 1994 Dodge Viper RT/10 offered for sale by the original owner beginning Tuesday, December 8th at 9:00 am.  Since new, the original owner used this Viper extremely sparingly, averaging only one-to-two low-mile drives annually since new.  Consequently, that averages out to only 40 miles annually.  When not in use, this Viper enjoys being properly stored and maintained in a climate-controlled building.

Having seen and photographed this Viper in person, we rate this example a #2 “Excellent” example.  To help you assess the possible market value of this RT/10, the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool’s estimate ranges from $30,700 for #3 “Good” examples to $45,800 for #2 cars ranked in “Excellent” condition.  Similarly, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine of the Classic Car Market, estimates the average value of first-generation Vipers such as this example at $34,832 based on the volume of comparative sales this guide tracks through a variety of sources:

As expected with such low mileage, the exterior presents in like-new condition with no visible flaws we could find.

While the interior is in like-new condition, it is in need of a thorough detailing. During our photoshoot, we noted the dashboard in particular needs thorough cleaning and conditioning.  We observed the “toupee” top and side curtains in climate-controlled storage, are in like-new condition, and will be included as part of the sale.

The engine presents in like-new, completely original condition.  Currently wearing light storage dust, several hours of detailing will have the engine bay show ready if desired.

The factory gray tri-spoke wheels appear flaw-free in like-new condition with their original factory-fitted tires in place. While these tires look brand new, we highly recommend the next caretaker keep the original set for Concours judging and invest in a fresh set if they plan to do any cruising.

The factory space-saver spare tire remains in place and the trunk’s interior appears in like-new condition.  Also shown are the twin covers used on this Viper whenever it was stored in the owner’s climate-controlled car storage building.

If you wanted a first-generation Viper when they were new but could not afford one then, now is your opportunity to be the winning bidder on what is essentially a twenty-four-year-old new car.  The original owner and GuysWithRides have agreed to a very realistic reserve, so don’t be afraid to bid and who knows, you might be the lucky auction winner to park this Viper next to your Christmas tree! Good luck with the auction!