Scary Survivor: 1994 Dodge Viper RT/10 9K – Sold?

September 15, 2023, Update – We confirmed the listing for this “ClassiFIND” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

First-generation Dodge Vipers we come across for sale generally fall into one of two categories. Either they are extremely low mileage garage queens their owners only take out gingerly on perfect weather days, or they have been run hard and put away wet with some damage incurred during their life.  Many even feature rebuilt titles from careless previous owners not skillful enough to know how to drive a Viper properly.  The original Viper RT/10s did not feature traction control, anti-lock brakes, or airbags.  Consequently, some call Vipers the last American analog performance car.

This red 1994 Dodge Viper RT/10 for sale, first spotted on Craigslist in August 2023 in Carmel, California, falls into the garage queen category as it only has 9,178 miles and appears to be a completely stock Dodge Viper for sale.

Last offered for $50,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is right in line with this guide’s six-month rolling results trend for similar SR1 examples from 1992 through 1995.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can get a sense of what comparable examples sold for recently:

As a second data point, the downloadable  Old Cars Price Guide Valuation Report 2023 reveals the seller’s ask matches this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $50,000.

The 1994 Dodge Viper RT/10 is a high-performance sports car that marked the beginning of the Viper lineage, known for its raw power, aggressive design, and driving exhilaration. It was the first production model of the Viper series and gained immediate attention for its bold styling and impressive performance capabilities.

The 1994 Viper RT/10 boasts a distinctive and muscular design that captures the essence of a classic American sports car. Its long hood, pronounced fender flares, and short rear deck emphasize its performance-oriented nature. Smooth, flowing lines, minimalistic detailing, and a low, wide stance characterize the body. The iconic side-exit exhaust pipes contribute to the aggressive aesthetic and provide enthusiasts with an audible and visual treat.

The RT/10 is an open-top roadster featuring a manually removable soft-top roof and side curtains, as there are no windows.  The “Toupe” fabric roof can be cumbersome to remove and store, so many owners leave theirs off for a true open-air driving experience. This feature adds to the sense of freedom and connection with the road that the Viper offers.

Under the long hood lies the heart of the Viper: an 8.0-liter V10 engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant generates around 400 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, giving the Viper its unmistakable growl and impressive acceleration. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission, allowing drivers to engage with the driving experience fully. The Viper’s acceleration and top speed were impressive for its time, with 0 to 60 mph times in the low 4-second range and a top speed of over 160 mph.

The Viper RT/10 utilizes a simple yet robust tubular steel space frame chassis. This chassis design helps keep the car’s weight down while providing the necessary rigidity for the demanding performance characteristics. The suspension system is a double-wishbone setup at all four corners, enhancing the car’s handling capabilities. However, the Viper lacks modern driver aids and electronic nannies, which means the driving experience is quite raw and demands skill from the driver.

The Viper RT/10 interior is focused on the driving experience. It features a minimalistic design with basic amenities. The cabin is driver-centric, with a simple dashboard layout and a prominent center console housing the gear shifter. Creature comforts such as air conditioning and a basic audio system are available, but luxury features take a back seat to the car’s performance-oriented character.

The 1994 Dodge Viper RT/10 played a crucial role in establishing the Viper as an American performance icon. Its powerful engine, striking design, and unfiltered driving experience captured the hearts of enthusiasts and set the tone for subsequent generations of the Viper. While the 1994 model may lack some of the refinements and technologies of more recent sports cars, it remains a symbol of pure, unadulterated driving pleasure.

The MotorWeek Retro Review YouTube Channel features this 1993 test drive of a similar spec 1993 Dodge Viper RT/10:

With a scant 9,178 original miles on the clock, this 1994 Dodge Viper RT/10 for sale appears to have led a pampered life to date. We would ask the seller to provide shots of the engine and undercarriage rather than all of the duplicate pictures their ad currently features.  The one place to really take care in checking is the dashboard, as even examples with delivery miles tend to experience a delamination problem.

If you are serious about buying this Viper RT/10, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their Dodge sports car featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s brief description:

Show or go: what would you do with this 1994 Dodge Viper RT/10 for sale?  Please comment below and let us know!