If there ain't no replacement for displacement, then only one 90s' sports car will do…
By Matt Bird / Monday, 17 July 2023 / Loading comments
Back in the 1990s, when a supercar obsession could only be lived out via Top Trumps and books, there was one car that stood out loud and proud as something almost unbelievable – even in the wild west that was late 20th-century supercars. That car was, of course, the Dodge Viper, a Cobra for the ’90s that was no less fearsome to drive and has matured to become little less iconic.
There are many reasons for that, from the amazing way it looked to the way it drove, a 25-year production run to a famous Nurburgring lap record attempt. But it was the engine, really, that ensured the Viper legendary status; even 30 years ago, a 488 cubic inch (or 8.0-litre) V10 looked barmy. That used examples are still available to buy in 2023 feels borderline illicit, that there must be some special permit to acquire before owning one or that it must be run on fuel that’s impossibly hard to find. Yet here’s a Viper R/T 10, believed to be one of the very earliest UK cars, showing fewer than 10,000 miles and still with its fantastic three-spoke wheels, available for £10k less than a four-cylinder Emira. With an engine four times the size.
As the combustion engine ultimately meets its maker in new cars, so those memorable powerplants of yesteryear are going to become even more interesting. And they come no more memorable – or more mighty – than the Viper’s V10. Derived from one the Chrysler LA V8s (the Magnum 5.9) and with aluminium block castings designed by Lamborghini (Chrysler owned the Italian company from 1987-1994), the 7,990cc lump produced 406hp at 4,600rpm and 465lb ft at 3,600rpm. They were crazy numbers, unlike any other sports or supercar out there, and made what was a pretty light, back-to-basics roadster into an absolute rocketship. Combine that with the jaw-dropping looks and Dodge had an instant hit on its hands.
Understandably there were fewer in the UK for the Chrysler Viper, buyers over here most likely intimidated by the prospect of a car like this only available with left-hand drive – or tempted by a TVR instead. What times they were when the choice was between Viper and Griffith? Some were brave enough, however, including the first owner of this one, who bought the car in 1994. Surprisingly given the Viper’s notoriety, the advert suggests this is one of only 285 ever built – perhaps that’s to European spec. Whatever, it’s believed to be one of the first five UK cars that came over (believable given US cars were only on sale in 1992) and, more importantly, has lived a very charmed life: it hasn’t yet reached 10,000 miles (showing just over 14,000km), and still features its original tools and weather equipment. The latter of which looks like a little beret on top of an angry sports car.
In 2023 this immaculate example looks like it’s time travelled straight from a Fresh Prince shoot, red paint gleaming, proportions still outrageous, interior still… well, the interior remains a feast of grey plastics and flat surfaces, but they were always like that. You don’t buy a Viper for its driving environment. You buy it to be scared witless and make passers-by gawp.
Given the Viper’s crowd-pulling ability, it’s hard to think of what could do the job better for £70k. Certainly, there won’t be anything of this era, and of this low mileage, that will get close for the money. The alternatives from back in the day, from Ferrari 348 to Honda NSX, just don’t have the same wow factor. Which is probably the polite term for some of the Dodge’s handling characteristics, too. For those PHers also now of a certain heritage, cars like the Viper and the C4 Corvette ZR1 were a gateway into the fascinating world of American sports cars, and will always have a special appeal because of it. Real-life Top Trumps seldom looked this good.
SPECIFICATION | DODGE VIPER R/T 10
Engine: 7,990cc, V10
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 406@4,600rpm
Torque (lb ft): 465@3,600rpm
MPG: 12 best case
CO2: Come again?
Year registered: 1994
Recorded mileage: 14,126km (8,777 miles)
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £69,950
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