DODGE VIPER

The 2003 Dodge Viper GTS-R Showcar.

Some may be wondering why I have a Dodge Viper page on this site. Vipers like Corvettes are not always appreciated by the diehard gearheads- loyal to the brands that make these types of cars. Maybe it's the fact that Vipers are so expensive, and cater to a different kind of motorist. All I know is that in 1992 when the Viper hit the street, there was nothing remotely like it built by any American car company. I firmly believe that the Viper mania that followed help spark both the "retro" and "heritage" movements within the American auto industry, ultimately leading to everything from the Chrysler C300, Pontiac GTO (nameplate), 2005 Mustang and GT-40, etc. Besides being a Chrysler image car, the Viper has reached true American automotive icon status. Granted the name and look reek of "Shelby Cobra" but although the Cobras had Ford backing and parts, Dodge actually manufactures the Viper. Not only that, but I see more Viper R/C, model cars, die cast, video games, etc. than any car of any brand ever. This is truly amazing and worth mention. That a down and out, third rate automobile manufacturer can hit such a grand slam and use this momentum to rebuild an entire company is also amazing. Dodge has been my favorite automotive brand since I was 15 years old and fell in love with Kowalski's White Dodge Challenger in the movie Vanishing Point. In the 1980's I all but lost hope for the Chrysler brand, with their K- Cars and Mini-Vans. The Viper signaled a turn around and showed that car guys (i.e. Bob Lutz and company) could reinvigorate a company that lost it's way. Hopefully DaimlerChrysler will keep the faith and keep building cars like the Viper.