Thursday 20th October 2016

"99 per cent" of Vipers bought by dealer

As Viper production enters its final throes, one US dealer is making sure as many will be built as possible!

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While it may not appeal to all tastes, news that the current Dodge Viper is to cease production is rather sad. As the motoring world becomes ever more homogenous, to see a car so defiantly do its own thing is rather nice. Especially when 'its own thing' involves an 8.4-litre V10.

Farewell to a legend!

Another person upset at the news is Gerry Wood, a Dodge dealer in North Carolina. Seeing the build slots for the remaining Vipers unallocated, he has secured them all. Depending on which number you believe, that's between 135 and 140 cars. Why? "I felt an obligation as a fan, owner and Dodge dealer to help others experience the rare privilege of this amazing machine." What a selfless chap! However, don't think this has been done simply to turn a big profit by purchasing every single one. Wood again: "For those who think we are 'cornering the market'... you all couldn't be farther from the truth. I have never mark cars up [sic] over MSRP... We just saw that the orders were not being filled and the plant is closing down, so we wanted to make sure all these cars were produced."

Even better, the dealer has created its own special edition Vipers in this production run. Gerry Wood's 'exclusive Viper Team' went through more than 8,000 colours to create the ACR Solid Edition, the Advanced Aero Solid Edition and the Black Stripe Edition. There are more details via both the original Jalopnik story and the dealer site, but there's a green ACR Solid Edition that has PH written all over it. Just need the $150K...

The last NA V10 on sale?

As for the remaining cars - the special editions account for approximately 40 - they're also for sale with the spec and colours seemingly settled. But if you are in America and want one, there certainly seems to be plenty of choice. Will enthusiasts start to realise they want a Viper as the end finally nears?

Fingers crossed they do and Gerry Wood's gamble pays off. Because even if there is another Viper after this one, we'd bet on it being very different to this car. Get 'em while you can!

[Sources: Jalopnik, Gerry Wood ]

[MikeGoodwin]

Huge shame. I suspect the truck engine will also die with it so its also the last time we will see that monster.

[Draexin]

Massive respect for this dealer

[Aaron_W]

Another step closer to Turbo only engines, then hybrid only then autonomous cars. A real shame.

[ukaskew]

What an awesome thing to do. Not in the same league but it's a shame no UK dealer had the foresight to do with this with the Megane R26.R, it would probably have been a gamble that paid off as it turns out as well.

[addz86]

Shame they're ending production, I've always loved the Viper. It's the first car I'll be looking for when my numbers come up one day

[tomjol]

"The last NA V10 on sale?"

Um...no?

[j90gta]

One of these or a Dime Racing AMG GT???

[Blayney]

If I could afford one I'd have one in a heartbeat. Always loved the Viper.

[Cotty]

Blayney said:

Always loved the Viper.

Yep. Madder than a box of frogs but bloody awesome with it.

[Arsecati]

Any self-respecting multi-millionaire car collector/petrolhead should have a Viper in their collection - no question about it. Madder than a box of frogs is exactly the term I'd use as well - absolutely love it. And the fact that it has the performance and handling to back up it's madness, makes it all the better. I'd have one in my collection in a heartbeat!

[Boydie88]

[ambuletz]

i always liked the viper 'cos in Gran Turismo it was the easiest car to win the NA trophy cup with as it had the most hp.

[OverSteery]

ukaskew said:

What an awesome thing to do. Not in the same league but it's a shame no UK dealer had the foresight to do with this with the Megane R26.R, it would probably have been a gamble that paid off as it turns out as well.

[Joeguard1990]

Yet here in the UK we have the opposite, limited edition Corsa 1.2s selling and making as many as they can

If I had the money to buy one as a toy I would, especially the ACR edition.

[rampageturke]

tomjol said:

"The last NA V10 on sale?"

Um...no?

Audi are ditching the V10 R8 arent they? Honestly can't think of any others. is the LFA still being produced?

[Gorbyrev]

rampageturke said:

tomjol said:

"The last NA V10 on sale?"

Um...no?

Audi are ditching the V10 R8 arent they? Honestly can't think of any others. is the LFA still being produced?

And almost certainly the last n/a V10 with three pedals.

Well made point about the R26.R.

My Gerry Wood have another virtual pint on us
Hopefully the "no replacement for displacement" residents around Charlotte will snap them up with its proud NASCAR history (lovely part of the country too).

[tomjol]

rampageturke said:

Audi are ditching the V10 R8 arent they? Honestly can't think of any others. is the LFA still being produced?

Eventually I imagine yes, but haven't they just launched the convertible? It's also in the Huracan of course.

LFA is finished, sadly

[rampageturke]

tomjol said:

Eventually I imagine yes, but haven't they just launched the convertible? It's also in the Huracan of course.

LFA is finished, sadly

Ah, Lambo, how could I forget? Also my memory failed me, thought they announced it's discontinuation, but it was a story about them possibly bringing in an R8 V6

[Loyly]

The Dodge Viper is probably my favourite sports car of all time. Especially the second generation. Such a shame they're ending production.

[powerstroke]

Boydie88 said:

Is that your face when you realised the starter motor in the viper is more powerful than the engine in
a VX220