By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Chrysler Archives, Viper Quarterly magazine, ACR
Published 6.22.2022
The first Dodge Viper RT/10 concept, 1989 (Chrysler Archives)
From concept to reality, the popular Dodge Viper concept car went from wowing crowds on the auto show circuit to showrooms. The Dodge Viper concept was first introduced to the public as a concept in 1989. This was the same year that Chrysler introduced the popular cab-forward designs in models like the Concorde and Dodge Intrepid. 1989 turned out to be a remarkable year for the company remembered in our automotive history books.
The first production Dodge Viper, front end view (Chrysler Archives)
When the Dodge Viper RT/10 made its debut in the spring of 1992, the model was manufactured in red with a black interior. The Viper RT/10 offered a great looking side exhaust system and could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The composite body panels were bonded and bolted to a tubular steel frame. The two-seat roadster went on sale in early summer of 1992 and sold out immediately with a price tag of $50,000.
Rear view of the first production Dodge Viper (Chrysler Archives)
Some automotive enthusiasts have referred to the Dodge Viper as a “halo car” – a high-end, performance-oriented vehicle meant to represent the pinnacle of an automobile company’s capabilities. Chrysler demonstrated that under the great leadership of Chrysler design manager Tom Gale. Tom Gale and a great styling team were responsible for many Chrysler passenger vehicles during the mid-1980s, including the Dodge Viper. Gale, who started at Chrysler in an engineering position in 1967, was involved with the process of many popular models that Chrysler had manufactured for many years.
2000 Dodge Viper GTS R concept show car (Chrysler Archives)
I always thought that the Dodge Viper was a great looking iconic vehicle and was different by design. At the beginning, Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca was very involved with the development of the Viper along with Carroll Shelby.
The second-generation Dodge Viper was introduced in 1996. Only a few changes to the RT/10 models were made, including a fiberglass hardtop.
2003 Dodge Viper on the cover of Viper Magazine
In 2003, a new Viper SRT-10 model introduced more great engine performance. By now, the Viper had built a dedicated fan base, with automotive enthusiasts praising its great levels of torque, acceleration top speed and power.
The Dodge Viper, along with the Plymouth Prowler, were iconic automotive designs, a great marketing investment that paid off in terms of brand image. The Viper was a handmade model manufactured on a proprietary platform not shared with any other Chrysler vehicle at the time.
Dodge Viper SRT in blue (Chrysler Archives)
In 2013, the fifth generation Viper was introduced after being briefly discontinued in 2010 due to lackluster sales. By 2017, only an estimated 485 Dodge Viper models were sold, so Fiat Chrysler Automobiles lowered prices in hopes of improving sales.
2016 Dodge Viper
Unfortunately, the higher price tag for the Viper, relative to newly released popular competition within the brand from the Dodge Hellcat Challenger and Charger, meant the end was near. The last Dodge Viper rolled out of the Conner Assembly plant on August 31, 2017.
2017 Dodge Viper (ACR)
In conclusion, the Dodge Viper was the only American sports car that could compete with the Chevy Corvette from General Motors. It is an icon that will live on in our automotive history books.
Jornecka, Rory. “All Things Dodge Viper on Automobile.” The Dodge Viper History, Generation, models and more. April 17, 2020.
American Supercars. “The History and Legacy of the Dodge Viper.” August 31, 2017.
Pavlik, Tina. “Why the Powerful and Popular Dodge Viper Disappeared.” Motor Biscuit, April 16, 2020.
Viper - The Quarterly Magazine for Dodge Viper enthusiasts.
By Bob Sadler, MotorCities Communications Manager
Images are Public Domain
Published 6.17.2022
Read more: 40th Anniversary of Vincent Chin Murder Observed This Week
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Buck Mook/Dean’s Garage, Ford Motor Company Archives
Published 6.15.2022
Read more: "Buck" Mook: Ford Designer, Auto Enthusiast & Historian
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images from Various Sources
Published 6.8.2022
Read more: Remembering the AMC 1968-70 Javelin SST Muscle Car
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of GM Media Archives
Published 6.1.2022
Read more: The GM Firebird II Show Car Made Automotive History
by A. Wayne Ferens
Images Courtesy of the New York World’s Fair, Bill Cotter, GM Media Archives
Published 5.25.2022
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Ford Motor Company Archives
Published 5.18.2022
Read more: The 1920s Lincolns Made Great Contributions to Auto History
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of SpicerCollectorCars, Dean Jeffries Kustomrama
Published 5.10.2022
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian & Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Chrysler Archives
Publsihed 5.4.2022
by A. Wayne Ferens
Images from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Wayne Ferens Collection
Published 4.27.2022
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Ford Motor Company Archives
Published 4.13.2022
Read more: The Ford Mustang I Concept Made Automotive History
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Chrysler Archives, Hemmings, Ray Barton/Cars Online
Published 4.6.2022
Read more: The 1967-1969 Plymouth Barracudas Were Out to Win You Over
Published 3.30.2022
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of General Motors Media Archives, Richard Quinn Collection, Mechanix Illustrated
Published 3.23.2022
Read more: The Earliest Women Designers in the Auto Industry
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Nellie Goins, Ebony magazine, NHRA
Published 3.16.2022
Read more: Nellie Goins, the 1st African American Woman Funny Car Racer
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of Ford Motor Company and Superformance
Published 3.9.2022
Read more: Remembering Auto Designer and Historian Bill Robinson
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Multiple Sources
Published 2.23.2022
Read more: C.R. Patterson, Son Fred & the 1st African American Carmaker
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Lewis Hamilton
Published 2.16.2022
Read more: Lewis Hamilton: How He Became a Great Race Car Driver
by Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Camilo Pardo, Yoshiharu Miyakawa, Elaine Pesser, Cedric Gachet and Joe Williams
Published 2.9.2022
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy Mary Ellen Green Dohrs, GM Media Archives
Published 2.2.2022
Read more: Mary Ellen Green Dohrs Was a Pioneer in Automotive Design
by Bob Sadler, MotorCities Communications Manager
Images Courtesy of Detroit Electric, Car and Driver, and Coachbuilt.com
Published 1.26.2022
Read more: The Detroit Electric and Its Place in Automotive History
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian/Researcher
Images Courtesy of the GM Media Archives/Chevrolet SS Concept 2003 Brochure
Published 1.19.2022
Read more: The 2003 Chevrolet SS Was a Great Looking Concept
A STORY OF THE WEEK EXTRA
by Bob Sadler, MotorCities Communications Manager
Images from Walter Reuther Library, Motown Records
Published 1.14.2022
EDITOR”S NOTE: In honor of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, MotorCities is sharing this story of the 1963 March to Freedom event in Detroit and the role played by UAW President Walter Reuther and area auto workers.
Read more: MLK & Walter Reuther Marched Down Woodward Avenue in 1963
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of Chrysler Archives and Mecum Auctions
Published 1.12.2022
By Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images courtesy of the Ford Motor Company Archives
Published 1.5.2022
Read more: The 1930s Lincoln Zephyrs Are Remembered for Great Styling