The car has become an odd symbol of Mopar’s muscle power and unique marketing strategy. However, after 28 years, this famous sports car is being lifted down to the ground for a second time to undergo maintenance and refurbishment.
Badged since 1996, the first Viper RT/10's striking red finish has endured the rigors of time and the elements.
The car has only been taken down twice, most recently 15 years ago. After years of exposure to sun and rain, the red paint has faded, the plastic windows are covered in algae, and the headlights show signs of discoloration. Notably, under the hood, a mass of straw and bird droppings suggest the V10 engine has become a haven for birds.
Although the Viper may appear to be just a shell, according to Alec Girvin, an employee at Audubon Chrysler, the car was intact and had only 12 miles on the odometer when it first appeared.
"This is a brand new car, not pre-production or unregisterable," Girvin dismissed rumors about the car's origins.
The Viper has now been towed down for cleaning and repainting, before being returned to its original location. Audubon Chrysler says the car will be restored and returned to its original appearance soon.
Despite a long period of "forgottenness", this Dodge Viper is still a testament to the durability and interesting stories in the automotive industry, and continues to attract the attention of car lovers and sports car enthusiasts.
