1994 Dodge Viper RT10

Launched in 1991, the Dodge Viper was reminiscent of the Cobra of the early '60s. Indeed, Cobra inventor Carroll Shelby drove a prototype as the pace car for the 1991 Indy 500. The first production model, the RT/10 Roadster, became available in 1992. With a GRP body over a tubular steel frame, the real centrepiece of the car was its mighty engine and the Lamborghini Company, then owned by Chrysler Corporation, converted the Chrysler 'LA' V8 into the V10 for the Viper by recasting the block and heads in an aluminium alloy. A major contributor to the Viper since the beginning was Dick Winkles, the chief power engineer, who had spent time in Italy.

The engine in these early RT/10 cars (1992-1995), known by owners as 1st Generation Phase 1 models, produces 400 bhp at 4600 rpm and 465 lb·ft at 3600 rpm, and thanks to the long-gearing made possible by the engine's torque characteristics, provides a fuel economy of 12 mpg. In 1994, the originally spartan RT/10 became available with several options including air-conditioning, adjustable suspension, larger diameter wheels to accommodate larger brakes, and a fibreglass hardtop for the roof.

The car offered here is a 1994 RT/10 Roadster and has covered just 55,000 kms. The car looks fantastic in its 'Get out my way' Red paintwork with contrasting grey leather interior. It has always been well-maintained and is said to perform very well with all the grunt and rumble you'd expect of such a muscle car. Not one for the faint-hearted, this is a burly and physical car which demands respect from its driver but rewards in equally large measures.