In 1989, the first Dodge Viper, the RT/10 Concept model, made it debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The show car was so popular that Chrysler decided to explore the model for possible future production plans. On March 28, 1989, the Chrysler management team gave the go and formed “Team Viper” which was a volunteer feasibility study group comprised of engineering, design, procurement and supply, manufacturing staffs, and key suppliers. From concept to reality, the Dodge Viper was beginning to take its place in automotive performance on the consumer market.
One of the individuals responsible for the full development of the Dodge Viper was Mr. Carroll Shelby. He once said, “My main input into the thing is that I sat down with Lutz and he said, let’s build a sports car”. Together, with Mr. Bob Lutz, Mr. Carroll Shelby began work on the Dodge Viper. There were other talented individuals that were also part of the design development such as Roy H. Sjoberg, Tom Gale, and Francois Castaing.
The first model had many great design features such as sharply curved air vents, a massive size engine, streamlined racing mirrors and a cockpit seat arrangement. The consumers thoroughly loved the model and the first production Viper models were sold out. The main question that arose after their success was what would be generated next. Shortly after, Dodge kept the excitement moving for their fans and continued their journey with the development of additional Viper models.
Martin R. Levine, previous General Manager of the Dodge Division, once stated, “We believe the original Viper RT/10 roadster, produced from 1992 through 1995, has secured a place in history as a vehicle that defined a new Chrysler way of business by taking on fresh challenges and once again defining the genre of what a pure American sports car should be”.
In 1996, a number of changes in appearance and performance were beginning to take shape on the Viper model. The new changes included three new exterior design themes in which customers now had a selective choice of a red exterior paint with yellow five spoke wheels and optional yellow Viper logo decal. The legendary Viper side exhaust was changed to a rear outlet exhaust system to produce a more pleasing sound.
Throughout the years, Dodge continued to introduce many favorable Viper models. In 2003, the Dodge Viper redesigned the body, along with a manual convertible top, which became the world's classic automobile among multiple car buffs. While the Viper model didn't go on sale until 1992, it also made its appearance at the 1991 Indianapolis 500 mile race which created many fans and popular enthusiasm for Dodge and the Chrysler Corporation. Today, the 2013 Dodge Viper model is outstanding for it offers a race inspired and high performance interior, an aggressive and functional exterior, and an outstanding handling for a smooth ride. For more information on the 2013-2014 Dodge Vipers, please contact driveSRT.com.
A special thanks to Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher, for donating the story to the MotorCities Story of the Week program. Photographs are courtesy of Bob Tate’s personal collection. (Bibliography: Stone Matt. Enthusiast Color Series Viper. Motorbooks International, Publishers 1996.)
Please do not republish the story and/or photographs without permission of MotorCities National Heritage Area. For further information contact Robert Tate at btate@motorcities.org. If you have a story that you would like to donate to be featured as a MotorCities Story of the Week, email Lisa Ambriez at lambriez@motorcities.org.