First Production Dodge Viper Heads to Auction
Originally owned by none other than the legendary Lee Iacocca, this historically significant Viper should bring the big bucks.
Some sports cars are remembered as being triumphs of engineering. Others are known for their grace and finesse at the limit. Still others are routinely praised for their elegance and luxury. The Dodge Viper, on the other hand, is a testament to good old-fashioned American brute force, plain and simple.
When it was released, the Viper’s 400 horsepower V10 was a revelation. We were still collectively reeling from the effects of the 1970s fuel crisis and the resulting emissions regulations that choked performance through the next decade.
It’s a historically significant car for Chrysler, and you might expect that the first production Dodge Viper belongs in a museum somewhere. You’ll be surprised to learn that, instead, the first production Viper has spent its entire life under the ownership of Lee Iacocca.
Iacocca’s Personal Toy
Clearly inspired by the brutal, bare-bones Shelby Cobra of the 1960s, the original Viper features little in the way of creature comforts. No side windows, no exterior door handles, and no air conditioning was the order of the day.
According to Auto Evolution, this was addressed at a press conference back when the Viper was originally released. Iacocca was involved with Carroll Shelby and Ford back in the 1960s. After explaining that he let Carroll Shelby keep the first Cobra built, Iacocca exclaimed “I am not making the same mistake twice! This one right here is mine!”
This Viper has spent almost its entire life at Iacocca’s sprawling California mansion. Despite his apparent enthusiasm, Iacocca didn’t use the car much. It has just 6,220 miles on the odometer. Service was handled by a local Dodge dealer, just like any other Viper.
Iacocca unfortunately passed away on July 2 of last year. Now, his beloved Viper is ready for a new home. It will be auctioned off by Bonhams on January 16 in Scottsdale.
Pre-auction estimates place the value of Iacocca’s Viper at $125,000. That’s roughly twice the value of a similar RT/10. However, being the first car — and having Iacocca as an owner — certainly raise the car’s value.
Photos: Bonhams
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