Poor Dodge Viper That’s Been in the Sky Since 1996 Brought Down for Reconditioning

This Dodge Viper has become a landmark in Kentucky, but now, it’s a nasty mess in need of a refresh after sitting up there for many years.

The Dodge Viper is, without a doubt, one of the coolest vehicles that has ever existed – the rare concept car that became a reality, flaws and all, before it evolved into a more manageable beast later on. Sadly, the Viper is no more, meaning that we can’t go down to our local dealer and buy one new, but that hasn’t stopped Audubon Chrysler in Henderson, Kentucky from using one to lure customers in off the highway since 1996. Rather, way back then, they took a brand new Dodge Viper, put it on a platform, and hoisted it into the air. Since then, the Dodge Viper in the sky has become a true landmark, serving as something of a welcome sign to those traveling across the town’s twin bridges. Now, however, it’s time for this unique machine to be brought down from its perch.

According to Tristate Homepage, the folks at Audubon Chrysler have brought their famous Dodge Viper down from its platform so that they can give it a good reconditioning, though this isn’t the first time that’s happened – in fact, they did the same thing 15 years ago. As one might imagine, sitting outside untouched for 15 years isn’t exactly ideal for keeping any vehicle in tip top condition, and these pics posted to Facebook by Scott Harris are a bit, well, shocking, to say the least.

This poor Dodge Viper is what southerners like to call a hot mess, its paint fading and cracking, and covered in mold in some places. That isn’t even the worst part, however, as when the front clamshell is lifted, we can see a seriously nasty mess with what appears to be the world’s largest rat nest. The engine bay is full of droppings, leaves, pine needles, and other debris, as one might expect.

Now, the Dodge Viper will be reconditioned – presumably, repainted, and cleaned up, and then returned to its perch, a process that will take around a month, according to the dealership. While this car has become a landmark of sorts, it’s also something of a shame in our opinion, given the fact that this may be the only untitled first-generation Dodge Viper left on the planet. However, we also can’t even imagine the work and money it would take to give this thing a proper restoration either, but perhaps one day, it may just get that sort of treatment – one can hope, at least.

Photos: Scott Harris

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.