Why this vehicle matters
The GTS coupe took the RT/10's brutality and added just enough refinement to make it usable without losing the soul. The double-bubble roof — a direct homage to the Shelby Cobra Daytona coupe — made it instantly recognizable. The 450 hp V10 was even more aggressive than the roadster's. And then Chrysler went racing. The Viper GTS-R dominated GT2 class racing, including class wins at Le Mans in 1998, 1999, and 2000. The blue-with-white-stripes livery became iconic. The GTS proved the Viper wasn't just a drag strip brawler — it could humiliate European exotics on road courses too.
Patina notes
The GTS ages beautifully, especially in blue with white stripes (the Le Mans livery). Red and black cars are common but lack the visual drama. The double-bubble roof is structural and shouldn't show stress. Interior wear is better controlled than the RT/10 thanks to actual climate control. The massive rear glass shows the engine; keep it clean. Original window stickers and documentation add significant value to GTS-R tribute cars.
Ownership reality
The GTS is the civilized Viper — meaning you can drive it more than 30 minutes without hating your life. Air conditioning works. The interior is actually finished. But it's still a Viper: no electronic aids, heavy controls, and enough power to get you in serious trouble. The engine is bulletproof if maintained. The transmission is the weak link — grinding into second gear is common on hard-driven examples. Special editions (GTS-R, GT2, ACR) command significant premiums. The community is excellent and genuinely helpful to newcomers.
The verdict
Buy if
You want Le Mans heritage in your garage. You want Viper experience with livable refinement. You appreciate that this car beat Porsches and Ferraris at their own game.
Skip if
You expected the GTS to be actually comfortable. You need a car that can be driven in the rain safely. You can't resist flooring it at every opportunity (this car punishes overconfidence).
What to look for
- → Transmission grinding into 2nd gear
- → Frame cracks at suspension pickups
- → Previous track abuse (check for roll bar mounts)
- → Clutch wear and hydraulic condition
- → Electrical issues in gauge cluster
- → Documentation for special editions
- → Signs of poorly repaired crash damage
Common problems
- ⚠ 2nd gear synchro wear
- ⚠ Water pump and cooling system maintenance
- ⚠ Rear differential whine
- ⚠ Clutch slave cylinder failure
- ⚠ Catalytic converter heat-related issues
- ⚠ Ball joint wear from aggressive driving
Parts & community
Parts sources
- Viper Parts Rack
- Prefix Corporation
- Woodhouse Performance
- Mopar Performance
Forums & communities
- VCA Viper Club of America
- ViperAlley.com
- DrivingEnthusiast.net
Sources
- Bring a Trailer · 2026-02-04
- Hagerty Valuation Tools · 2026-02-04
Specifications
| Engine | 8.0L V10 |
| Power | 450 hp |
| Torque | 490 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Weight | 3,445 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 96.2 inches |
| Production | 4,752 (1996-2002 GTS) |
Notable Features
- • Double-bubble roof (Cobra Daytona homage)
- • Still no ABS or traction control
- • Improved interior with actual air conditioning
- • GT2 Championship-winning heritage
About Dodge
Chrysler's muscle brand. Dodge has always been the division willing to build something a little wilder than the competition.
View all Dodge vehicles →Find one
Looking to buy? Search current and past listings on Bring a Trailer.
Search on Bring a Trailer →More from Dodge
1967 Dodge A100
The A100 is the muscle van. While Ford and GM were putting economical sixes in their compact vans, Dodge offered a 318 V8. The legendary 'Little Red Wagon' drag truck was an A100. This was Chrysler being Chrysler — if some is good, more is better. The forward-control design put you right over the front wheels, which was either exciting or terrifying depending on your perspective. The A100 proved that vans didn't have to be boring.
1969 Dodge Charger R/T
The 1968-70 Charger is the most recognizable muscle car silhouette ever drawn. The hidden headlights, tunneled rear glass, and Coke-bottle curves made it look like a spaceship from the future. Then Dodge dropped the 426 Hemi in it. The Charger R/T (Road/Track) came standard with the 440 Magnum — 375 horsepower of reliable big-block power. The optional Hemi added another 50 hp and legendary status. Yes, the General Lee destroyed hundreds of these cars. But the Charger's design transcends any TV show. This is what a muscle car is supposed to look like.
1978 Dodge Li'l Red Express
The Li'l Red Express was Dodge's middle finger to the malaise era. While passenger cars choked on emissions equipment and made embarrassing power numbers, Chrysler noticed that light-duty trucks were exempt from the same regulations. So they dropped a 360 V8 with a performance cam, free-flowing exhaust, and those absurd chrome stacks into a D150 shortbed. The result? The fastest American vehicle you could buy in 1978, capable of 14.7-second quarter miles when Corvettes were struggling to break 16. It was a factory hot rod disguised as a work truck, painted Bright Canyon Red and wearing its wood rails and gold stripes like a badge of honor.
1992 Dodge Viper RT/10
The Viper was Chrysler's insane bet that Americans still wanted raw, unassisted muscle. Bob Lutz and Carroll Shelby created a car with no safety nets — no ABS, no traction control, no airbags, and side exhaust pipes that would brand your calf if you weren't careful. The 8.0L V10 was derived from a truck engine but made 400 hp in an era when Corvettes made 300. The Viper was automotive machismo distilled to its purest form. It was too hot, too loud, too uncomfortable, and too willing to swap ends if you disrespected it. That was the entire point.