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Viper Exhibit at Walter P. Chrysler Museum


Story by Maurice Q. Liang

See Viper history in 3D this summer
at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in
Auburn Hills, Mich. The Museum is
pulling several milestone Vipers out
of their vault to create a special Viper
exhibit; Born to Race: Dodge Viper
Racing Heritage. The Vipers the Museum
is exhibiting include:

  • 1989 Viper Concept Car
    • 

  • 1991 Viper RT/10
    • 

  • 1996 Viper GTS C
    • 

  • 1997 Viper Le Mans Winner C-7
    • 

  • 1998 Viper GT-2
    • 

  • 2000 Viper GTS/R Concept
    • 

  • 2000 Viper GTS/R
    • 


This is the first time in the museum’s history that all these Vipers will be on exhibit at the same time. Each vehicle is displayed with a historical timeline and highlight signs detailing each vehicle. The stars of the show are several versions of the Dodge Viper GTS/R, which was introduced in 1996. A total of 57 of these elite vehicles were manufactured over the next eight years.

Because the Dodge brand was not sold in Europe, the GTS/R was badged as a Chrysler.  Versions raced in the United States were listed as Dodge Vipers. The cars went on to win many prestigious motorsports events throughout the world.

While Chrysler ended its official backing in 2001, the GTS/R continued racing well into 2007 with much success. According to the Museum, “The Dodge Viper GTS/R will go down as one of the most successful factory-backed racing vehicles in history.”

If you’re in the Detroit area this summer, be sure to stop by the Museum and check out this special exhibit. The exhibit will run through Sept. 5. For information about the museum, visit www.wpchryslermuseum.org.

The Viper that started it all. The original 1989 show car, which is often seen on “the tower” inside the museum.1996 GTS Indy Pace Car: Viper once again paced the Indy 500 with the new GTS coupe. Bob Lutz drove this pace car. It’s the only GTS that came with a sunroof!1991 RT/10 Indy Pace Car: When the Dodge Stealth, made by then Chrysler partner Mitsubishi, was chosen as the pace car for the 1991 Indy 500 race, fans objected to a Japanese-made car pacing this all-American race, so Team Viper came to the rescue by building an extra Viper “mule” to serve as the pace car. Carroll Shelby was drafted to drive the pace car.1998 GT2: Dodge built 100 GTS/R replicas, often called the GT2, in reference to the FIA class that Viper raced in. This is one of the most collectible Vipers, with its large wing, BBS wheels, and special interior. 1996 GTS/R #97: One of the original presentation cars for the new GTS/R race car. 2000 GTS/R #91: ORECA race car that won Daytona. 1998 GTS/R #53: Original GTS/R race car campaigned by factory-backed ORECA race team that won Le Mans that year.

Photos by Roger Meiners

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