2003 Dodge Viper RT-10

Description

Without even knowing you or what you drive, I'm going to tell you that this 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 is going to be one of the fastest 'red light-to-red light' cars you'll ever drive. How do I know this? Well, not only does it pack an 8.3-liter V10 that's been professionally rebuilt to melt your face off, but it also has a reinforced racing clutch to handle the power and the hardware underneath that can actually plant it to the ground with the throttle wide-open, which means it's infinitely more refined than its street-brawling older brothers. So, if you're looking to set the pace at the Nurburgring or get followed by the paparazzi down Rodeo Drive, this is the stunning exotic to bring to the party.

Before we get to the neck-snapping engine, let's take a look at the aesthetics of this beautiful Viper. The 3rd generation ZBI Vipers were heavily redesigned from there more primitive forefathers and continued the legendary run of insanely cool exotics, with cars like this 2003 roadster being one of the first Gen III productions to leave the Chrysler factory floor. Sure, eventually Chrysler/Fiat figured things out and the 4th and then 5th gens were brought back a few years later, but as far as we knew it in 2003, cars like this slick convertible were the swan song for the brand. And boy, did they go out with a bang. Obviously reminiscent of the Daytona Cobras, the Viper puts aggression in a whole new category, and although the differences between the generations can be hard to spot, they shine in the ZBI. Taking cues from the Dodge Viper GTS-R concept, the new Viper SRT-10 was heavily restyled with sharp, angled bodywork to go along with a new and improved drivetrain and chassis. In fact, these roadsters were slightly larger than their predecessors, yet were also lighter by a couple hundred pounds. And those stylistic changes are very evident when punctuated in a hot Viper Red tuxedo that's been impeccably maintained since new. The restyled engine cover is the biggest giveaway, with its big intake scoop and louvered-style heat extractors that were added by the designers to provide a little extra excitement, but with the Viper's already outrageous looks, it only seems fitting. You also get the legendary grinning front fascia, dynamic front fenders, exhaust exits at the profiles, and a rear diffuser out back that all work together to make this high-impact Viper the brightest and coolest car we've had in our showroom in years. And like so many of its siblings, this one has seen only fair-weather usage and exemplary care, so it's in outstanding condition throughout with just 9,700 actual miles on the clock. And in addition to the stock look, the body was professionally lowered and somehow looks even faster no – like it's going 200mph standing still.

Dodge FINALLY responded to customers and the press when the time for another redesign came, and the interior is a much better place to spend your time than in the early cars. Form-fitting black leather and suede buckets hold you like a vise and there are provisions for shoulder harnesses, so you know where their intentions lie. Color-matched black stitching, Viper emblems, and a center console are there to make the convertible look special and the white-faced gauges get it right, with a gigantic tach right in the center of the cluster. More factory features did a lot for driver comfort without diluting the car's spirit, so you get power windows/locks/mirrors, A/C, tilt wheel, keyless entry, airbags, and a great-sounding AM/FM/CD stereo with 5 speakers and an amplifier. Up top there's a beautifully fitted black canvas top that folds down in a matter of seconds, and everything inside is in fantastic condition, further proof that this was always a weekend car. The trunk isn't much to write home about, but if you're buying a Viper for its carrying capacity, you're doing it wrong.

All that's nice, but the Viper is about horsepower, and this one packs huge horses complements of an 8.3 liter V10 powerhouse that's been augmented with Stage 3 heads and a performance camshaft from AC Performance, custom pushrods, and a port-matched intake manifold. There's torque everywhere on the map, suggesting that the Tremec TR6060 6-speed transmission has about four gears too many, and that side-exit exhaust really does sound spectacular at full bore thanks to American Racing headers and a Corsa catback set-up. Despite these choice upgrades the engine bay remains relatively stock, and with so few miles on the clock you don't have to worry that it's been raced or abused. The truth is, these things are virtually indestructible with a modicum of care, and unless you've had some training, full throttle is going to be a world-altering experience. The black valve covers and twin-plenum intake make it look rather intimidating under the hood, which now opens in the conventional fashion for easier service. The 6-speed manual shifts crisply if you show it who's boss and with two overdrive gears, it's a decent highway cruiser, though I won't lie and say fuel economy is all that great despite the rather ambitious EnerGuide section provided with the window sticker. The suspension was also upgraded with adjustable MCS coilovers and Eibach springs all-around, and the stopping power is far more responsive thanks to Gyrotech two-piece brakes with Eurotek pads at the corners. Performance wheels, and an underbody designed to use the wind to your advantage all suggest the Viper was built to take no prisoners, and the low-slung stance is punctuated by giant 275/35/18 front and 345/30/19 rear Michelins.

Incredibly maintained with low-mileage to back it up, this absolutely wicked Viper SRT-10 convertible is the most exciting car that I've personally ever driven. Call today!