Danbury Mint 1:24 1996 Dodge Viper RT/10- Car Collectors' Club (Discontinued)

Chrysler Corp. embarked on a stunning series of concept cars in the early '90s, but the one that really grabbed the spotlight was a minimalist, macho roadster in the Cobra vein named Viper RT/10. With tubular steel chassis, plastic body and V10 power, it was all about eye-popping acceleration and racecar handling. The public and press clamored for a production version, and Chrysler bravely obliged, targeting 3,000 examples for the 1992 model year at a cost of $50k. I wish I knew more on the history of this sophisticated and aesthetically superb 1:24 replica. In 1997, BCG's ownership changed and Danbury Mint acquired the Viper inventory, including RT/10s and GTS coupes. Both were marketed under DM's Car Collector Club banner, but only the GTS, I believe, was honored with a brochure. Both received DM-style packaging and title certificate. The RT/10's title declares it a 1997 model; however its 3-spoke wheels and calf-searing outboard exhausts peg it as pre-1996.

Proportions seem perfect and fine detailing abounds. I needed glasses to find the body-colored script on front fenders and rear bumper, but it's there and sharp. All eleven lighting units are as flush-fitting as on the 1:1 car, mesh screens are in place for the hood intakes, instruments are exquisite and the light gray seats make you wonder where 1:24 cows are herded. Hood, doors and trunk lid fit and operate with precision, and the steering functions easily and precisely. The engine bay and undercarriage are prolifically detailed, a strapped-down spare completes the trunk, and the plastic body sports a flawless red finish that a man could shave in. Macho? Es la verdad! (06/12/2000)

Additional comments from Tom Pine on the coupe originally marketed by the Brookfield Collector's Guild: In 1996, the Dodge Viper GTS Coupe joined its roadster sibling, the RT/10. Though they looked similar, more than 90 percent of the Coupe was new. The additional engineering scrutiny paid off. A GTS with air conditioning weighed nearly 100 pounds less than the (1994) RT/10 without air. Some of the changes were applied to both cars and included an all-aluminum suspension system and re-engineered frame. Weight reduction specifically for the GTS focused on the engine and cooling system, where over 80 pounds were removed.

With all due respect to John Luthi’s fine review, I felt a few comments on the coupe were in order. With its hard roof, sloping “hatchback” rear window, and turned-up rear edge spoiler, the coupe has a smoother, more slippery-looking profile. This time out, the wheels have five-spokes, providing easy viewing of the tiny calipers. All the fine detailing of the roadster is extant on this image as well. And the body is also done in plastic resin. It’s color scheme, an electric, metallic “Viper Blue” with two large white racing stripes looks great, if a little dull – common to metallic paint-finished images. Surprisingly, there is no working suspension, though the undercarriage detailing is exquisite. When you lift the hinged rear window, the spare tire, with its tiedown straps, is clearly visible in its black-carpeted cargo space. Interior detailing is also up to par, with tiny, cloth, four-point seatbelts to grace the light gray seats. For an older image, this one has the goods.

Dodge has won the hearts of the muscle-car-loving crowd with its burly Viper. Graceful, yet purposeful lines, coupled to gut-wrenching performance and stability, make the Viper GTS Coupe a winner in anyone’s book.

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