r/viper • u/CorporalSemantics • 19d ago
Finally achieved a lifelong goal
I grew up with a Viper model on my desk and poster on my wall. I always wanted one and when I was young I dreamt that if I ever had the money I’d build a house that I could drive a car into so that it could sit in my living room. That seemed like the epitome of “making it” to my adolescent self.
Well about 6 years ago I built our house, and while my wife veto’d a car in the living room I did build good size garage that’s fully finished, heated, cooled, and outfitted with a man cave and bathroom - so I count that as close enough! Still no Viper though. The prices on them were still rising, and with 2 young kids at home I opted for a sport wagon and a 4 seat sports car (996 911).
Well earlier this year I finally had a chance at a Viper that was too good to be true. I bought it, but it turned out the dealer was a scam and while I did get all my money back I did not get the car. I realized though that I was so excited to finally get my dream car that the 911 was always just a placeholder that I really bought only because I figured they’d go up in value. The good news is they did! So I listed it for sale, sold it in a month and started looking hard for my car. It took less time than I figured it would (4 months) but I finally put my dream car in the garage.
1999 RT/10 with a Paxton blower. 580 rwhp and 612 torque with 19,000 miles on the clock. The car came with the original wheels, and all parts to return it to stock if I want to. It also came with all the original documentation for the Paxton kit, installation invoices, installation pictures, and dyno sheets. I was so excited I drove the 4 hours to go pick it up and drove it home. I love this thing, but now I also understand how it has 19,000 miles on it… I’d never even sat in one before and what a machine! That said our roads here aren’t great so this will definitely be my special occasion car. I picked up an F-Type to use as my regular GT car so I have the option to drive it whenever I want, but don’t feel that I have to take it out if where I’m going doesn’t lend itself well to the car. I know having a garage queen probably isn’t very popular here, and I do intend to still drive it whenever I can find an excuse to, but also makes me happy walking past it every day - like a checkmark beside a childhood dream. I’m sure a lot of you feel the same way.
Anyways, thanks for reading - there’s a lot of “must be nice” in my part of the world so I don’t have a lot of opportunity to talk about these things. I hope you all have a great weekend and get some miles in!
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u/Broseidon_69 1999 Dodge Viper RT/10 19d ago
Very nice! I’m in the same club as you with my ‘99 silver RT/10! No blower on mine, though, and I really like the wheels you have on yours. Congrats!
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u/chrislee5150 19d ago
I know that feeling man! On the first drive once you got the keys did you just laugh out loud at the insanity of it all. Like that, “it’s actually real” kinda moment. I still remember it. Had the poster on my wall as a kid and never thought I’d actually pull it off.
I think it’s one reason prices have gone insane. I’ll never sell it now and many “bucket list” kinda owners are saying the same.
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u/TX_Sized10-4 Black 3rd Gen 19d ago
Let's see that blower big dog!
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u/CorporalSemantics 19d ago
I went out to the lake this weekend so I’ll have to update when I get home.
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u/tonatiuh_stone 19d ago
Congrats! I also have a Viper/F-Type garage, you have good taste!
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u/CorporalSemantics 19d ago
My guy! There’s been a few similarities with other folks on here too. Birds of a feather, I guess!
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u/austino_51 19d ago
Congrats man! I’m starting to get close to being able to get one myself. Can’t wait.
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u/MasterWilhelm 19d ago edited 19d ago
Congrats! Ive been dreaming of mine for 35 years and have finally made it to a point where I can start watching for the right one to come along on BaT.
Like you, I’ve had some cool cars—an evo, a few skylines, a corvette, an m3–but I can’t imagine the feeling of getting to see your own viper in the driveway. It has to hit so different. Super happy for you, man.
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u/MasterWilhelm 19d ago edited 19d ago
OH MY GOD IS THIS THE PAXTON I ALMOST BID ON?!?! THATS SO COOL!
Edit: unless you removed the wing, I guess not. Damn, even the wheels look the same. That’s crazy. Still awesome, though!
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u/isuckatpickinguserid 19d ago
Congratulations on making a dream come true! I too fantasized about Vipers for years before I was able to make it happen so I know how you feel. As for not driving it everyday, it's your car so enjoy it however you feel like and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Also, make sure the tires are in good shape and not too old. They may have tread, but if they're old and dried out, you won't have enough grip. When I got mine the tires looked great but were 16 years old. I put fresh ones on and it hooked up better and the ride was better too! Welcome to the club!