1/15/20 19/100 1997 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

One of my favorite Matchbox castings in the 1990’s was the Dodge Viper duo, the RT/10 convertible and the GTS coupe, with the latter introduced in the 1997 model year.  The details are spot-on and accurate for this price point and also stand up to child’s play more than any other Viper replica at the time.  For 2000 the coupe ditches the dual stripes for a smooth silver color with tan interior (what a color combination!) and uses those lost stripes to add more details to the 4-bar grille, Viper badges on the front fenders, and detailed taillights that includes the Viper logo third brake light.  With this thin paint the bodylines shows how accurate they are despite some worn-out areas around the corners, with the GTS coupe adding a few more hood vents and those vents near the windshield, like the RT/10, are part of the window trim.  The rear has that smooth rear glass that leads into the wraparound rear spoiler just like the Shelby Daytona’s of the 1960’s, while the interior has the correct dashboard design and seat layout.  The base shows off the drivetrain with the exhaust now routed out the rear on this coupe and with a working suspension this is one fun car to toss around the track, even more fun than the C5 Corvette coupe introduced in the same year as the GTS coupe.  The casing did add a metal base, but after a few years the tooling started to get worn out and the paint jobs really thick, ending the life of such a popular Viper casting.

Specifications:

· Engine: 8.0L V-10 450 hp.

· Transmission: 6-speed manual

· 0-60 mph: 4.5 sec est.

· Real vehicle price: #90,000 est. 1999

Rating:  5 out of 5 stars