Rare 1996 Dodge Viper GTS Indy 500 Pace Car Auction

The 1996 Dodge Viper GTS Indy 500 Pace Car is a rare gem that’s just popped up at auction, grabbing the attention of car enthusiasts and collectors everywhere. With only 45 miles on the odometer, this model stands as a pristine slice of automotive history.

The Viper GTS wasn’t just another car—it stood for American muscle and engineering bravado. Its stint as the pace car for the 80th Indianapolis 500 only boosted its legendary reputation.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this Viper so special and why people can’t stop talking about it.

The Legacy of the 1996 Dodge Viper GTS

The 1996 Dodge Viper GTS marked a turning point in automotive history. As the second generation of the Viper, the GTS brought some serious upgrades over the original.

Its blue paint with white racing stripes made it an instant classic—hard to miss, even in a crowd of icons.

Design and Performance

Under the hood, the 1996 Viper GTS packs an 8.0-liter V10 engine that cranks out 450 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. That kind of power meant it could hit 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds—blistering speed for its era.

The design? Aggressive stance, aerodynamic lines, and a look that screams performance. It’s not subtle, and honestly, that’s part of the appeal.

Dodge gave the GTS a stiffer chassis, better suspension, and improved aerodynamics compared to the first-gen model. These tweaks made it faster and, crucially, more manageable when pushing the limits.

The Indy 500 Connection

The 1996 Dodge Viper GTS holds a special spot in motorsport history as the pace car for the 80th Indianapolis 500. The Indy 500 is a legendary event, drawing fans from all over the world every year.

Getting picked as the pace car? That’s a pretty big deal—reserved for vehicles that really stand out.

Significance of the Pace Car

The pace car leads race cars during warm-up laps and caution periods, keeping things safe and orderly. In 1996, the Viper GTS fit the bill perfectly, blending raw power with sharp handling.

Its bold look made it a fan favorite, and honestly, it just looked right out there on the track.

Current Auction Highlights

Fast forward almost thirty years, and this 1996 Dodge Viper GTS Indy 500 Pace Car has landed at auction, causing quite a stir. With only 45 miles, it’s basically untouched—like it just rolled off the showroom floor.

That kind of rarity? It’s no wonder collectors are buzzing.

Why Collectors Are Excited

Here’s why this auction has everyone talking:

• Low Mileage: Just 45 miles. It’s practically brand new, which is almost unheard of for a car like this.
• Historical Significance: Serving as the Indy 500 pace car gives it serious cred in the collector world.
• Originality: No mods, no restorations—it’s all original, just as Dodge built it.

Conclusion

The 1996 Dodge Viper GTS Indy 500 Pace Car still turns heads—no question about it. Enthusiasts and collectors can’t help but admire its bold design and raw power.

This car’s got a place in history, that’s for sure. When it rolls onto the auction block, it’s bound to draw some serious attention.

Curious to see more? Check out the official auction listing.