How much was a Viper in 1996?
About $72,000 for a new Dodge Viper GTS in the United States, the year’s primary Viper model, with the RT/10 roadster line no longer in production.
Context for 1996 Viper pricing
In 1996, Dodge shifted to the Viper GTS coupe as the sole Viper offering in the U.S. market after the RT/10 roadster ended production in the previous year. The GTS brought a new level of refinement, a fixed roof, and the same big V10 under the hood, reinforcing the model’s position as a premium American sports car.
Engine and performance snapshot
The 1996 Viper GTS used an 8.0-liter V10 paired with a manual transmission, delivering roughly 450 horsepower and around 490 lb-ft of torque. That power enabled brisk acceleration and a top-end that appealed to enthusiasts seeking raw, high-performance fun in a relatively stripped-down, driver-focused package.
Pricing details
Below is a snapshot of the 1996 Viper GTS pricing and what affected the cost.
Before listing the price information, note that MSRPs can vary slightly by dealership, region, and optional equipment. The Viper was a premium sports car with limited production, so discounts were uncommon and prices reflected its niche status.
- 1996 Dodge Viper GTS — MSRP: around $72,000 (US).
Prices could climb with options such as upgraded wheels, premium audio, leather interior, and distinctive paint finishes, which Dodge offered to personalize the car and enhance its performance credentials.
Additional context and market positioning
In 1996, the Viper’s identity as an unapologetic American performance car helped justify its price point. It stood up to European rivals by offering extreme power, a purpose-built V10 engine, and a relatively austere interior focused on driving but with modern refinements. The GTS’s price reflected its status as a premium, exclusive vehicle within Dodge’s lineup.
Summary
The 1996 Dodge Viper was priced at about $72,000 for the GTS coupe in the U.S.—the only Viper model that year after the RT/10 ended. The base price could rise with options and region, but the mid-to-high $70,000s captured the typical sticker for a new Viper that year.
Ends and context
In subsequent years, Dodge would continue refining the Viper line, but 1996 remains notable for introducing the GTS coupe as the sole Viper configuration for the model year and setting a price point that underscored its place in the supercar market of the era.
Summary
The 1996 Viper era centered on the GTS coupe with a base MSRP around $72,000 in the U.S., representing Dodge’s shift to a fixed-roof, high-performance flagship that would define the next generation of the Viper in coming years. Options could push the price higher, but the GTS remained the core value proposition for buyers in 1996.
