I don't know that there is anyone who "made out" on a wrecked Viper.
My car went in the low $30k range, and I know from being on here and seeing parts prices that there was at LEAST $30k in PARTS ALONE for my car, if not more. That was for a 98GTS with 25k miles - maybe with low-mid 50's on the open market if in pristine condition with low miles.
The problem with Vipers is they are worth so much in parts. If you get a GTS that was hit from the rear, you're looking at $5k+ for each of the panels... close to $1k per wheel, $300 per tire, similar prices on glass, exhaust, etc. A hard rear hit could mean $20k in damages easy... on a 1998 car that devalues it to $30k before you take into account the loss of resale value. BUt that $30k car with a hard rear hit has a hood that will sell for $10k, an engine that will go for close to $10k, $2000 for a bumper $1,500 for each sidesill, $500+ for the hood glass, $1000 for the seats, $750 per wheel, and the list goes on. The parts value of a wrecked Viper is going to be $30k minimum regardless of age because the older cars have a lot of parts discontinued which makes parts almost as valuable or moreso than newer cars. Combined with a low number of cars made and the high cost of factory parts, there is a high demand for used parts.
I would say unless your goal is to have a lower up front investment and pay the car off in pieces, then you're better off just getting a clean car from the get-go, or else you will undoubtedly pay more in the long run for the car.
Remember there are a ton of folks who want a Viper and are willing to pay the coin to get one, even if wrecked. I don't think alot of these folks check into the price of repairs on these cars before they buy, which also inflates their wrecked values. Remember the Viper is the highest cost to repair vehicle in the USA according to insurance companies - more expensive than Ferraris and the like.
