I have a chance to trade a 1969 plymouth roadruner convertible 4 speed valued at $37G for a 2001 Viper convertible. Viper has 33,000 miles on it with new engine just installed and a supercharger. Engine has upgraded pistons to handle supercharger. He has $14G in receipts for work including new performance clutch. Supposed to have 597 HP. looks clean,no dents. Good interior, orange leather with dark blue paint. Is it worth $37G and how hard would it be to sell for around that?? thanks
There are too many variables to answer this question accurately, but as a general rule Vipers are still depreciating while a numbers matching original RR would now be appreciating. From a personal perspective, Ive never really heard of anyone making money selling their viper, its usually at a bit of a loss, but thats not why any of us buy one. As a general rule, I tell people if you have any concerns about selling a car you havent even bought yet, then youre buying the wrong car.
Guys vipers ARE not depreciating anymore. When I was in CT for past 3 years my vehicle tax kept going up year after year. I called the town tax dept and complained and they said they tax based off sales in the country and for the last 3 years viper sales have been increasing as in selling for higher amounts.. Although nothing major but they are going up slowly. Now if you have tons of mileage on junk then yes good luck selling it. But decent unmolested vehicles are worth the money. https://www.hagerty.com/apps/valuationtools/2001-Dodge-Viper-RT!10
Vipers are not depreciating. Ive been watching prices going up over the last few years. That said, im not sure orange leather was a stock color, and id be very weary of a custom interior or custom paint. Those types of cars are definitely harder to sell in the future. When I was shopping, I skipped many cars with custom interiors....
Currently, with the exception of very low production cars from later years, I think only the general population of clean, low mileage Gen 1 and Gen 2 Vipers are appreciating. Ten-twelve years ago, clean, low mileage Gen 2 GTS were selling for $25-30k. Today, you will probably have to pay $45-50k. If the paint is original, that dark blue paint, Sapphire Blue Pearl, was a one year color. That makes it more desirable for a lot of buyers. There were other Gen2 one year colors such as White, Silver, Steel Gray, and Graphite Metallic, but the Sapphire Blue is very distinctive. Interiors were Black or Connelly Cognac. The latter was ordered less frequently, so it is more in demand now. Enthusiasts care a little less about originality than collectors (accepting/favoring smart upgrades), but down the road, collectors will begin to make up a greater portion of the buyers. Rising prices will be a double edged sword, as it will attract more collectors. That will be a sad transition time as we will probably see far fewer cars at meets, since collectors will just want to protect their investment.
