The release of the original Dodge Viper was a watershed moment in the history of the American automobile. Signifying the return of the American high-performance machine, the Viper was created in the same vein as the Shelby Cobra some 30 years earlier. What the original Viper lacked in creature comforts—traction control, anti-lock brakes, side windows, and even exterior door handles—it made up for in performance and sheer horsepower. At its heart was a Lamborghini-designed V-10 engine—the first V-10 ever fitted to a road-legal automobile—capable of producing 400 horsepower. This was a massive amount of power at the time, and it was 25 brake horsepower more than Chevrolet’s top-of-the-line Corvette ZR-1.

Over the ensuing years, the Viper slowly evolved and became more refined. Creature comforts were added, and a coupe body style was offered for the second-generation Viper, catering to customers looking to take their Viper to the track, or to go on extended and very fast road trips. Its first major redesign was introduced with the third-generation Viper for the 2003 model year. This new Viper was significantly restyled, and its V-10 powerplant was increased to 8.3 liters (or 505 cu. in.), raising horsepower to 500. Dodge unveiled the Viper SRT10 Coupe at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. Although it remained highly similar to its drop-top sibling in appearance, it sported the distinctive double-bubble roof of the previous Viper GTS.

The 2006 example presented here was originally finished in the optional shade of Viper Race Yellow, with dual black racing stripes and fitted with polished wheels, just as it is presented today. Still in wonderful condition throughout, this Viper has travelled just under 2,600 miles from new and is accompanied by a copy of its window sticker and a set of owner’s manuals.

Third-generation Viper coupes offer the perfect mix of creature comforts and mind-bending performance. Even a decade after rolling off of the production line, these cars are still capable of keeping up with many of the modern sports cars produced today. With limited original mileage, this Viper remains a fine example of its breed and would be a perfect addition to any collection of American muscle cars or late-model exotics.