Barrett-Jackson has a history of auctioning off a variety of cars with VIN 001, which means they’re the first production models of their kind to leave the assembly line. Most recently, the first retail production version of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 sold at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Auction for $3.7 million, all of which was donated to the American Red Cross. But you can also find vehicles that mark the end of an automotive era, such as this 2002 Dodge Viper GTS Final Edition, which will be crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction.
The original Dodge Viper RT/10 debuted as a 1992 model. Back then, the Ford Mustang GT had angular lines that contained 225 horsepower. The Viper was a completely different animal, a modern reincarnation of the Shelby Cobra with bold curves, side pipes, and a 400-horsepower 8.0-liter V10 under its enormous hood. Aside from its relative lack of creature comforts, one catch to the Viper RT/10 was that Dodge didn’t offer it as a coupe. The automaker filled that hole in the Viper lineup with the 1996 GTS. Not only did it provide comfort in all weather conditions, but it also had an additional 50 horsepower.
By 2002, it was time for the Viper to shed its skin and enter a new generation of design and performance. To commemorate the end of the first-generation Viper coupe, Dodge produced 360 Final Edition models, each finished in Viper Red with full-length Stone White stripes over a black leather interior. Inside the cockpit, red accent stitching and an individually numbered plaque near the shifter for the six-speed manual gearbox visually separated the Final Editions from other GTSs.
This particular GTS Final Edition is #51 out of the 360-unit production run. Since leaving Dodge’s Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, it’s been driven only 10,847 miles. The combination of that gentle use and full-body paint protection film means this special Viper looks much newer than its model year would suggest. Luckily, its previous owner resisted the urge to modify it and left it as Dodge intended it to be. The big V10 is stock, although the eye-catching 18-inch chrome wheels have new Michelin Pilot Sport tires. Those will come in handy because, even in 2025, 450 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque is a lot to handle.
Your chance to place the winning bid on this piece of Dodge Viper history is coming up soon. The Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction will heat up South Florida with hot cars and high-octane fun April 24-26.
Register to bid at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction by checking out these various options. To sell a vehicle, start the consignment process here.