Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]

Announcements (Updated: July 11, 2018)

Welcome to Swifty's Garage!


Thanks to all of you for making this board what it is today!


Attention new members: We would like to welcome you personally, so please introduce yourself. Click here: INTRODUCTIONS


For all the latest news and announcements, please click here: PA System



Thank you - The Swifty's Garage Team




This board is best viewed at 1024 x 768 Resolution

Car of the Week:


Matchbox 1968 Ford F-100


Click Here: Matchbox '68 Ford F-100
Welcome to Swifty's Garage. We hope you enjoy your visit.


You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.

Thank You,
The Swifty's Garage Team


Join our community!


If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features.

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Car Of The Day: June 7, 2008; Matchbox '96 Dodge Viper GTS
Topic Started: Jun 7 2008, 04:35 AM (463 Views)
Swifty
Member Avatar
The Mustang II is a Mustang too!
Posted Image

Today's car of the day is Matchbox's '96 Dodge Viper GTS.

Posted Image

Wikipedia
 
A coupe model called the GTS was also introduced in 1996. Dubbed "dubble bubble", the roof featured slightly raised sections above each seat to accommodate usage of helmets, a throwback to its intended purpose. Indeed, the Viper's performance has made the vehicle popular for both amateur and professional racers. Vipers can be seen participating often in drag racing, road racing and drifting. The GTS, like its predecessor, was chosen as the pace car for the 1996 Indianapolis 500.

Despite its similar outward appearance, the car was distinct enough to considered a new generation model. Extensive modifications such as a reworked engine with higher power and less weight, an almost completely redesigned chassis that was made 60 lbs lighter and 25% stiffer in torsional rigidity through meticulous computer analysis, a thoroughly redesigned suspension, and reduced braking distances; the 1996 to 2002 Viper GTS had a lighter (approximately 650 lb) 450 bhp (336 kW) engine, which could complete the quarter mile 0.7 seconds faster and increased top speed by 35 km/h (22 mph) or so. The revised suspension, stiffer chassis, and aerodynamic body raised lateral grip to 0.98 g (9.6 m/sē), although other reports show the 1992 model with 1.0 g. Contemporary tires have improved upon this measure significantly. Slalom runs could often reach or exceed 70 mph (110 km/h). Brakes once again lacked ABS initially, and proved to be the car's weakest point. The brakes cost the car in numerous comparison tests, such as a 1997 "supercar comparison" by Motortrend, in which the Viper GTS placed at the top against cars such as the Ferrari 550, Corvette, Porsche 911, and Acura NSX in all performance exercises except braking. The car not only placed last, but had considerably longer stopping distances than other vehicles. ABS was introduced further into the production run, though braking performance was not necessarily significantly improved. In a Sports Car International comparison conducted in 2002, the Viper ACR (with ABS) was compared to the 911 GT2 at Thunderhill Raceway Park. Both cars were very capable, and quick around the test track, but the Viper proved more difficult to drive, and the braking system was blamed very specifically for the gap in lap times (approximately GT2: 2 minutes, ACR: 2:04) between the two cars.

Along with the updated performance came the inclusion of some of the "luxuries" the car did without before. Dual front airbags were added to the vehicle's safety equipment list in 1996 on the GTS and 1997 on the R/T10 as mandated by the government. The car was also exported to Europe, where it was rebadged as a Chrysler, and sold under this marque from 1997 to 2003. European models had a detuned version of the Copperhead V10.

In the first six years of production almost 10,000 Vipers were sold. Minor evolutionary changes including new 18" diameter wheels and were introduced in the 1999 model. Subsequent versions featured light-weight hypereutectic pistons and an improved exhaust system, side exhaust having been dropped part way through production year 1996 for the RT/10, all production GTS Viper Coupes had rear exit exhaust. 1999 saw the introduction of the Cognac Connolly interior package. Continuing the refinements, an ABS system was introduced in 2001. In 2002, the end of second generation production was celebrated with the release of 360 commemorative "Final Edition" models. These models were painted red with white stripes, paying tribute to the famous race-winning Oreca cars.


Posted Image

For more information and pictures of the real car please visit: Dodge Viper

Posted Image

It's hard to believe the Viper's been around for almost twenty years now. There are rumors that Chrysler's new owners may kill the Viper within the next few years. I truly hope that's not the case- the Viper is such a unique slice of Americana, it would be tragic to lose it.

Posted Image

This model is from the Tyco ownership era, not known for being a favorite among Matchbox collectors. This is one of the nicest examples from that time frame, and is an accurate model of a real car, not spoiled by silly tampos. Even the wheels look good on this car!

Posted Image
Attached to this post:
Attachments: 0607cotd1.jpg (94.61 KB)
Attachments: 0607cotd2.jpg (96.39 KB)
Attachments: 0607cotd3.jpg (97.58 KB)
Attachments: 0607cotd4.jpg (74.82 KB)
Attachments: 0607cotd5.jpg (70.52 KB)
Attachments: 0607cotd6.jpg (59.86 KB)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
james_autos
Member Avatar
Minivan
The colour scheme is accurate, which is always nice to see on a model. :D
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Sak
Member Avatar
Ezekiel 25:17
I have several different variations of this one...

Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
craftymore
Member Avatar
Support your local demo derby.

For the black days of MB during the time period, this is a good casting. This is actually one of the castings I considered for my week. Great minds do think alike! :thumbup:


Sir Crafty
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
davidj94
Out hunting for JL
Not bad at all! ;)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ivantt
Member Avatar
New casting? Quick! Take it apart!
I collect 1/64 Vipers and I like the MB version here.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
jedimario
Member Avatar
RAWR
I have a couple of these, but all of them have at least a little wear. I wish I had a mint example in this color scheme, I'll have to keep my eyes open.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ivantt
Member Avatar
New casting? Quick! Take it apart!
Robbie, I checked the ones I have, and not many, and I don't have that color issue, either.

But I noticed one of the blue ones with bright "Viper" graphics has a black METAL base. There must be plenty of variations of this casting I have not even seen. I'd like to see more from others who have any.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Swifty
Member Avatar
The Mustang II is a Mustang too!
Ten years later and it still looks great!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Dean-o-mite
Member Avatar
Muscle Car
For a dollar toy, Matchbox delivered a good looking model here.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
juantoo3
Member Avatar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To me, this is the Classic Viper, and Matchbox did a good job for the price.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
tksjohn
Member Avatar
Station Wagon
The only color combo to get on a 90's Viper should be blue with white stripes!
Edited by tksjohn, Jun 7 2018, 08:05 AM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
jedimario
Member Avatar
RAWR
This is probably one of my favorite all-time Matchbox castings. Loved it as a kid and still think it's a great piece today. Pretty sure I have a good example of this color scheme today.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
pjedsel
Member Avatar
Muscle Car
Yes, still a great looking car - MB did a nice job with their version of the Viper - :wave:
Online Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Pegers
Member Avatar
Pony Car
nice color.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
JBH6666
Member Avatar
Fullsize
The Premiere version of this casting with the same paint scheme was much nicer- more detailed paint, interior and windows. They can be found quite reasonably priced to this day.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
JeepXJLover
Member Avatar
Minivan
The HWs casting is nice too.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
corvairjim
Member Avatar
Fullsize
I have a couple of this model, but I don't think I have this one. Too bad; the color scheme is perfect for the car.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
ZetaBoards - Free Forum Hosting
Free Forums with no limits on posts or members.
« Previous Topic · Car Of The Day · Next Topic »
Add Reply



March's Picture of The Month Contest



Congratulations DinoMom for winning March's contest!



April's Picture of The Month Contest



Congratulations carsdownunder for winning April's contest!






Powered By

This board is best viewed at 1024 x 768 Resolution


eXTReMe Tracker