I've been trying to find my family's 96 GTS for 8+ years.

[Corifto]

In 1998, my grandfather bought my grandmother a 1996 Dodge Viper GTS in Blue/White from a dealership in Delray Beach. It had 200 miles on it. My grandfather passed in 2004, and the Viper sat. After he passed, my grandmother told me it was in her will to me, as my grandfather would want me to have it. In 2008, although my grandmother initially had it in her will, she had me help her sell it in order to fuel her gambling. The Viper was one of many things that was sold for gambling after my grandfather passed, but that's neither here nor there.

I want to find the car, just to keep tabs on it should I ever have the means to get it back.


The rumor is that it was sold via ebay to someone in Kentucky. When it sold in 2008/9, it had I believe 1,543 miles on it give or take. As of my last search, a year or two ago, a Carfax showed that it had not been registered since my grandmother last renewed it in Florida.


1B3ER69EXTV200972 is the VIN, I've kept it as a contact in my phone all these years. The car was in great shape, there was a trickle charger installed on the left fender well area, a small driver bolster wear, and there was a small scratch over the rear passenger fender. If it's still in there, there was a clear no smoking plug in the cigar lighter port.

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[Free2go]

In 2008, although my grandmother initially had it in her will, she had me help her sell itin order to fuel her gambling.

Let me get this straight. YOU helped her sell it to "fuel her gambling" while simultaneously knowing it was willed to you? I'm afraid somebody else is gonna have to die to afford you the opportunity to get it back because I don't believe you are capable on your own. Good luck.

 

[ViperJohn]

I think I remember when this car came up for sale as it was so low mileage. I can try to search member database, but won't be able to get to it for a while. CJ might be able to help.

 

[ViperCeeJ]

I have been trying to help out and do some research when I can. I ran the Carfax report (my own personal account) and the results are still the same - no activity since 2009.
Have you tried posting this same request with pictures on the Viper Club of America Facebook Page? Here is the link https://www.facebook.com/groups/4viperclub/
I will continue to do what I can. I will definitely let you know if I can find anything out.

 

[ViperJeff]

Just a note: not true in all cases, however, I see this from time to time when vehicles are shipped out of country

 

[Corifto]

Let me get this straight. YOU helped her sell it to "fuel her gambling" while simultaneously knowing it was willed to you? I'm afraid somebody else is gonna have to die to afford you the opportunity to get it back because I don't believe you are capable on your own. Good luck.

I understand your reasoning but can't agree. I was 17/18 at the time. Wills aren't set in stone while someone is still alive. It was in the will pending something didn't come up causing her to sell it. She would tell me that often. And something did come up. I was living with her at the time as I moved out at 17. Unfortunately, my grandfather left all the things to her in order for her to split it. I had to watch her sell everything. My grandfather's gun collection, his boats, truck, RV, everything so she can continue going to the Hard Rock and Vegas. And then she'd complain about debt and keep doing it in a vicious cycle. At 17, there wasn't much I can do. I was working 3 jobs at minimum wage and was saving up to find a way out.

I think I remember when this car came up for sale as it was so low mileage. I can try to search member database, but won't be able to get to it for a while. CJ might be able to help.

I appreciate it. I remember one person came from out of state with a truck and trailer, had paid the deposit and passed on the car due to the bolster wear and other issues he found with the car not reflecting the price that was attached. My great uncle was predominantly the one that helped my grandmother complete the sale. It was my responsibility to clean it and make it look nice. What's even better is she blamed me when the buyer passed as I was the one that would get in and start the car once a week and drive it around the block every once in a while.

I have been trying to help out and do some research when I can. I ran the Carfax report (my own personal account) and the results are still the same - no activity since 2009.
Have you tried posting this same request with pictures on the Viper Club of America Facebook Page? Here is the link https://www.facebook.com/groups/4viperclub/
I will continue to do what I can. I will definitely let you know if I can find anything out.

I have posted on a few pages but I will see if that's one of them I think I've done the Viper Parts for sale and Viper Owners Club so far. Thank you for checking.

Just a note: not true in all cases, however, I see this from time to time when vehicles are shipped out of country

That's unfortunately something I've not considered but as someone on the other Viper forum mentioned, it's definitely a possibility given the mileage.


I also want to make sure it's known that this isn't a financial motivation or anything of that nature. There is so much sentimental value in that car from when my grandfather was alive. We would talk about that car for hours, and we would take it to the larger car meets from time to time. My grandfather was planning to teach me more about cars and start teaching me how to rebuild engines but passed away before we could. Whether it's his guns or his car, I've been searching for it all in order to get them back.

 

[Jon Martin]

SOHC S13 coupe FTW...

 

[ViperJeff]

Had another suggestion, but I'll just wait make sure no one else covers it first

 

[TalonTSi90]

Had another suggestion, but I'll just wait make sure no one else covers it first

You mean like look for that other Viper site?

 

[Corifto]

SOHC S13 coupe FTW...

Lol good eye, although it was a 93 w/SOHC front. I've had a total of 5 S13's out of my 13 cars. I've got a turbo 91 Miata and a 2013 Mazda 3 now. Miata is my pride and joy.

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[Bonkers]

Whether it's his guns or his car, I've been searching for it all in
order to get them back.

Why? ... second thought, nevermind... dont care... As someone
who recently hunted down his first jeep, and keeps track of all
his favorite past rides, I will offer this bit of advice: dont waste
your time until you have the cash (not loan, not credit, CASH)
in hand and are ready to buy. You will pay higher than market
for this car - of that I have no doubts. Knowing where it is, and
not being able to get it will sour everything about it for you.

Id say good luck, but from everything youve shared so far I
dont think this is the right path for you, so Ill part by hoping
it doesnt end in disapointment...

 

[Free2go]

Had another suggestion, but I'll just wait make sure no one else covers it first

I think I just read your mind! Corifto should hook up with Talon. They should forge a bond searching for that lost Viper. Once they find it, they will explode like rockets from this place and safely land on the other site and live happily ever after.

 

[TalonTSi90]

I think I just read your mind! Corifto should hook up with Talon. They should forge a bond searching for that lost Viper. Once they find it, they will explode like rockets from this place and safely land on the other site and live happily ever after.

Youre just jealous i might end up with a better car than yours...

 

[ViperJeff]

I think I just read your mind! Corifto should hook up with Talon. They should forge a bond searching for that lost Viper. Once they find it, they will explode like rockets from this place and safely land on the other site and live happily ever after.

Based on what I've seen over many years my bet is that the Viper is in Europe. Knowing it has not been seen since sold, it's not in the US. Asking around in some of the overseas club may be his best bet. If it went to the UAE, where a lot of them seem to go, it's gone forever

 

[Free2go]

Youre just jealous i might end up with a better car than yours...

Riiiiiight......

 

[ViperCeeJ]

Corifto,
I sent you a PM. It's in New Jersey, and being well taken care of.

 

[TalonTSi90]

Corifto,
I sent you a PM. It's in New Jersey, and being well taken care of.

That's really interesting since it's not titled. But cool

 

[Corifto]

Thank you to all who tried to help. I received a phone call this morning from CeeJ, telling me she has found it. I've been put in touch with the current owner. I can't tell you how that phone call made me feel, but I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone that tried to help me. I've been hunting for this car on and off for the better part of a decade.

Again, thank you so much.