Short Story: I finally had the opportunity to drive my dream car, a Viper GTS.
Long Story: First, let me introduce myself. I'm a 22 year old dental student, and I've loved Vipers since I was 12. I've been a member here since 2001, and rarely post. However, I've soaked up so much information from all of the members here, and have learned a lot in the past few years. I remember when I bought my first Matchbox Viper when I was 10. I still have it, along with what must be hundreds of other scale models, ranging from 1:87 up to 1:12. I subscribe to Viper magazine, and have every issue since 2001. I have all kinds other other Viper items too, such as emblems, posters, and just about anything I could get my hands on that has a picture of a Viper on it. In my 8th grade yearbook, the last sentence of the caption next to my photo says "and hopes to someday own a Dodge Viper". Yes, you an certainly say that I'm obsessed (excessively).
Where I live, there aren't any Vipers. To fuel my passion, I go to the Chryslers at Carlisle show just about every year, and stop by dealerships when I think there is potential for a Viper inside. So this year, while planning a vacation to Las Vegas, the first thing that came to mind was a Viper rental. I looked online, and came across DreamCar rentals. Their prices were reasonable, and they had GTS available. Needless to say, a month before leaving, the car was booked.
Fast forward a month. I could hardly sleep the day before getting the car. I woke up early, and the hours painstakingly passed by until 1 (when the rental was scheduled). Finally, I arrived at the rental office, where a Lamborghini and Ferrari were parked outside. I waited for the employees to bring the Viper. When I heard the car coming, I could no longer hide my excitement. The driver pulled the car into the parking lot, and I walked outside and snapped a quick picture:
I was given a quick walkaround, and was handed the keys. My heart was pounding, and I couldn't believe I was finally about to drive a Viper. I opened the door and sat down, and I was off. I drove to Red Rock Canyon, about 15 miles from Las Vegas to check out the scenery and drive on some back roads. The car was amazing, and I was loving every second. The rumble at idle, the sound of the Belanger exhaust, everything was perfect. On the way to Red Rock, I stopped and filled the tank. Never had I been happier to pay for premium gas:
And did I mention they disconnect the airconditioning in the Vipers and Ferraris to prevent overheating? It was about 105 degrees that day, and I didn't care at all. I rolled the windows down and enjoyed the sounds of the V10.
When I got to Red Rock, I took the "Scenic Drive", and snapped a couple pictures. Here's my favorite:
The scenery was beautiful, but the drive was even better. After driving the 15 mile route, I headed back to the strip and stopped for a quick picture at my hotel, the Mandalay Bay:
Since I had a few hours left on the rental, I decided to drive down the highway (Route 15) to stretch the Vipers legs. The power and acceleration of the car was unbelievable, and the attention I was getting was fun too. Kids were taking pictures, and almost everyone turned their head as I drove by. I had to take a picture while in the cockpit:
When I reached the California border, I decided to head back. After 5 hours and 125 miles in my dream car, I would recommend this to anyone. I had a great time, and would love to do it again. I was sweating the whole time, and could have cared less. The smile on my face remained for days after, and the memories will last forever. Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to getting one sometime in the future so I can have the same feelings every day.
Whew, that was long. I hope you enjoyed reading, as I have thoroughly enjoyed so much the members here have written, and the pictures of all the gorgeous cars.
Long Story: First, let me introduce myself. I'm a 22 year old dental student, and I've loved Vipers since I was 12. I've been a member here since 2001, and rarely post. However, I've soaked up so much information from all of the members here, and have learned a lot in the past few years. I remember when I bought my first Matchbox Viper when I was 10. I still have it, along with what must be hundreds of other scale models, ranging from 1:87 up to 1:12. I subscribe to Viper magazine, and have every issue since 2001. I have all kinds other other Viper items too, such as emblems, posters, and just about anything I could get my hands on that has a picture of a Viper on it. In my 8th grade yearbook, the last sentence of the caption next to my photo says "and hopes to someday own a Dodge Viper". Yes, you an certainly say that I'm obsessed (excessively).
Where I live, there aren't any Vipers. To fuel my passion, I go to the Chryslers at Carlisle show just about every year, and stop by dealerships when I think there is potential for a Viper inside. So this year, while planning a vacation to Las Vegas, the first thing that came to mind was a Viper rental. I looked online, and came across DreamCar rentals. Their prices were reasonable, and they had GTS available. Needless to say, a month before leaving, the car was booked.
Fast forward a month. I could hardly sleep the day before getting the car. I woke up early, and the hours painstakingly passed by until 1 (when the rental was scheduled). Finally, I arrived at the rental office, where a Lamborghini and Ferrari were parked outside. I waited for the employees to bring the Viper. When I heard the car coming, I could no longer hide my excitement. The driver pulled the car into the parking lot, and I walked outside and snapped a quick picture:
You must be registered for see images
I was given a quick walkaround, and was handed the keys. My heart was pounding, and I couldn't believe I was finally about to drive a Viper. I opened the door and sat down, and I was off. I drove to Red Rock Canyon, about 15 miles from Las Vegas to check out the scenery and drive on some back roads. The car was amazing, and I was loving every second. The rumble at idle, the sound of the Belanger exhaust, everything was perfect. On the way to Red Rock, I stopped and filled the tank. Never had I been happier to pay for premium gas:
You must be registered for see images
And did I mention they disconnect the airconditioning in the Vipers and Ferraris to prevent overheating? It was about 105 degrees that day, and I didn't care at all. I rolled the windows down and enjoyed the sounds of the V10.
When I got to Red Rock, I took the "Scenic Drive", and snapped a couple pictures. Here's my favorite:
You must be registered for see images
The scenery was beautiful, but the drive was even better. After driving the 15 mile route, I headed back to the strip and stopped for a quick picture at my hotel, the Mandalay Bay:
You must be registered for see images
Since I had a few hours left on the rental, I decided to drive down the highway (Route 15) to stretch the Vipers legs. The power and acceleration of the car was unbelievable, and the attention I was getting was fun too. Kids were taking pictures, and almost everyone turned their head as I drove by. I had to take a picture while in the cockpit:
You must be registered for see images
When I reached the California border, I decided to head back. After 5 hours and 125 miles in my dream car, I would recommend this to anyone. I had a great time, and would love to do it again. I was sweating the whole time, and could have cared less. The smile on my face remained for days after, and the memories will last forever. Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to getting one sometime in the future so I can have the same feelings every day.
Whew, that was long. I hope you enjoyed reading, as I have thoroughly enjoyed so much the members here have written, and the pictures of all the gorgeous cars.
You must be registered for see images