TIME CAPSULE FOR CHARITY: 1994 Dodge Viper RT/10 Crossing the Block for a Cause at the 2025 Palm Beach Auction
April 9, 2025
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
LOT #3000 – 1994 DODGE VIPER RT/10 CONVERTIBLE – NO RESERVE
Some cars are special because of their design, others for their performance – but this 1994 Dodge Viper RT/10 (Lot #3000) is significant for something even greater: the difference it will make when it crosses the auction block at the 2025 Palm Beach Auction. Selling with No Reserve, 100% of the hammer price of this time-capsule Viper will go directly to the Florida Highway Patrol Advisory Council ‒ an organization comprised of business, professional and community leaders throughout the state ‒ to support the families of troopers who have died or sustained life-threatening injuries in the line of duty.
Originally delivered new to Bob Pforte Motors in Marianna, Florida, the Viper never left the dealer’s private collection. For over three decades, it remained a centerpiece in Pforte’s private showroom, where it was preserved in original condition and never titled ‒ that is, until just a few weeks ago, when it was officially transferred from its Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) and donated to the Florida Highway Patrol Advisory Council. This generous act transformed the low-mileage American performance icon into a symbol of service and remembrance.
With only 222 actual miles on the odometer, this RT/10 is an exceptionally preserved first-generation example of Dodge’s game-changing supercar. Finished in Viper Black over a Quartz leather interior, it looks as sinister today as it did in the early 1990s when it first sent shockwaves through the automotive world. Designed in-house by Chrysler’s legendary designer Tom Gale, the Viper was a modern take on the classic American roadster. It was raw, powerful and purpose-built.
At its heart lies the original 8.0-liter V10 engine, rated with 400 horsepower and 465 ft/lbs of torque. Power is channeled through a Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, giving the driver full control over the muscle under the hood.
This first-gen RT/10 wears its minimalist, race-inspired styling proudly. Its composite body panels are mounted to a tubular steel space-frame chassis that prioritizes weight savings and performance. A signature side-exit exhaust growls with every touch of the throttle, and the car’s distinctive tri-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in Michelin XGT Z tires (275/40 front, 335/35 rear), giving it a planted, aggressive stance.
Despite the car’s performance focus, the RT/10’s interior features air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo and leather-wrapped appointments. The Quartz leather bucket seats match the dash, console and door panels, giving the cockpit a sleek, uniform look. Behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel sits a 180-mph speedometer and a 6,000-rpm redline tachometer, while auxiliary gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltage and fuel level sit atop the center stack in classic Viper fashion.
Collectors will also appreciate the inclusion of the original Window Sticker, showing a 1994 MSRP. Given its immaculate condition, ultra-low mileage and charity provenance, this Viper represents an important opportunity to directly support the families of those who put their lives on the line for public safety.
The Florida Highway Patrol Advisory Council supports the Florida Highway Patrol by assisting with special projects and initiatives designated by the director. Central to the Council’s mission is providing resources that help troopers deliver exceptional public service while also enhancing their personal well-being. The knowledge, experience and dedication of the Advisory Council members play a vital role in advancing the goals of the Florida Highway Patrol.
When this Viper crosses the block at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, during the 2025 Palm Beach Auction, it’s more than horsepower and heritage on display ‒ it’s heart. With the entire sale price benefiting a noble cause, this car transcends collector status and becomes a tribute to the brave individuals who serve and protect. The winning bidder won’t just drive away in a piece of American muscle history, they’ll leave knowing they made a lasting impact. Register to bid today.