The automotive industry remains in lockdown mode due to the coronavirus pandemic, as manufacturers struggle around the decision of when to reopen plants and what to do with unsold inventory. Meanwhile, car-centric communities haven't been able to meet up for their weekend drives—so people are hitting the road and driving like maniacs—and the results on the secondhand market remain to be seen.
But if there's anything that's clear during times of crisis, it's that the world's wealthiest people don't seem to suffer on the same level as the rest of us, so it should come as no surprise that the high-end collectible car industry seems to be chugging along at full pace, despite having to largely switch to online auction formats. Case in point would be Barrett-Jackson's decision to host an online-only lot that's now open for bidding and includes an epic 1992 Dodge Viper R/T that currently belongs to football legend John Elway.
Star Power
A normal Dodge Viper needs nothing more than what it left the factory with to turn heads. With one of the most distinctive exterior designs of all time that directly points to the massively powerful V10 engine under the hood and a complete lack of driver's aids in early examples, the Viper was a masterpiece—if not a terribly solid sales success. But the car's style and presence made it a quick favorite with celebrities like Elway and Lee Iacocca, who recently sold his own Viper at auction, as well.
Still Ready To Strike
The Viper could only have come out of Detroit, in an era when big power seemed to be on the decline. John Elway purchased this car new and it has largely sat at his car dealership in Greeley, Colorado, racking up just under 8,000 miles since new. With 400 horsepower on tap, a six-speed manual gearbox, absolutely zilch in the way of creature comforts, and celebrity provenance, this Viper is sure to bring all the money, even amid the coronavirus crisis.
Source: Barrett-Jackson