Forget the Lamborghini Countach, forget the Ferrari F40. You can even wipe the Lamborghini Diablo and any of the Japanese sport coupes from the “bubble era” off of the map too. The Dodge Viper was the one I wanted growing up, especially the GTS coupe. The RT/10 roadster was the car that started the Viper’s legacy, but in my eyes the shape of the coupe, in every generation of the Viper, was so much better than the roadster. It looked purposeful, powerful, and meant to be performing at 10/10ths at all times, no matter what. This is the poster car I wanted. No ABS, no traction control, no automatic transmission. Nothing that took away from the requirement for driving it.

Over time tastes change. I’m not into first-gen Mustangs like I used to be. I’ve gone through a GM phase, a Ford phase, a Mopar phase. I’ve owned gigantic barges, taut pony cars, late model and classic stuff. I’m one of those people what will always and forever want to try the next car I haven’t tried before…it’s why I love test-drives so much. Each vehicle is unique to feel as you ease out onto the street and start feeding in the fuel. I’m excited for any car, be it a brand-new Corvette or a 1984 Cavalier with a four-speed that is nicer than it has any right to be. But the Viper GTS…that’s hallowed ground. There is always the threat that comes with meeting your heroes, and the disappointment that can follow. But ultimately, curiosity has to be satisfied. One day I will drive a Dodge Viper. And I hope to God that when I do, it lives up to the expectation and delivers far more than I could have dreamed.