One of 14 examples of the fictional “Defensor” vehicle made for the show.
02 April 2023 at 4:00 am ET
A piece of TV history is up for auction as a prop car based on the Dodge Viper from the hit 1990s show ‘Viper’ is now up for bid. This car is said to be one of 14 examples of the fictional “Defender” vehicle, designed by Chrysler and built by Unique Movie Cars in Las Vegas for use as the show’s main vehicles.
Built on a stretched 1993 Dodge Viper RT/10 chassis, this Defender close-up features custom fiberglass coupe bodywork finished in silver, giving it a sleek, futuristic look. Power comes from a carbureted small-block Chrysler V8 engine, which is mated to a 727 automatic transmission. The car also features staggered-width wheels, assisted disc brakes with Viper-brand calipers, coilover suspension, steering electric assisted zipper and interior upholstery in black and gray leather.
Gallery: Viper Defender Prop Car For TV Show
15 Pictures
Despite its stunning looks and unique history, this Defender close-up car is sold on a bill of sale and is not titled or registered for street use. Instead, it’s offered for off-road use only, making it a perfect addition to any movie or TV memorabilia collection.
During the filming of the show, this particular car was used as the main car instead of doing stunt work and was also used for PR purposes. It has a number of design elements that give it a distinctive look, such as a fixed ‘double bubble’ roof with simulated oblivion windows, removable side windows attached via Velcro, side pods below the doors , fang style front bumpers and dual rear. outlet exhaust pipes with rectangular surround. However, it’s worth noting that the front bumpers and side pods on this example are static, and the car lacks the functional gadgets seen in the show’s action sequences.
Inside the cabin, the car features gray leather-trimmed bucket seats, colored trim on the console, dash and door panels, black carpets, a gray headliner and an array of three simulated monitors mounted on the console showing static images of the fictitious car’s system diagnostics. The car is not equipped with seat belts, an air conditioning system or a radio.
Included in the sale is a 1996 Paramount promotional brochure for the Viper TV show, as well as a set of cast photos, making this a must-have for any fan of the series. The current bid at the time of writing is almost $80,000.
