The problems that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has had with Dodge Viper is well-documented. As it turns out, the Viper was such a problem that FCA almost sold it to a group of deep-pocketed enthusiasts a few years ago. Word of this a rather shocking revelation that comes from The Truth About Cars, which managed to talk to none other than noted car collector James Glickenhaus, who himself had first-hand knowledge of the proposed deal.
According to TTAC, Glickenhaus served as an adviser to the group of investors who eventually backed out of the deal after doing their due diligence on the Viper’s business. Glickenahus himself advised on not doing the deal, arguing that anybody who ends up buying the business would have to sell “three times the number of Vipers” that Chrysler has been selling annually “just to break even.”
Considering how much trouble FCA already has had in convincing people to buy the Viper, the targets were simply too difficult to attain. That’s not to say that the group was in over its head from the very beginning because, apparently, they had the financial means to pull it off. It would just be too much of a headache to partake in and, ultimately, would not be worth all the trouble.
A spokesperson for FCA told TTAC that it wasn’t shopping the Viper “at this point in time” but refused to comment on whether the discussions with this group even took place. Glickenhaus did say that the automaker was receptive to the idea of selling the Viper, even adding that the deal, had it gone through, would have also included the production facility where it’s being built.
Whether the negotiations happened or not, none of it will change the current fate of the Viper, which is headed to retirement very soon now that FCA has thrown the white flag on the model.
Continue after the jump to read the full story.
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