Bringing Down the Legend: A Viper’s 28-Year Perch
Automotive dealers have always found creative ways to catch your eye, from cars perched precariously on ramps to trucks stacked in towering displays. But for over 28 years, Audubon Chrysler in Henderson, Kentucky, took things a step further by mounting a genuine first-generation Dodge Viper RT high atop a platform outside their dealership. This towering spectacle, established in May 1996, drew attention for nearly three decades. Now, the dealership has brought the iconic Viper down for some much-needed maintenance, offering a rare glimpse of this long-standing local landmark.
The Viper’s Story in the Sky
The tale of this Dodge Viper begins in the mid-90s, when Audubon Chrysler owner Larry Bennett made a bold choice in his dealership’s advertising approach. Instead of standard billboards or signage, he acquired a first-generation Dodge Viper RT—an American icon of performance—and placed it on a towering platform above his rural Kentucky dealership. The eye-catching red sports car was more than just an advertisement; it became a fixture, a local landmark, and a topic of fascination for anyone passing through.
This dramatic display was, in part, inspired by a neighboring dealership’s marketing ploy. Just across the state line, Bennett Motors in Evansville, Indiana, had famously hoisted a Chevrolet Corvette into the sky, dubbing their business “the dealership where the Corvette sits high in the sky.” Not one to be outdone, Bennett took a similar approach with the Viper. This friendly rivalry spurred a creative display that eventually outlasted its inspiration; Bennett Motors closed in 2018, and while their Corvette remained aloft until 2021, the Viper outlasted them all.
A Time Capsule on a Tower
From its elevated vantage point, the Viper stood untouched, exposed to the elements for nearly 30 years. The only real changes were a set of chrome aftermarket wheels added during a brief detailing years back. According to Alec Girvin from Audubon Chrysler, the car only had 12 miles on the odometer when it was initially placed atop the platform, making it one of the lowest-mileage Vipers of its age—though in no way road-ready.
Photos posted to social media and shared by Road & Track reveal the wear and tear that decades of wind, rain, and sunshine have imposed. Moss, leaves, and sticks accumulated over the years, evidence of local wildlife turning the car into an unintended aviary. Yet despite the foliage and debris, the car's signature elements still stand out. The distinctive slider windows, iconic of early Viper RTs, and the rear-exit dual exhaust pipes (a unique feature in lieu of the usual side-exit exhausts) add to the car’s nostalgic charm.
To avoid the hassle of frequently changing its battery, the dealership connected the Viper’s headlights and taillights to a 110-volt power source directly from the tower. This allowed the lights to shine without needing to replace a traditional 12-volt car battery, maintaining the car's visibility without maintenance.
Taking the Viper Down for Restoration
Earlier this year, Audubon Chrysler made the decision to take down their airborne icon for its first cleaning since 1996. Bringing the Viper back to ground level was no small task, and photos of the process circulated widely on social media, sparking curiosity and nostalgia. Locals and travelers alike expressed their surprise at finally seeing the car up close, with many noting they hadn’t realized the Viper was a real, functioning vehicle.
Once on the ground, the Viper underwent an extensive detailing and some reconditioning. Margaret Herrmann, Audubon Chrysler's Internet Sales Manager, shared that the dealership plans to repaint the Viper and swap its wheels for a fresh look. However, the plan is not to restore the car to full running condition, as it will return to its perch once the maintenance is complete.
A Piece of Automotive History
In today’s era of digital advertising and flashy LED billboards, Audubon Chrysler’s Viper display harkens back to a time when creative marketing stunts drew crowds. The platformed Viper became more than just a piece of local advertising—it became a symbol of the town, and it holds a unique place in Dodge Viper lore. With only a handful of maintenance stops over three decades, the Audubon Viper reminds us of the durability of a true automotive icon, even when left exposed to nature’s elements.
This restoration offers a rare chance for the dealership and the local community to appreciate this piece of history up close before it returns to its place in the sky. In a month’s time, Audubon Chrysler’s Viper will once again rise above, not as a dusty relic, but as a freshly polished emblem of Dodge’s engineering and one dealership’s long-lasting dedication to standout advertising.
This story reflects more than just a marketing success—it’s a reminder of the lasting legacy that a creative approach can leave. Even decades later, people still remember that Viper in the sky. And as it heads back up, it continues to stand as an inspiring tribute to the boldness of automotive passion, past and present.
