RideLust

Sometimes the automotive world dishes out stories that just make you smile. Maybe you still own your first car, or perhaps you own a car that has been handed down through the generations. Or maybe it’s something as simple as the car you own just makes your 6-year old nephew smile. In the end it really doesn’t matter what the story is as long as something positive comes of it. Yesterday I got a call from my buddy Scott, he is an Independent Contractor who has been working exclusively for Chrysler as a Product Specialist on the Auto Show/Specialty Event Circuit for 4 years and in his travels gets to see some pretty cool stuff, so when he contacted me about a story he wrote about a first time car buyer, I just had to listen. He went on to tell me about a gentleman by the name of David Williams who decided to plunk down some of his hard earned greenbacks on his first new vehicle. What was that vehicle you might ask? How about a limited edition 2010 Dodge Viper ACR Voodoo Edition… not too shabby right?

The following is from Chrysler consultant Scott Vandekerckhove as it pertains to this very cool story.

Scott Vandekerckhove
05/25/2010

Don’t believe everything you read at Doyoucomewiththecar.blogspot.com. The resident “Booth Babe” over there equates nearly every Auto Show to the apocalypse when it comes to her experience with the public. It seems her contempt for the audience only grows with each new blog she posts.

Contrary to what she may say, I have laid witness to many great things in my four years on the Auto Show floor. And today, one of my most cherished interactions of all time came full circle in the fulfillment of a consumer’s needs.

It was late last year at the LA Auto Show when the Dodge Brand debuted its last run of current-generation Vipers. Most notably was the extremely limited ACR version called the Vooodoo.

Clad in Viper Black paint with a Graphite Driver’s Stripe outlined in red, the Vooodoo was the product of Ralph Gilles himself (CEO of the Dodge Brand and Senior Vice President of Product Design for Chrysler). Each center console houses a serialized plate to indicate build number, as well as Gilles’ personal signature of authenticity.

The ACR Vooodoo touts an astonishing 600hp and 560lb/ft of torque, all complimented by carbon fiber aerodynamic aids, Stop Tech brakes, and tires sticky enough to rip decade-old gum off of pavement. After all, this is the same breed of Viper that set production car records at both Laguna Seca and the famed Nurburgring.

Early on in the show, I was approached by a Viper-fanatic by the name of David Williams. He had flown all the way from Maryland just to see the Vooodoo in person. It also came to pass that he was heavily interested in purchasing one of the very rare serpents. Knowing that orders for the car would be quickly filled, I put Williams in touch with my own salesman back at Galeana’s Van Dyke Dodge in Warren, MI.

The order was urgently placed, and so began months of anticipation. After numerous tantalizing build stage updates, the Vooodoo was completed and delivered to the dealership. Williams took possession of the vehicle on Tuesday morning and towed it by flatbed back to Maryland. This particular Vooodoo is #2 of only 31 that will be built.

What was most interesting is that this was Williams’ first ever new vehicle purchase in his entire life. In a text message to us this morning, Williams stated “Please remember this is the first new car I have ever bought, so I don’t really know the procedure.” It could not have been more genuine.

When Williams entered the garage to claim his prize, the smile on his face could not have been wider. His fascination of the Viper began all the way back in 1992 when the car was first born. I guess my grin would be ear-to-ear as well if this was my first new car. Wouldn’t yours?