Untouched 1996 Dodge Viper Crate Motor Has An Unbelievable Story Behind It

The first-generation Dodge Viper was one of the most American cars ever built. At its core, it was an unforgiving, obscenely powerful roadster powered by an 8.0-liter V10 producing 400 horsepower. Many of these engines are still chugging away under the long hoods of original Vipers, but one was never installed in one of the classic sports cars. It's currently for sale on Bring-A-Trailer, and it has an incredible story behind it.

The engine was delivered to a Dodge dealership in 1996, but there was no Viper there to receive it. Allegedly, a dealer employee was attempting to order a tube of red touch-up paint for a customer's car. As it happens, he messed up a digit in the part number. That alleged mistake meant he didn't order any paint, but instead a fully-dressed Viper engine. It was dutifully delivered as the employee specified. It was not returned to the automaker, and despite having passed through a few owners, it's never actually been installed in a car after all these years.