Chrysler Claims Multiple Bids for Viper

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

Notice the word “claims.” You see, the thing is, TTAC starts off from a cynical perspective. And then we consider past history. For example, Chrysler. And Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli. And Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli’s claim that he was misquoted when he said that his [then new] employer was “operationally bankrupt.” Followed by the “news” that the ailing American automaker was actually “profitable.” Or the hype that accompanied the pre-D.O.E. loan program introduction of three electric vehicles, “one of which is headed for production.” Or PR guy Scott Brown’s assertion earlier today that the company had “a lot” of orders for the Aspen and Durango HEMI-hybrids. Clearly, Reuters isn’t keeping score. They’re happy to repeat Chrysler’s announcement that they’ve “received multiple bids on its Viper sports car business and was reviewing the offers.” Strangely, “Chrysler… did not disclose the number of bids or the timeline of the sale.” Although “One person familiar with the process said no additional bids were likely to be considered.” One person unfamiliar with the process says they’ll take the best offer, right up to the moment they sign the contract selling now-GM Car Czar Bob Lutz’ seminal moment. So to speak.

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

More by Robert Farago

Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 5 comments
  • Nick Nick on Oct 24, 2008

    Regardless of who bids what and when, I really want to see a road test of that ACR Viper.

  • No_slushbox No_slushbox on Oct 24, 2008

    Selling Viper really starts to make sense in light of what might be a GM takeover. But even before that it was more about CAFE than money. I would guess that the bidders, if they exist at all, are VCs and crazy Indian and Chinese automakers, but I would really like to see Toyota or Honda take it. They could take the CAFE hit, and a Lexus or Acura Viper would be pretty entertaining. They could fix the quality and interior while keeping the crazy pushrod V10. However, the fact that they would probably have to take over a UAW factory in Detroit is probably keeping every established foreign automaker out of the bidding. As I've said before, I would like to see one of the more established [s]kit[/s] component car makers buy the Prowler tooling and sell the chassis ready for a proper V8 to be installed.

  • John Horner John Horner on Oct 24, 2008

    The Viper could make a nice little niche business for a small specialist. Heck, people are still building Cobra clones after all these years, and this wouldn't need to be a clone. The Viper is very much the love child of the original Cobra.

  • Samir Samir on Oct 25, 2008

    So immaterial in the grand scheme of things. Selling the Viper - an elephant shedding a mosquito. This is the corporate equivalent of looking for nickels under the cushions.

Next