In late June 2016, Dodge announced four special-edition versions of the Viper as part of the sports car's 25th anniversary celebrations, which also marks the end of production after the 2017 model year. Although slow sales is one of the main reasons why Dodge is discontinuing the Viper, the brand has announced that all limited-edition models have been sold out within a couple of days.

Specifically, the 1:28 Edition ACR, built in just 28 units, sold out within 40 minutes, while the VooDoo II Edition ACR, produced in 31 examples, sold out within two hours. All Snakeskin Edition GTC and GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR cars, built in 25 and 100 units, respectively, sold out within two ordering days. Quite impressive given that all these special-edition vehicles are based on cars that fetch in excess of $120,000 before options.

What's more, Dodge is taking advantage of the sales frenzy and is introducing, following customer requests, a Snakeskin variant of the ACR. Production for Snakeskin ACR Edition will be limited to only 31 units and, based on the success of the Snakeskin Edition GTC, will probably sell out before you will finish reading this article. Well not exactly given that orders for this model will open in mid-July, but you get my drift.

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Why it matters

The fact that the Viper can spur such excitement is definitely good news, but it has a lot to do with the fact that the sports car will be no more after the 2017 model year. This is where things become a bit sad, as it turns out that the Viper still has plenty of potential on the market. Sure, sales are definitely too slow for the kind of profits FCA wants right now, but the numbers aren't bad for a niche dedicated to enthusiasts that want a true driver's car instead of a technology-packed box on wheels. Not that it matters, though, as FCA has already sealed the Viper's unfortunate fate.

On the flipside, some Vipers will become highly sought-after collectibles once the nameplate gets the axe, and these limited special-edition models will definitely be among them. Granted, they probably won't be as expensive as first-generation cars and older ACR and other limited-edition models, but they won't be cheap either.

2016 Dodge Viper GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR

Read our full review on the 2016 Dodge Viper GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR here.