Recently after a two month hiatus, the production of the Dodge SRT Viper resumed with the reopening of the Chrysler Conner Avenue Assembly plant. Unfortunately this was short lived, as two weeks later the plant was put back into idle mode and shutdown. Now on its second shutdown since July 3rd, things are looking unsure for the only hand-made vehicle produced in America.

The initial hiatus was originally undertaken to help Chrysler sell off its stockpiled inventory of unsold Vipers it had acquired as production outpaced sales. With poor weather, competition, and cost of the SRT Viper these factors played a contributing role in the recent slump in sales in 2013 and 2014.

Those who are actually able to afford this ride are limited in number. Other options in the market are now readily available that are comparable in performance at a lower cost point. With an average price of $100,000 for the SRT Viper, this is quite frankly reserved for an elite group. The big block 640 horsepower V10 beast is simply struggling to compete. With only 591 Vipers sold in 2013 and 424 in 2014, supply is stock piling with a decreasing demand. Currently there are enough Vipers on hand to last a year to meet the current pace of consumers.

As Vipers are waiting to be sold and find new homes, the hot-selling Corvette Stingray has a long and growing waiting list. With the Corvette equal in performance at a lower cost to the consumer, the Vette is putting the hurt on the two-decade-old SRT Viper. With that said, Dodge reports the plant was built to be idle ready. One can only wonder, is that the mission of their neighbors over at GM to produce plants that are idle ready? We are guessing probably not.

Sources say the plant will reopen for a second time July 21st and begin once again to produce the Detroit handcrafted work of art. If sources are correct we hope production is resumed and the remaining 82 workers of the original 150, will be able to return without further interruption. In order to guarantee these workers have stable employment, it might be time for Dodge to rethink and re-strategize to ensure the Dodge SRT Viper’s future in the competitive high end performance car arena.