For nearly 30 years, one of the most unusual landmarks in Kentucky wasn’t a building or a billboard — it was a bright red sports car suspended 30 feet in the air.
Image Credit: Scott Harris
And when it finally came back down, what people found inside shocked just about everyone.
A Dodge Viper in the Sky
Back in May 1996, Audubon Chrysler in Kentucky had a bold idea. Instead of simply putting a brand-new Dodge Viper RT/10 on the lot and waiting for a buyer, the dealership decided to turn it into a marketing spectacle.
They hoisted the Viper onto a 30-foot pole outside the dealership, transforming it into both an eye-catching advertisement and an unofficial mascot.
What made it even more wild? The car was — and still is — the real deal. Not a replica. Not a shell. A genuine Viper with just 12 original miles on the odometer.
The car only came down once over the years, in 2009, for a refresh. Otherwise, it sat perched above the dealership, becoming a beloved local landmark and sparking all kinds of rumors. Many locals were convinced it couldn’t possibly be a real car after decades exposed to the elements.
They were wrong.
Back to Earth — and a Big Surprise
In November 2024, 15 years after its last restoration, the sky-high Viper was finally lowered again for inspection.
Photos shared on Facebook by Scott Harris captured the moment the car was brought down. According to Harris, what was supposed to be a simple refresh quickly turned into a much bigger project.
And he wasn’t exaggerating.
After nearly three decades in the air, the damage was clear:
It wasn’t exactly showroom condition.
Image Credit: Scott Harris
Bringing the Legend Back to Life
Despite the wear and tear, the Viper was far from beyond saving.
Image Credit: Scott Harris
The car was sent to Keen’s Auto Body and Paint, where a team of specialists got to work restoring its iconic red finish.
“It’s not every day you get to bring new life to a car with such history and visibility,” the shop shared, acknowledging the Viper’s status as a community landmark.
After extensive work, the legendary pole-sitting sports car was fully restored — and once again looks as stunning as it did back in May 1996.
Image Credit: Scott Harris
A Marketing Stunt That Became History
What started as a clever sales tactic turned into one of the most recognizable roadside attractions in the area. For nearly three decades, the sky-high Dodge Viper wasn’t just an ad — it was part of the community’s identity.
And now, refreshed and revived, it’s ready to keep turning heads for years to come — whether it’s 30 feet in the air or back on solid ground.
Frank
