Barrett-Jackson to auction first production SRT Viper for charity

The first production 2013 SRT Viper will cross the block at Barrett-Jackson's Orange County auction, taking place June 22-24. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, the American Le Mans Series' official charity.

The foundation's mission is to curb the effects of childhood cancer and improve affected children's quality of life. The charity also sponsors Hatch's House of Hope, which is a pediatric cancer-care center for children and their families.

SRT introduced both the Viper and the Viper GTS-R race car at the New York auto show. The GTS-R will compete in the ALMS later this year.

Bids for the SRT Viper are expected to start at six figures. It's the first production Viper to roll off the line, so collectors will take notice. It's also the fastest Viper ever built, with an 8.4-liter V10 making 660 hp.

“We are thrilled that SRT has chosen us to be a part of this extraordinary opportunity,” said Dr. Jim Osborn, cofounder of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. “We are also very excited that the first production Viper will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson Orange County to benefit the many families faced with pediatric cancer. We just can't thank [SRT brand chief Ralph] Gilles and his team enough.”

By Jake Lingeman