The infamous 1992 Viper prototype awaiting a certain death, has received a stay of execution from the junkyard. Currently residing in Olympia, Washington, the number four Viper to come off the production line can count its blessings thanks to the students of the automotive technology program at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC).

This early prototype Viper, one of around 93 automobiles loaned to automotive schools throughout the nation, has been a regular part of the curriculum at the Washington school since 2007. The students, who were extremely saddened when Chrysler contacted the school and ordered them to destroy the Viper, immediately took action to save their treasured lab partner.

Automakers often give cars like this to educational programs when they’re done with them, but they retain ownership and legal responsibility due to the complex regulations covering pre-production cars. With that said, this makes it near impossible to sell and transfer ownership of the vehicles. So once the automaker deems these non-street legal vehicles no longer useful for study they are quickly sent to the graveyard.

However, it appears this hand crafted American beauty might just beat the odds. The school that uses this prototype for class study and for promotional recruiting events, has gone to battle for their old friend. Starting an online campaign known as “Operation Save the Vipers”, they sent out a petition that in just a few days gathered nearly 10,000 signatures and plenty of national media exposure.

Chrysler, faced with this popular uprising, has granted a stay of execution to the beloved Viper. Currently in negotiations with the school, Chrysler is trying to find a way to transfer ownership of this early model Viper to the school. A Chrysler representative told FoxNews.com, “We continue to pursue an amicable resolution of the matter.”

So for now, as negotiations continue the students of SPSCC can continue their studies with some resolve. With the future somewhat brighter this unlikely mascot has a safe haven until a final decision is made.

With celebrities such as Jay Leno going to bat for this twenty year old ride, and with the determination of the students and a few more pardon attempts before the judge, we suspect that this Viper just might survive. What do you think? Should these classroom studied rides be sent to the crusher or should we save them to preserve a piece of history?