The Plymouth Prowler is an incredibly unique and iconic car that became available to the public in 1997. With its retro-futuristic design and impressive performance, the Prowler has become a favorite among classic car enthusiasts and collectors.
Produced for only five years — known as the Chrysler Prowler from 2000 to 2002 — the Prowler’s limited production numbers and distinct appearance made it a highly sought-after car in the years since it was discontinued. Today, the car remains an important part of automotive history with a loyal following of fans who appreciate its combination of classic styling and modern performance.
History of the Plymouth Prowler
Chrysler initially developed the Plymouth Prowler in the early 1990s, intending to create a unique and distinctive car that would capture the spirit of classic hot rods. It was also designed to serve as a follow-up to the Dodge Viper with a similar focus on performance and unique design. The car’s styling was heavily influenced by the Ford street rods of the 1930s, with a long, sleek body and low-slung stance.
Chrysler’s design and international director at the time Thomas C. Gale was known for his love of hotrods and owned a 1932 Ford hot rod. It’s not surprising that he approved the hot rod-esque design developed by Douglas “Chip” Foose.
The car’s development team made extensive use of composite materials and aluminum to keep the car’s weight down and improve its performance. The Prowler’s experimental lighter construction aimed to improve speed performance amidst stricter fuel economy standards. Much of the vehicle derived from previous Chrysler iterations, including a coil-spring suspension taken from the Dodge Viper and a rack-and-pinion steering rack from Chrysler’s Town & Country minivan.
Chrysler debuted the Plymouth Prowler as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in 1993, and due to the overwhelmingly positive response to the concept, Chrysler decided to put the Prowler into production. This decision was a surprise for many because the car’s designers initially only intended the vehicle to serve as an intriguing concept car.
The auto manufacturer revealed the production version of the Plymouth Prowler in 1996, and it rolled off the assembly line the following year.
The vehicle featured an incredibly distinct appearance with its front grille integrated into the body, a rear-mounted engine cover, and Indy racer-style front wheels. It also came with features that outmatched its Dodge Viper predecessor, including power windows, dual airbags, and full instrumentation, including a digital odometer.
Although there was much media buzz around the memorable Prowler, the car was far from a hot-selling item during the 1990s. Part of the reason was a lack of options, as the car only came in Prowler Purple initially. This combined with its small trunk, small fuel tank, and unattractive front bumper led to disappointing sales. Additionally, to address consumers’ desire for a larger trunk, Chrysler offered an optional miniature trailer, making the final product look somewhat awkward.
Consumers had more paint options in the following model years, but the Prowler never became a high-selling model. Chrysler and DaimlerChrysler produced a total of 11,702 units, with production concluding in 2002. Though its sales left much to be desired, the car has since become a favorite among car enthusiasts because of its unique design and retro styling.
How Fast is the Plymouth Prowler?
When Chrysler first released the Plymouth Prowler, many criticized the car because of its specifications. The car was powered by a 24-valve, 3.5-liter Chrysler SOHC V6 engine that produced 214 horsepower at 5,850 revolutions per minute and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine was derived from the Chrysler LH cars. In 1999, Chrysler equipped the car with an aluminum-block version of the V6 that had 253 hp at 6,400 rpm and 255 lb-ft of torque
Both of these engine versions were mated to a four-speed Autostick automatic transmission, which sent power to the rear wheels. It was Plymouth’s first rear-wheel drive since the Plymouth Gran Fury. Plus, the car had a 45-55 front-rear weight distribution thanks to its transmission residing in its rear.
Although its powertrain wasn’t exactly exceptional, the Plymouth Prowler’s light, aluminum body enabled it to go from 0 to 60 mph in only 7.1 seconds, and it completed a quarter mile in 15.3 seconds at 88.2 mph. It could reach a top speed of 115 mph. A Prowler equipped with an upgraded aluminum-block V6 could go from 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds and could accomplish a quarter mile in 14.3 seconds at 95.4 mph.
How Much is a Plymouth Prowler Worth?
The value of a Plymouth Prowler can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the car’s condition, mileage, and any modifications or upgrades that have been made. A well-maintained, low-mileage Plymouth Prowler can sell for anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000 or more, with prices continuing to rise for rare or limited-edition models. Modified Plymouth Prowlers, with custom paint jobs, upgraded interiors, or performance enhancements, can also command higher prices.
If you’re looking for a Plymouth Prowler for sale, make sure to conduct thorough research before making a purchase, including the car’s history and condition, as restoration costs and other factors can significantly impact the car’s overall value.
Get the Best Classic Car Insurance For Your Plymouth Prowler
If you own one of these remarkable vehicles or are considering investing in one, you need to protect it with classic car insurance. Classic car insurance is designed specifically for collector cars and provides specialized coverage options to preserve your stunning classic.
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