Admit it! We all love classic cars, don't we? For all the flair and looks of modern-day cars, the feeling of driving a vintage model from the classic era remains unrivaled.
When it comes to classic cars, it doesn't get much better than the Plymouth Prowler. Later renamed as the Chrysler Prowler, this beast is a retro-styled production car manufactured and marketed from 1997 to 2002 by Daimler-Chrysler, based on the 1993 concept car of the same name. This classic beast was a rage back in the day, with its overall production number exceeding 11,000. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after classic cars in the world.
Planning to buy one of these classic models? Here's everything you need to know about the Classic Plymouth Prowler.
A Brilliant Concept Re-Imagined
As we've stated earlier, the Plymouth Prowler was based on the 1993 concept car of the same name. And we're glad they decided to bring the 1993 Prowler concept alive. It was a unique and distinct concept that was well ahead of its time. The Prowler concept started when Chrysler asked their engineers to design a hot rod, sports type vehicle, with complete freedom to let their imagination take over. The finished product was a marvel of car designing and engineering.
This rare gem was offered to the public as a front-engine, rear-drive, twin-seater sports car. The Plymouth Prowler has a rogue, yet majestic look, inspired by the 1930's era. The very first feature that will grab your attention is the unique, Indy-racer type, open front wheels - a tamed version of the ones you’d usually see on an F1 race car. The car was in production between 1997 and 2002. Throughout this term, most features remained identical, though the engine was replaced for the 1999 model year. The car initially featured a Power-train from Chrysler's LH cars, a 24 valve, and a 3.5 Litre Chrysler SOHC V6 engine that could generate 214 horsepower. For the model year 1999, the engine was upgraded to a more powerful, 253 horsepower capable Aluminium Block engine. Both engines, however, were marred to a 4-speed automatic (four-stick) transmission. The transmission at the rear end of the vehicle was connected to the engine using a torque tube that rotated at engine speed. The prowler was the first rear-wheel drive for the company since the Gran Fury (1989), and also remains the last Plymouth model with this layout. The most common criticism for this classic, back in the day, was its V6 engine. However, what went unnoticed was that Chrysler's high-output 3.5 V6 engine outmatched the company's Magnum V8s of that time - both in terms of horsepower, and torque - not an easy feat by any means. The Prowler boasted excellent acceleration too, owing to its featherweight body. The car was shaped uniquely: the chassis was prominently made out of aluminum and was adhesive-bonded throughout most parts of the body.
Unparalleled Features
The Plymouth Prowler was produced at Shadyside, Ohio, and then, "hand-assembled" at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant (CAAP) in Detroit, Michigan. The Classic Plymouth Prowler was not just a luxury car that you only take to parties and car rallies! In fact, the Prowler boasted a host of features that made it the perfect car for daily use. For starters, this retro-styled beast came with power windows and door locks, and keyless entry.
Safety was taken care of too. The car came with life-saving dual airbags, and featured a speed-sensitive volume check, to ensure you can always have a max focus on the road while driving at high speeds. This classic beast was also loaded with several audio system controls on the rear side of the wheel, so the driver can control the volume and music while driving. The twin-seater sports car boasted comfort features such as leather trim bucket seats and a manually controlled air conditioning system. Infotainment options included an AM/FM stereo with a cassette player (optionally you could pick the multi-disc CD changer too) and a high fidelity sound system. The steering wheel was wrapped in leather to provide grip as well as a luxurious feel while driving. The car also featured a color keypad instrument panel - exclusively designed to match the exterior colors of the Prowler.
Unique Legacy
It would be an understatement to say that the Classic Plymouth Prowler boasts a rich legacy. Several Plymouth Prowlers lie in museums across the United States today. The Plymouth Prowler was a catalyst of sorts in more than one way. The unique design and features of the car were unparalleled and first of its kind. Post its release, a number of big brands followed the Prowler into making retro-styled variants, including the likes of Chevrolet HHR, Ford's 2002 Thunderbird, the 1999 Jaguar X-Type, and several others. The Prowler has a unique distinction of being sealed in a mausoleum as a time capsule in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Prowler has been buried in a plastic box, with another 1957 Plymouth Belvedere by its side in plastic sheets, and the time capsule is due to be opened in 2048 - when the car will be returned to Chrysler. Incredible, don't you think? If you're looking to get your hands on one of these classic monsters, it would cost you an upwards of $30,000.