In 1997, Chrysler Corporation initiated the retro-look trend among American auto makers with the introduction of the Plymouth Prowler. The two-seat roadster drew heavily on the influence of “traditional hot rods” made from 1930’s model vehicles, a fact substantiated by Chrysler design director Thomas Gale who had a 1930’s modified Ford roadster in his personal garage. The production car design also was influenced by a drawing in a thesis submitted by now famed car designer Chip Foose as part of a Chrysler-sponsored project at the Art Center College of Design.
One of the most striking elements of the Prowler design were the open Indy racer style front wheels. The use of aluminum in many areas allowed the car’s curb weight to remain low, allowing Chrysler to use the V6 powerplant from their LH series cars and still have hot-rod level performance. Displacing 3.5L, the 24-valve engine was rated at 214 horsepower. Beginning with the 1999 models, Chrysler used an aluminum block version of the 3.5L rated at 253 horsepower than significantly improved the car’s 0-60 MPH time with top speed still being electronically limited to just under 120 MPH. There was not an optional engine offered with the Prowler.
Much like the engine, the Prowler’s only transmission choice was a four-speed automatic. The transmission was located at the rear of the vehicle and connected by a torque tube in a similar fashion to the C5 Chevrolet Corvette and other sports cars of that era.
The Prowler was designed to be used as a daily driver type of vehicle and as such had a nice array of amenities offered as standard and optional equipment. Those included air conditioning, high-end audio systems, keyless entry, power windows, leather interior, leather wrapped steering wheels with audio controls in the center and a color-keyed dash. At the end of the production run with the 2002 model year, a total of 11,702 vehicles had left the assembly line.
Sadly, a changing domestic auto market caused Chrysler to make the decision to bring the Plymouth brand to an end during the 2001 model year. Prowler production continued in the 2001 and 2002 model years with the cars being badged as a Chrysler product.
This 1997 Plymouth Prowler is an excellent example of the introductory year, which was the lowest production of all years. One of only 457 produced, all painted in metallic purple, this car shows less than 3,000 miles since new on the digital odometer. It features a black leather interior and is well-equipped with options including cruise control, power brakes, power steering, power windows, power door locks and power outside mirrors. The car has been in the portfolio of the present owner since April 2010 and stored in a humidity-controlled environment during his ownership.
Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this first-year example of the Plymouth Prowler for $44,900 USD. This is one of the lowest mileage examples currently listed for sale in the country at this time. Pre-purchase inspections are welcomed and encouraged. We will gladly assist with transportation arrangements at buyer’s expense. Financing may be available to qualified buyers with information available under the “Financing” tab on our website, www.evergreendigitalshowroom.com. To discuss this vehicle further or to make an offer, contact Steve Russell at 417-532-8000.
NOTICE
Because of the number of vehicles we represent we cannot drive every vehicle for long distances. These vehicles have been part of static displays for long periods of time, in some cases for decades, and are subject to the flaws and imperfections consistent with that. While we do our best to disclose all issues we known about a vehicle in our advertising, these are old cars and something that has always worked in the past might not function properly today. Please check the requirements of your state regarding the licensing and registration of classic vehicles and make sure the vehicle you are looking at meets those if applicable. Unless otherwise noted, all vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom possess a clean (non-branded) title which will be provided the new buyer when purchase funds clear our financial institution. Virtually all our vehicles are sold as mileage exempt due to their age. We do not warranty any vehicle, nor any part of the vehicle including air conditioning systems, brake systems, electrical systems and gauges, fuel systems, accessories or powertrain components.
These are old vehicles and it is very common for them to require certain maintenance and upkeep for them to be operational. In many cases issues with leaks may develop when being driven after a long period of not being used. This is common, as classic cars at some point will leak fluids. For this reason, we do not encourage buyers to attempt driving their purchase home as we cannot guarantee functional reliability of these vehicles. We strongly encourage prospective buyers to be sure they are comfortable with these issues before purchasing a classic car.
Descriptions of vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom are intended to be informational in nature and do not in any way constitute any sort of warranty, expressed or implied. Again, these vehicles are presented “as-is, where-is” without guarantee or warranty. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 will likely not be included in the databases of companies such as CarFax and AutoCheck that provide vehicle history information to consumers. If you have specific questions regarding a vehicle we urge you to contact us at 417-532-8000.
