When the retro craze emerged during the 1990s, vehicles like the New Mini and New Beetle were warmly embraced, achieving considerable showroom success. However, the Plymouth Prowler failed to meet the company’s expectations, disappearing after only five model years. This 2000 example is a two-owner survivor with 31,000 miles on the clock. It presents extremely well, needing nothing but a new home. The seller has listed the Prowler here on eBay in Ocean City, Maryland. Bidding sits below the reserve at $15,300 as the auction heads into its final days.
Plymouth released the Prowler in 1997, basing its latest offering on a 1993 concept car bearing the same name. The styling remained largely unchanged between concept and production, although legislative requirements forced Plyouth to add front bumpers. Many people believe that this severely impacted the appearance, and I have seen Prowlers without the bumpers, and the change is quite profound. This Prowler rolled off the line in 2000, ordered by its first owner in a shade imaginatively called Prowler Silver Metallic. The seller purchased it from the first owner approximately eighteen months ago, and it carries the hallmarks of a cherished classic that has been treated respectfully. The paint shines beautifully and, like the panels, is devoid of significant flaws. Rust isn’t an issue, and the soft-top fits as tight as a drum. I’ve always considered the wheels a styling highlight, and the ones on this car are in as-new condition. The trim is excellent, and the glass is clear.
Although the Prowler’s sticker price was quite high, Plymouth marketed the vehicle as a practical daily driver. Buyers received air conditioning, leather trim, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, cruise control, a remote trunk release, a leather -wrapped tilt wheel, and a booming AM/FM radio/cassette player with a six-disc CD changer pumping out 320 watts of pure sound. This Prowler’s interior looks exceptional, with no evidence of wear or other issues. The dash is excellent, and the bright trim looks perfect. The seller states that this classic has 31,000 original miles on the clock, and the interior appearance makes the claim plausible.
Lifting the hood reveals what is probably the main reason why the Prowler failed to ignite buyer passion. In keeping with the Retro Hot Rod styling, buyers anticipated V8 power. However, what they received for their money was a 3.5-liter V6, hooked to a four-speed automatic transmission. That doesn’t sound like a recipe for excitement, although this motor’s ability to generate 253hp and 255 ft/lbs of torque made the relatively light Prowler a surprising performer. The seller doesn’t provide much history, but they do supply a link to this short YouTube video. It features a cold start, and the motor sounds sweet and smooth. Therefore, it is safe to assume that this Prowler is a turnkey proposition.
There is no single reason why the Plymouth Prowler failed to sell in the anticipated numbers. The reality was that the company marketed the Prowler as a niche vehicle, so it was probably never going to find tens of thousands of buyers each year. Interestingly, a vehicle that was largely overlooked in its prime has developed a strong following. I would expect the bidding on this example to comfortably top $30,000, although recent successful sales suggest a higher price is possible. Do you agree, or do you feel another figure is more appropriate?
All I can say is what anyone who knows anything about cars said, this one needed a V8.And a third pedal.
They should have handed this over to Shelby.