Retro-styled cars are no different from any other vehicle in the new car market. Releasing such vehicles is a high-risk strategy, and some attempts are more successful than others. Those that met expectations included the New Mini, the Fiat 500, and the Dodge Challenger. Less successful was the Plymouth Prowler, with only 8,532 examples rolling off the line during its production run. This 1999 Prowler presents well, although it isn’t perfect. It would be ideal for someone seeking a driver-grade drop-top that can be enjoyed immediately. The seller has listed the Plymouth here on eBay in Ocoee, Florida. Bidding sits below the reserve at $16,500.
Regular readers will probably find this Prowler familiar, and that’s a fair call. We last saw it in 2022, and whether the same seller is offering it is unclear. I would typically update the original article, but enough new information is supplied in the current listing to justify a fresh start. Plymouth released the Prowler in 1997 as a “halo” model that drew inspiration from old-school hot rods. Its styling is distinctive, and interestingly, Chrysler utilized some frontal styling features on the later PT Cruiser. Available only as a soft-top, buyers could select from twelve colors during the production run. The Prowler Purple Metallic gracing this car’s flanks is the most distinctive and readily recognized. It retains an impressive shine for its age, although there is some inconsistency worth noting. This is particularly obvious on the lovered side panels, which are a later addition to the car. There are no other significant flaws or issues, and the seller doesn’t mention rust problems. One oft-criticized aspect of the Prowler is the front bumpers, which were a necessary evil to comply with safety regulations. I have seen Prowlers with these removed, and that dramatically transform the appearance for the better. The Black power top is in good order, and the distinctive and unique wheels are free from stains and physical damage.
Some potential buyers were disappointed when they lifted the hood and discovered there wasn’t a V8 occupying the Prowler’s engine bay. What they received for their money was a 3.5-liter V6, producing 253hp and 255 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a four-speed automatic transmission, with no manual option offered. The curb weight of 2,837 lbs is relatively light, making the Plymouth a surprisingly sprightly performer. The journey down the ¼-mile takes 14.2 seconds, and, given a free rein, the Prowler can nudge 130mph. However, there was no escaping the fact that these cars lacked the distinctive bass rumble provided by a V8. The seller indicates that this classic is in excellent mechanical health. They don’t mention whether they hold evidence verifying the claimed odometer reading of 41,000 original miles, but potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.
The Prowler’s “halo” status meant that Plymouth loaded its interior with creature comforts to maximize owner enjoyment. These cars received dual airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, power mirrors, cruise control, and a premium radio/cassette player with a six-disc CD changer. The overall presentation is acceptable for a vehicle of this vintage, with the leather seats sporting the typical wrinkles that accumulate with age. The carpet and dash are excellent, and there are no aftermarket additions. It isn’t all good news because the leather on the wheel shows significant deterioration and wear. Its condition isn’t in keeping with the rest of the vehicle, and it would be interesting to quiz the seller on the possible reason for the problem. Replacements are available, but OEM wheels typically sell for around $500.
Plymouth produced 8,532 examples of the Prowler, with the car falling under the Chrysler umbrella following the demise of Plymouth in 2001. A further 3,170 rolled off the line before the company brought down the curtain in 2002. Values have remained stable during the past year, with only a slight increase. Those who view these cars as a “must-have” will find no shortage of them for under $30,000 in the market. I believe this one falls into that category, but is that enough to tempt you to pursue it further?
This weeks Jay leno on YouTube is on a purple Prowler.
Dealership’s website has it listed for $30,999.
Had similar issue with the leather wrap on my PT Cruiser. No help from Chrysler. I think it may have been an interaction between the leather finish and oil from hands.
The interior does demonstrate that the Prowler and PT Cruiser are related.
may wrk on 1 soon.
Guy’s father stopped by to ask…
(Ol’ man to ol men, lol)
Power top? Lol, you might want to revise that statement. I have a 99 Prowler with 4500 miles and wouldn’t sell for 40,000.
I never really understood the market for the Prowler. It isn’t a sports car, as it isn’t built for handling. It isn’t a muscle car, as it has a 6 cylinder engine. It’s nose is so low it will kiss any speed bumps. It’s basically a vanity project for the Chrysler designers, and I’d say it was a swing and a miss.
With fully independent suspension and a rear transaxle, these things actually handle unbelievably well if you replace the 25 year old run flat tires on them.
Mileage is most likely correct I have seen them with a lot less. Good cruising car is about it. Wouldn’t want to drive it every day.
Wondering why the paint on the louvered panel is a different shade from the rest of car? Do the original panels come with purchase?
Aftermarket add on.
Watching this Monday’s episode of Jay Leno’s Garage will provide a lot of insight into the Prowler.
#1 Chip Foose had a lot to do with the design, while he was still in Design school. (He is in the Leno video).
#2 Chrysler never really intended for the Prowler (or Viper) to be big money maker car models. They lost money on both. But they did make a ton of advertising and Brand Promotion, that brought people into the dealerships, to buy other products. Hence the term Halo car.
#3 Jay Leno was surprised at how well the 3.5l V-6 performed in the Prowler he and Foose took for a drive. (Jeff Dunham’s car by the way). Yes, maybe a V-8 would have been the choice for the hot rod community of the era, but V-6 engine cars have come a long way in the last 20 years in performance and wide spread adoption.
If I had the Lottery Winner bank account balance, I would absolutely have a car like this. You can’t spend enough money to look this cool.
Foose mentions that he was let down when the project went overbudget and Chrysler settled on the V6 auto.
He also mentions that he built a prototype with a Vette engine in the rear, as per his original design spec.
Still about the wildest thing to come out of the nineties retro craze. Chopped “Carson” top, cycle fenders, big-n-littles and all emissions and safety certified with a full warranty. Whew! Could it have been better with a V8? Sure, but not bad for a parts bin car.
These are a day tripper. Just enough for you and your favorite companion. It doesn’t get better than that.
I heard they rode pretty rough. Anybody there road trip with one? What was the experience like for those who did?
My dad and I attended the ‘96 WPC meet in Detroit and the club was treated to a tour of the Viper plant. They had just finished up the run of Viper coupes, with a few dozen inside waiting for delivery to their owners (the guide said one was going to Jay Leno) and my dad and I got to sit in the actual Indy pace car in the lobby (the keys were in the ignition!). What’s the Prowler connection here? When we toured the shop floor they were just staring to run Prowlers down the line- for crash testing!
Bummer! No trailer, means no luggage!
It would need a v10 for me to be interested.
It’s a horrible car in soooo many ways.
Here’s where “that thing got a hemi?” Would’ve been a great addition.
When these came out, it was like, “why”? They have grown on me over the years, not enough to have one though. Ditch the front bumpers, they actually look great without them.
Less the front bumper I’ve always liked these cars.The few owners I’ve talked to say they had no complaints about the engine power. We have the 3.6 and 9 speed automatic transmission in our Pacifica van and it goes like stink compared other similar vans. It’s also as low to the ground as the Prowler.
I wouldnt mind bein called “lill boy” if Heard
Shouting the emperor has no clothes, after Seeing
this car. I think itsa xynis extension. But I
was wrong once before~