BF Exclusive: 1999 Plymouth Prowler

• Seller: John V erdone (Contact)
• Location: Holden, Massachusetts
• Mileage: 27,500 Shown
• Chassis #: 1P3EW65G3XV501295
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 3.5-Liter V6
• Transmission: Automatic

Released in 1997, the Prowler was Plymouth’s “halo” model, designed to lure buyers into showrooms. As history shows, the Prowler badge outlived the Plymouth name, with production ending in 2002. This 1999 Prowler is a genuine survivor that presents nicely. It is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well. The owner has meticulously maintained this classic, and with only 27,500 miles on its odometer, it promises decades of reliable motoring pleasure. Having enjoyed all that it offers, the owner has listed the Prowler exclusively with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $30,000.

Plymouth rode the crest of the retro wave when it released the Prowler. It was a careful attempt to recapture the look and feel of traditional Hot Rods, and the concept received plenty of praise when the company unveiled it in 1993. Such was the universal acceptance by motoring journalists and the buying public that Plymouth released the production version in 1997. Our featured Prowler rolled off the line in 1999. The company offered buyers a choice of four paint shades that year, and this car’s Prowler Purple is both the most iconic and the most attractive. The owner confirms that there are a couple of small scratches, but the exterior shines like a new penny. The panels are immaculate, and the Black soft-top fits as tight as a drum. This classic rarely sees wet weather, and spends its idle moments parked in a dry, heated garage. Therefore, the lack of UV damage and its rust-free status are unsurprising. The trim and glass are excellent, and the unique alloy wheels are an exterior highlight.

The 1999 Prowler demonstrates how far automotive engineering had advanced in a relatively short period. The company offered a solitary mechanical configuration, with every buyer receiving a 3.5-liter V6, a rear-mounted four-speed automatic transaxle, power steering, and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes. The company’s decision to rear-mount the transaxle was inspired. It gave the car a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, maximizing the handling potential of its four-wheel independent suspension. Previously criticized for lackluster performance, the new-for-1999 V6 delivered significant gains in power and torque, making the Prowler an energetic vehicle. The motor produces a factory-quoted 253hp and 255 ft/lbs, with both figures the domain of the V8 only a few years earlier. Plymouth claimed that the 1999 Prowler could accelerate from 0-60 mph in six seconds, which is pretty impressive. The owner states that this Prowler has a genuine 27,500 miles on its odometer and has been meticulously maintained. It runs and drives perfectly as a turnkey classic, and the sale includes the original factory Service Manual, Sales Brochure, and Window Sticker.

Plymouth left nothing off the table when equipping the Prowler’s interior. Buyers received air conditioning, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, power mirrors, a remote trunk release, leather trim, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel. This classic pushes the boundaries further, featuring an AM/FM radio/cassette player, the optional six-disc CD changer, and upgraded speakers. The interior presentation is extremely tidy, with no cosmetic flaws or imperfections. It is fair to say that it carries the hallmarks of a low-mile classic that has been treated respectfully throughout its life. Hitting the road for a cruise or a trip to a Cars & Coffee with the top lowered won’t embarrass the new owner.

Companies don’t produce “halo” models to sell in high numbers. They are effectively a marketing exercise, designed to lure potential customers through the door and maximize the chances of sales success with more “bread-and-butter” vehicles. The 1999 model year was the Prowler’s most successful, with 3,921 buyers taking one home. That still makes it a relatively rare car that will provide excellent performance with eye-catching looks. With values climbing steadily, this classic offers the perfect combination of an enjoyable motoring experience with excellent long-term investment potential. That is why it is worth a closer look.