Understandably, the Plymouth Prowler was a mild disappointment after it was introduced. Most every enthusiast that followed the Chip Foose years when a show car concept was greenlighted for production was understandably underwhelmed that car which looked like a vintage hot rod built for the modern era only came with a V6 and an automatic transmission. Still, this didn’t mean it was a bad car by any means, and later models like this 2002 Chrysler (yes, Chrysler) Prowler here on craigslist benefits from a more powerful V6 engine.
I still look back in awe at Chrysler Corporation in the 90s and early 2000s. This was a car company run by enthusiasts, and the vehicles that came out of every division, from the most basic economy car to the most expensive performance model, was seemingly blessed with at least one critical component or feature that would make an enthusiast smile. The Neon, Stratus, Intrepid, and Viper were all very good cars with impressive street cred right out of the box. It should come as no surprise that this same company would look at a one-off showcar built by the likes of Chip Foose and approve it for production.
Still, with the original engine falling well short of what the Prowler was expected to include (a 3.5L SOHC V6? Really?), it seemed that the model’s story had ended before it began. But it wasn’t the fault of Chrysler engineers: the chassis balance would have been ruined by a heavy V6, and the nose section was simply too narrow to accommodate a large engine. In many ways, we should be applauding Chrysler for even moving forward with production despite knowing the blowback that would happen. At least we have this magnificent creation to enjoy today!
And thankfully, this model comes with the upgraded “High Output” 3.5L V6 that pushed performance significantly higher with a 0-60 time in under 6 seconds and a top speed of nearly 130 miles per hour. This example enjoys additional notoriety for being labeled a Chrysler rather than a Plymouth since the latter brand closed its doors while the Prowler was still in production. Thankfully, someone up the chain on management decided it was too soon for the Prowler’s story to end despite the end of the road for Plymouth. With the limited production and rare, one-year-only color of Inca Gold, this Prowler is the one to buy if you’re looking for a model with great performance and collectability. The asking price is $23,950; thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the find.
…….Yuck ….🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮
Great color!!
The only thing that possibly could have made the Prowler desirable would have been a powerful engine. That might have made up for all of the ugly. Not just ugly, but ridiculously impractical. Im hard pressed to find anything good to say about these things.
I’ve seen folks walk right past these at car shows.How much were they brand new ?
I have a good friend who owns a purple one, bought new, and it is still in showroom condition. He’s a genuine car guy, not some wannabe.
I just saw it recently. I can tell you, up close, Prowlers are have a very good look to them. It’s not a “kit car” at all, nor is it someone’s backyard fiberglass hot rod with modern gear but all kinds of hidden mechanical issues. You don’t see many of them around these days, so when you do, it catches your eye.
Some people will always deride these, but at least they were an valid attempt to do something different.
I know these things have a lot of haters but i have always liked them
I don’t know where all these Prowlers are coming from lately. Adam wrote up a red one. They took the front bumper off, and that really makes a difference on how they look up front. I agree with Bluesman, at least they tried to do something special, something different. Unfortunately today, we don’t see even a hint of that with what manufacturers are building now. While this color isn’t my first choice, it is definitely unique. I know a V8 would’ve been nice, but still Zip to 60 in less than 6 seconds is nothing to sneeze at.
They’re coming from the same garages as Avantis and second generation Cougars, and that’s sad. I think that if you didn’t get the black tie two tone then Inca gold was the best color.
Wow, someone actually drove and enjoyed this one.
Just get rid of that front bumper and I can live with it very easily.
Same comment on the red one.
Not my kind of car, but I’d rather have one of these over ANY of today’s rolling blob SUV/Minivans.
I am not a big fan, but at the time it was cool that Chrysler executives, like Tom Gale gave the Prowler and PT Cruiser the green light. I was fortunate at that time to meet Tom and it was great having a little inside info about these cars.
I always liked the way they look . They needed a v8 of course . And a bit more fine tuning on the look . I have seen a couple that were retuned And changed the gears in the rear. The 6 cylinder came alive and acted more like a v8. The people I talked to , enjoy them for weekend cruising . If I had a little extra cash I would probably buy this .