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 ….🤢🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮