First a Plymouth then later a Chrysler, the Prowler was a retro-styled limited production car produced between 1997-02, based on a 1993 concept car of the same name. The 2-seater was noted for its Indy-car front styling and suspension. This ’99 edition of the Prowler looks to be in excellent condition and may be living currently on a showroom floor. Located in Bandera, Texas, this front-engine/rear-drive throwback machine is available here on craigslist for $39,750. Pat L. gets a nod for bringing this car to our attention!
Chrysler’s engineers designed the Prowler to look akin to a hot rod or sportster-type vehicle of the 1930s. The Prowler borrowed its powertrain from the Chrysler LH-cars beginning with a 24-valve, 3.5-liter SOHC V6 that produced 253 hp. The only transmission offered was a 4-speed Autostick automatic. It was situated at the rear of the car and connected to the motor via a torque tube that rotated at engine speed. This helped give the car a 50/50 balance in terms of front/rear weight distribution. The Prowler was the first RWD Plymouth since the Gran Fury and would also be the last Plymouth to use that layout. Over six production years, the Prowler saw the output of fewer than 12,000 cars, of which less than 4,000 were for 1999.
This Prowler is finished black-on-black and appears to have been little used and well kept, with just 33,000 miles which average out to just 1,500 miles per year since new. As you might expect, the car is well-heeled with leather upholstery, factory air conditioning, and a bunch of power-assisted accessories. A set of Pirelli tires have been added on all four corners and no mention is made of any mechanical needs. The buyer will receive two car covers, one being a storm cover and the other a padded cover, both form-fitting.
We understand that these cars were hard to keep the front-end aligned as the least little tap might require a reset. Hagerty pegs the resale value of a ’99 Prowler at $29,000 for Excellent and $41,000 for Concours. The seller has priced this car at the high end of this spread so the buyer will have to determine if the condition and rarity (sort of) of the car justifies top dollar.
Hard to believe these ever went into production at all, considering the potentially limited market.
Indeed. Also hard to believe it never had a stick or much power.
253 hp for a car that weighed about 2,800 lbs gave the Prowler a 0-60 time of 5.7 sec and a 1/4 mile time of 14.3 sec @ 95.4 mph. I’d say that’s pretty decent performance.
You’re right – 5.7 and 14.3 are pretty decent. I think it would have been much more popular though if they could have stuffed a hemi under the hood.
Good point FordGuy. I was just thinking the look of it deserved something more extreme… and a stick!
Good point Ford Guy. I was just coming from the perspective of a car with the hot rod looks should have an extreme motor and stick.
A Hemi wasn’t a possible option. The Prowler ceased production in 2002, the 5.7 Hemi dint come out until 2003.
Steve R
Non factory grill.
Missing the front bumpers.
That’s why it look so GOOD!
Rear bumpers also not there. I almost bought one of these back when they came out, being a single Dad made me change my mind.
Rear bumpers also not there. I almost bought one of these back when they came out, being a single Dad made me change my mind. Didn’t Chip Foose have a hand in the design while he was an art student ?
I hope the seller still has them, it should have been mentioned in the ad.
It is interesting to me that the price of these cars have remained very consistent , this car seems to be right in line with others, I have seen. I have driven one ,but I really don’t know anyone who owned one and drove it on a regular basis. I have always been a very traditional Hot Rodder and driving a Prowler would make me feel like some sort of a traitor, to my core values.
Hi guys I own a 2001 Plymouth Prowler.Its a black tie. Edition .The factory made only 162 of them.mine is number 159 with 16,500 miles.i was wondering what it is worth?
I like these, but i do not think that is a great price.
Never saw one in black, these were always brighter colors, yellow being the most popular.
It Should Have Had A V8……………
I like to drive it, so, SOLD!!! :D :)
If Plymouth would have been smart enough to put a Hemi in the car with a manual transmission they couldn’t have built them fast enough.
I went to look at these when they came out – what ’94? I would have been 47, I guess as I’m 74 now. As soon as I found out they were 6 Cylinders, I thought”.
Chrysler/Plymouth has lost their minds! V-6? A V-8 with no more Cubes than the 6 would have been acceptable.
Yeah, I owned a few 6’s when I was in Jr./Sr. HS – like a 50 Chevy and a 53. BUT, that basically was all available in my teenage budget (With Dad’s Help! LOL!)
Come Dec., ’66, it was a Brand New ’67 Chevelle! Still have it albeit it has been fully restored.
Last thing: Price on this Prowler. I don’t get it. I can buy ANY Car at Full Retail any day of the week! Not looking to Steal Anything But why Pay Full Boat for a Car that’s just not that much in demand?
Show car ? I’d show it the exit door to my shop.
“The Prowler borrowed its powertrain from the Chrysler LH-cars beginning with a 24-valve, 3.5-liter SOHC V6 that produced 253 hp.” That doesn’t make sense. Six cylinders multiplied by four valves per cylinder is 24. The engine is a DOHC, not a SOHC