Genuine accessories have been about almost as long as the automotive industry itself. The variety seems endless, although modern manufacturers seem to focus on floor mats, wheels, and other assorted pieces of “tinsel.” However, Plymouth followed a different path with the Prowler. Originally unveiled as a concept, the Prowler entered production in 1997. It rode the edge of the retro craze, and while it has been the source of some derision over the years, it had one significant failing that impacted its practicality; The Prowler effectively had no trunk space. The good people at Plymouth recognized this, producing a genuine accessory trailer. This 1997 Prowler is a spotless survivor that comes with its trailer. It needs nothing and would suit a discerning new owner. The Prowler is listed here on Craigslist in Pittsburg, California. The seller’s price is $23,111, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for once again spotting an excellent classic for us.
Giving automotive stylists free rein to design the vehicle of their dreams can produce stunning results, with the First Generation Mustang as a shining example. That was also the genesis of the Plymouth Prowler, which first appeared as a concept car in 1993. The production version featured styling changes to meet legislative requirements, mainly centered on the headlamps and front bumpers. The second item caused the most criticism, with the production version looking heavy and cumbersome compared to those on the concept. First-year Prowler buyers faced a limited color palette of, er, one. They could order their new toy in a shade imaginatively named Prowler Purple. That graces this car’s panels, and its condition is excellent for a vehicle that sees regular use. We’ve seen a few low-mileage Prowlers previously, but this one has 85,555 miles on the clock. However, its overall condition probably results from being garage-kept when not in use and having never seen a drop of rain. The Black convertible top looks excellent, the trim and glass make a similar impression, and the distinctive alloy wheels are spotless.
One of the practical limitations of the Prowler’s design was a lack of usable trunk space. Owners could store a jacket or jumper in the area above the stowed convertible top, but there was no scope for bags or suitcases. The company’s answer was to create a bespoke Prowler trailer as a genuine accessory. It wore the same paint shade and wheels as the vehicle and was beautifully finished. However, it had a couple of flaws. The first was it was the only item an owner could hook to a Prowler’s tow hitch without voiding their warranty. The second was the price, which was an eye-watering $5,075. Many potential Prowler owners walked away when they realized their new purchase cost $40,000, but they needed to add $5,000 if they wished to carry luggage. Today, these are a “must-have” item for anyone considering buying a classic Prowler. The one included in this deal looks as spotless as the car itself. The other area of criticism with the Prowler was its drivetrain specifications. The styling suggested a retro hot rod, and many people expressed disappointment when they learned its engine bay contained a 3.5-liter V6 hooked to a rear-mounted four-speed automatic transmission. With 215hp under the right foot, the Prowler covered the ¼ mile in 15.1 seconds. That figure doesn’t sound startling today, but it’s worth providing some context. If you lined this Prowler alongside a 1997 auto-equipped Mustang GT, the Ford would take 15.5 seconds to complete the same journey. Therefore, there was nothing outrageously bad about the Plymouth’s performance in a 1997 context. This one is in sound mechanical health, and the bulletproof nature of the drivetrain means that even though it has 85,000 miles on the clock, it should still offer its next owner years of reliable motoring if it’s appropriately serviced and maintained.
While the Prowler’s exterior styling suggested it was a hard-edged hot rod, its interior told a different story. Buyers received leather upholstery, dual airbags, climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power seats, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, a leather-wrapped wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. This Prowler’s interior looks perfect, with no evidence of abuse, neglect, or long-term UV exposure. There are no aftermarket additions, and the appearance shouldn’t cause its new owner shameful feelings when they arrive at their next Cars & Coffee.
The 1997 Prowler found itself the target of scorn as people labeled it a boulevard cruiser lacking the muscle to back its retro hot rod appearance. Some criticism is founded because its front bumper and convertible top do it no favors. However, dismissing it out of hand due to its V6 engine is unfair because it offers adequate performance to meet the needs of most owners. Plymouth only produced 457 Prowlers in 1997, and after years in the wilderness, values are climbing steadily. The condition of our feature car is hard to fault, and the trailer adds to its appeal. The price is highly competitive compared to recent sales results. If a first-year Prowler is on your Christmas shopping list, this could be the one.
This car deserved all the scorn it garnered. The only things missing to make it a winner were, horsepower, a manual transmission, removable hardtop, and a trunk. A lame-duck from the get-go with “Top Five” worst bumpers of all-time.
Well, apparently, you’re an “expert,” but no, this car did NOT deserve all of the scorn it received. It never claimed to be a quarter-mile muscle machine. It’s a cool-looking cruising car that few others would have had the guts to produce. The horsepower is more than adequate, and I’d love to own one… far from a “lame duck.”
I agree. I would love to own this Prowler. And the matching trailer just makes the deal even better. If only I had the money.
Untwist your knickers for a moment and remind yourself I was commenting on the folks at Chrysler (Bob Lutz, not the buyers) who shot their wad on the Viper and thought their magic would last forever. This must have been designed by committee as there were so many compromises. I’m certainly no expert, but it is obvious they half-stepped it and probably rushed out an answer to a question nobody asked.
Tom Gale, the former head of design at Chrysler who shepherded the Prowler into production, said this about the Plymouth Prowler:
“The whole thing really was an exercise in research for how to use aluminum materials,” Gale says of the Prowler. “At the time, Chrysler really didn’t have a lot of applied research. So in my view, this was a great way to kind of force us to take a look at aluminum stamping, aluminum forming, extrusions, welding, and combining that with composite materials.
“Prowler was really more about that than it was the car itself, and I was kind of the one that pushed that. I was just anxious to see us have that kind of research,” Gale says.
“At the time, we could see where things were going to go, especially if you looked at a long-term trend, with fuel economy and weight,” Gale told me. “And yet we really didn’t have the kind of expertise we felt we needed. So having [Prowler] happen, having the ability to bring [aluminum] panels into a production environment, definitely provided us with knowledge that we wouldn’t have gained in other ways.”
While car enthusiasts blasted the Prowler for everything it wasn’t this car was actually a success for Chrysler in terms of R&D.
…except the V6 made more power and weighed far less than the anemic 5.2 V8 of the time.
The original “poser” mobile. Way overpriced, way underpowered, and as practical as a mesh umbrella.
Like the Chevy SSR, cool concept, not so cool reality. Turbo V6, prettier bumpers and a actual trunk would have helped, along with a better price point.
I never understood the popularity of these monstrosities.
I remember seeing this car at a dealership when it came out. Very striking for the time, as well as wildly impractical and grossly overpriced.
What a odd and goofy price, well it is a odd and goofy car.
I think it would make a nice cruiser. Is it a hot rod? Not really. But any convertible can be fun to drive. Just be prepared for all the haters that are going to goof on you, I guess.
Look no future than you friendly neighbourhood BarnFinds website to get your fill of haters!
Isn’t individuality great?
Maybe turn that trailer into a beer cooler and head out to the lake. You could get a whole new set of friends. This purchase could be life changing
I’ve owned one new since 2001. Its a great cruising car, super looking with the top down. Front Bumper was a must remove from the get-go, and I did. Other than minimal trunk storage, a hard ride and minimal parts availability, its been trouble free and fun to drive. My 3 daughters have put their dibs on it when I get too old to drive, and I’m almost there now. None seemed to want the Vets or the Shelby’s that I have.
“Flagged for removal”
I’m with Ike, it’s a neat concept, but spot on saying, pretty much the answer to a question nobody asked. History is filled with “concept” cars, that never have a chance, it always amazes me, these so called “blunders” have any sales at all. It was certainly one designers claim to fame, and we can’t rip on that. Its just, how did this ever make it to production, I’ll never know. In order to sell, it has to be welcomed by a large group, and the Prowler never had a chance, I feel. I consider myself a pretty normal car guy, and I see nothing appealing here, a common theme. A classic “swing and a miss” in the car culture, joins a long list of many, need I list them?
The only thing(s) I don’t like about the looks are the front bumpers. The Ford Edsel was viewed by many as a blunder, but now it’s got it’s own car club. Too bad the Prowler has garnered such a long list of haters, need I list them?
All MOPAR had to do was put in a powerful motor and a 4 speed, and this could have been a hit. The interior is very cheesy, but I do like speedo and gauge set up. Color offerings like loud colors such as Lime Green, Sunshine Yellow, Candy Apple Red, and Midnight Black would be winners. I always wanted the marketing job of naming colors. It could have been a fun car to own.
I love the looks of the Prowler, but that front bumper would look so much better with matching paint. I wish they had come with an optional 5 speed manual and a less wimpy engine would have been nice. Perhaps they would have sold more the 11,702 units in 5 years.
Dumb idea. The money should have gone into a small convertible, like a Miata. Would have sold a bunch. Our Miata is a great road car, esp in the twisties, plus enough useable trunk space for a weekend get away. As a weekend traveler, you need room for a few over night bags, but this had none. Okay, you could have bought the over priced trailer, but then how do you park it in a standard parking space when you want to have a meal, or stay in a motel? To think, the guys that designed and approved this made huge salaries. No wonder Chrysler is more or less dead today. Too bad, once a great company.