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27/09/2023 10:52 am
After a decade producing uninspiring K-cars, Chrysler unleashed their designers and engineers and came up with some real winners like the Viper and PT Cruiser (a million were sold). The Plymouth Division was suffering the most so it was decided to rebrand Plymouth as youth oriented. Enter the Prowler. Its chopped, laid back shape paid homage to the '32 Ford hot rods of decades past that featured a raked windscreen, cycle front fenders and front and rear bumperettes. It never gave the public what they really wanted... a V8. The first generation of 1997 featured a 3.5 liter V6 that only produced an underwhelming 214 hp. 2 years later the engine was bumped up to 253 hp finally giving it some real performance. With only 40% of the car gleaned from other products including suspension from the Viper and rack and pinion steering from their minivans, the rest offered some unusual features like a mandrel bent aluminum tube frame and an open drive shaft connecting the engine to a rear mounted 4 speed automatic. The Prowler sold fairly well (11,702 sold) but could not save Plymouth which it outlived being rebranded as the Chrysler Prowler in 2000. The Prowler soldiered on for 2 more years and was then replaced by the Crossfire. Model by Danbury Mint:
27/09/2023 12:07 pm
I was extremely surprised when Chryco introduced this car as it was so very different; I wondered how it could possibly appeal to enough buyers to make it viable. It seemed like more of a concept car project to me but perhaps Chryco were just trying to make an image statement. What a shame they didn't put a V-8 in it as it needs that more throaty sound IMHO. The car is interesting for sure but it never grabbed me at all.
Rich Sufficool and Tony Perrone reacted
27/09/2023 12:31 pm
Always wished DM made this in some other Prowler colors!
John Napoli and Rich Sufficool reacted
27/09/2023 12:34 pm
I was extremely surprised when Chryco introduced this car as it was so very different; I wondered how it could possibly appeal to enough buyers to make it viable. It seemed like more of a concept car project to me but perhaps Chryco were just trying to make an image statement. What a shame they didn't put a V-8 in it as it needs that more throaty sound IMHO. The car is interesting for sure but it never grabbed me at all.
Agree with you Jack. I liked the car well enough back then, that if they made it available with a V-8 AND 4-speed stick, I'd have had some serious thoughts of purchase.
John Napoli and Rich Sufficool reacted
27/09/2023 5:18 pm
Glad to have the model but never had any interest in the 1/1.
Tony Perrone and Rich Sufficool reacted