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14/01/2019 10:29 am
The Plymouth Prowler in 1:43 (PICs)
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In the early 1990s, Chrysler engineers were given free rein to design whatever they wanted in a "hot rod" or "sportster" type vehicle. Thomas C. Gale, Chrysler's design and international director, had a love for 1930s-era hot rods. He reportedly had a hotted up 1932 Ford in his garage, and he wanted a follow-up to the Dodge Viper. A Chrysler-sponsored project at the Art Center College of Design brought Douglas "Chip" Foose to design a retro-roadster.
And Chrysler put it into production in 1997.
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Chrysler Corporation produced the Prowler from 1907 into 2002, changing its designation from Plymouth to Chrysler for the last two years. Total production was 11,702. Basic price in 1997 was $38,300; by 2002 that was $44,625. About the only option was the trailer (which is not part of the 1:43 models.)
Road Champs, Universal, and Maisto (a pull-back motorized version) all brought the Prowler to collectors in the 1:43 scale, all popularly priced and interesting, if a little simplified.
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And then, as Chrysler was stopping Prowler production, Testor released the Prowler in several version, all in kit form. Mine is the "Black Tie" version, and I finished its construction just this morning.
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Okay, the Prowler wasn't the most user-friendly car on the market. But this kit car has a factory paint job that really stands out. And the roof is removable, too.
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I know kit-building isn't everyone's favorite activity.
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But I like the results!
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14/01/2019 11:19 am
Looks like a very nice build, David.
When this car was introduced, The dealership I ran sold a few each year. The car was largely misunderstood. It was never intended to be a daily driver. It was more of a car to be seen in, much like the home built hot-rods with chrome suspension parts and immaculate engine bays that show up in weekend car gatherings. It rode very rough and accelerated briskly but was not breathtakingly quick. It was hard to get into with the roof up and sported typical Chrysler switchgear. Between all those shortcomings and a V6 engine with automatic transmission, sales were never stellar. That being said, I don't think a V8 would have improved the situation any. It certainly didn't help the similarly radical Chevrolet SSR.
Still, those who bought theirs really enjoyed them. They had a grip on what the car was supposed to be. Virtually every customer we sold to owned more than two other cars.
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
14/01/2019 5:16 pm
About 1990, I destroyed my red Mustang commuting to work on the ice. Among other replacements, I looked rather closely at a new Prowler. Commuting fifty miles a day, year round in all kinds of weather, with gas prices rising higher and higher, the Prowler just wasn't my solution. But it was really an eye-catcher! I think if it could have been my third or fourth car, just maybe . . . John, I think you are remembering it right!