Plymouth Prowler | Spotted – PistonHeads UK

Even with the freedom now afforded to automotive design thanks to electric power, it isn’t often that a jaw-dropping concept makes it to the road looking just as sharp as it did at the motor show. At least not anything vaguely affordable, that is. Perhaps the Porsche Taycan is notable for staying true to the Mission E concept, though it’s hardly likely to make people stop and stare. And while the reality is somewhat inevitable – production cars face more constraints on design than ever before – it doesn’t make the situation any less disappointing. Once you’ve seen the ultimate version, it’s hard to accept the diluted production model. See Toyota FT-1 to Supra, for example. 

Anyway, the point is relevant to the Plymouth Prowler, because here’s a car that went from motor show stunner to production machine virtually unchanged. Which wasn’t totally unheard of 30 years ago, because there was a lot more flexibility and freedom when it came to making cars (as well as money), but it was quite the achievement for something as daring as the Prowler. In 1993, nothing looked like the concept; all these years later, the impact of the real thing remains totally undimmed. While some cars from the ’90s now look a bit tame and meek, the Prowler is as unabashed as ever. 

It was styled by Chrysler design director of the time Thomas C. Gale, who you won’t be surprised to learn was inspired by the hot rods of the ’30s. The end result, bonnet dramatically tapering and rear deck almost none existent, certainly channelled that vibe. The huge rear tyres, high windowline and exposed front suspension ensured the Prowler was dramatic in a modern context, and not just a retro pastiche. 

Really, it should have had a V8, to do the hot rod aesthetic justice; no one would call a 3.5 V6 paired to a four-speed auto evocative. Especially in the early cars, with just 217hp (this is a later one, with 257hp). But the design won more people over than you might expect, with 11,702 sold from 1997 to 2002; some were Plymouths, as here, with later cars badged as Chrysler Prowlers once the Plymouth name was retired. Everyone will know it’s a Prowler, that much seems assured. And everyone will be expecting the purple, which is handy for this particular one; there were actually 12 colours offered for the Prowler over its five years on sale, but Prowler Purple feels like the colour you have to have. 

This 1999 car has been in the UK for at least 20 years, with an MOT history back to the very first digital records. Mileage has been sparse in this decade, however, with only 300 miles covered since the 2018 test and last year’s inspection. It wasn’t on the road from ‘21 to ‘25, and is therefore being offered as a recommissioning project. Elements of that might be simple, given the off-the-shelf nature of the powertrain for example, but Prowler-bespoke parts might be tricky to source 25 years after production finished. Maybe a good job so many were made, then.

Normally when a car is offered at POA, you can have a good guess at what that price might be. But a Plymouth Prowler that needs a bit of TLC? It’s very hard to tell. Is this one of the great modern classic collectables from the USA? Or a bit too much hard work for a hot rod without a V8? Let’s hope somebody is brave enough to take it on and get the Prowler back to its best, because if ever there’s a car that deserves to be regularly seen on the road, this has to be it. The reactions alone would surely be worth the effort… 

Engine: 3,518cc V6,
Transmission: Four-speed semi-auto, rear-wheel drive
Power(hp): 257@6,400rpm
Torque(lb ft): 255@3,950rpm
MPG: Not many
CO2: Quite a lot
First registered: 1999
Recorded mileage: 25,000
Price new: $39,300 (1999)
Yours for: POA