1999 Plymouth Prowler

Description

Some of the highest praise we can give a car is that it is "factory fresh." For some that means a high-quality restoration, but for others like this 1999 Plymouth Prowler, it's a testament to not only low mileage, but expert care as well. Very stock and exceptionally clean, this is the one to put away for future generations.

Finished in iconic Prowler Purple with an Agate leather interior, this is the look of the very first Prowler you ever saw. It's channeling the great hot rods of the past with its rakish looks and dramatically staggered rolling stock, the hot rod reinvented. If you're a real car guy, I don't have to tell you about the Prowler's influences or the homage that it represents. Instead, think about what it represented to Chrysler Corporation. Its real name was the Prowler AIV, which meant Aluminum Intensive Vehicle, and they used this low-production specialty car to learn about how to build aluminum components that are still in use today. The fact that it also looks cool was simply a nice side effect. As a low-mileage car, the highest praise we can give it is that it's pretty much like new in every way. That means no scuffs on the chin, no parking lot dings in its aluminum skin, and no chips on the rockers where the big tires threw up some gravel. Other than the Classic Retro headlight kit and an added sway bar up front, it's completely stock, and all the previous owners have spent plenty of time keeping it clean, waxed, and maintained.

The dark gray leather (called Agate) has a great look in the Prowler, recalling the heavy-duty hides used on vintage rods and even motorcycles. Of course, everything was standard in Plymouth's flagship, from A/C and power windows to keyless entry and a massive sound system that fills the cabin with sound, top up or top down. Retro styling cues include the column-mounted tach and center-mounted instrument panel that has a color-matched bezel that was especially dramatic on light colored Prowlers. The idea is that this is an OEM hot rod with everything fully engineered and fully functional, and it just works. Airbags, seatbelts, and all the bells and whistles truly make the Prowler a no-compromises hot rod. There's even a snug-fitting convertible top that stashes below the rear deck for a truly sleek look. With those giant rear tires, there's not a lot of trunk space but does it really matter when the car looks this good?

Chrysler's corporate 3.5 liter 24-valve V6 with 253 horsepower is a snug fit in the pointed engine bay, but given the car's lightweight structure, it delivers entertaining performance. Packed in there are all the bells and whistles plus fuel injection and distributor-less ignition, so it always stars and runs, and fuel economy is impressive if you stay out of the loud pedal. The 4-speed automatic transmission was the first installation of Chrysler's "Auto Stick" setup, which allows manual shifting on the fly, and the all-independent suspension soaks up bumps better than any buggy spring setup ever could. Four-wheel discs with ABS are confidence-inspiring. Five-spoke factory alloys and Continental radial tires show almost no use and are ready to get warmed up on some smooth asphalt.

A very cool car that has become an icon in its own time, the Prowler is a great tribute to the past and a smart investment for the future. And with only 21,292 actual miles on the clock, it's got a lot more showing-off to do. Call today!