1997 Plymouth Prowler Convertible
"Some things are so uniquely American they become part of our culture fabric; blue jeans, cowboy boots, our love affair with the automobile. Perhaps few cars embody this love affair better than the Hot Rod. Built in garages and basements across the nation, they prowled the strips in search of that special challenge, to unleash their quickness and display their owner's creativity. Plymouth Prowler captures those days, but takes it a step further by including technology unheard of in those days. Plymouth Prowler, the essence of a future American classic." From the concept brochure, printed December 1992.
For consignment, a 1997 Plymouth Prowler with a title verified 28,835 actual miles and some customizations that make this one unique. We've had the pleasure of representing many Prowlers here at Classic Auto Mall, but this is our first first year model and one of just 457 built. In that first year, you could have any color you wanted, as long as it was purple.
Exterior
The press color pervades this 1997 and was named appropriately Prowler Purple Metallic. The narrow eyed Prowler has open front wheels, part of its exotic offering, with body keyed fenders that turn with the wheels and this one features custom front nerf bars. Up front, the bumpers have been removed and side vents have been added to the front quarters. The steeply raked windshield creates a low roof and a chopped hot rod vibe while the staggered size chrome 5 spoke wheels present a raked stance on a low riding skate with low profile tires and Prowler caliper covers in bright red bleed through the openings. The wheels are a full 3-inches in difference with 20's out back and 17's in front, and the tires are of different width which becomes obvious when you follow this car and its super wide back end, underlined by a smoothed back end, bumpers removed, replaced with a custom rear panel and chromed frame and light components. The canvas top, wheels, and paint are excellent on the car and the only imperfections we found were a couple of paint chips and an area of orange peel.
Interior
The bad boy exterior gives way to a clean and practical interior with some custom touches starting with an image of the car we're sitting in painted on the door panel inserts, fronting a tropical moonscape. Padded and stitched leather bucket seats reveal a bit more style with bar style tops and the Prowler, a big cat of some kind, embossed on the seat back and on the accessory headrests, and this time they're purple. That cat shows up again on the steering wheel which is accented with purple rim pieces and shares the column with an AutoMeter tachometer. The factory gauge cluster is housed in a custom painted skateboard shaped plastic housing in the center of the dash, old school hot rod style with purple flames and skulls ablaze. Molded plastic makes up the remaining dash and has an AM/FM/Cassette radio with EQ and simple climate controls. A little bit of flash is found on the base plate of the pistol grip shifter in the center console which is mirror like chrome, while a built-in cupholder nearby lets you know you're not in the 50's anymore. Low pile charcoal carpet nicely covers the floor while Prowler branded mats protect the base carpet. Under the rear hatch, gray flannel material protects what might be stored and a clear windscreen, also Prowler branded, keeps your hat from falling off.
Drivetrain
Under the hood we find a clean 3.5 liter V6 rated at 214 horsepower and tied to an 4-speed automatic transmission with Autostick and true to hot rod greatness, keeps power at the rear axle with 3.89 gears. Yes that's right, the transmission is in the back for a balance ratio of 50/50. Power disc brakes also bring us into the 21st century and are found on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Very clean underneath as we take note of the polished tubular aluminum chassis along with a trailer hitch and dual exhaust which travels the length of the car and after some original equipment chambered mufflers, heads out back via oval and wide chrome tips. There's no surface rust nor oil leaks anywhere, and barely signs of usage with no damage whatsoever. Coil over suspension is found front and rear. Our consignor also notes neon lights are present underneath
Drive-Ability
Regardless of reputation, these have respectable acceleration, a comfortable cabin, and a very good ride. We took this car through the paces where many Prowlers before it had passed, and it performed as well as we expected. As a pampered modern car, everything functional on the car operated as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Prowlers made Hagerty's 2024 bull list which identified cars that were poised to increase in desirability, collectability, and possibly even value. These were the ultimate retro ride in a market that included PT Cruisers, Chevy HHR's, and SSR's. None came close to being as exotic as the Prowler and appreciation for these factory hot rods is growing. Here's a first year model that will wow them all as the shows or in your one man, or woman, parade down Main Street!
1P3EW65F4VV302065
1-USA
P-Plymouth
3-Passenger Car
E-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
W-Prowler
6-Performance/Image
5-Convertible
F-3.5L SOHC V6
4-Check Digit
V-1999
V-Conner Ave Plant, Detroit MI
302065-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
