American fans rejoiced when they heard that the Chrysler Howler concept would become available almost as is, as the Plymouth Prowler. The debut of the incredibly unique Prowler was shocking to say the least.
The Prowler is a high performance hot-rod that is based on roadsters of the 1930's. The chassis was designed specifically for this car, being completely different from existing production components, and utilized an aluminum space frame.
The engine was a 3.5L V6 SOHC engine utilized in many upper class models of the Chrysler brand, modified for the FR layout. The maximum output of the first model was 211 HP, but later models reached 250 HP. The actual car is bigger than it looks in photographs, but the weight has been kept down to 1300 kg. It completes the 1/4 mile in 14.9 seconds, and reaches a maximum speed of 146 mph, very respectable figures for a sports car.
While the Prowler was intended to be the top model of Plymouth, the Plymouth brand was discontinued in 2001, and it was sold through the Chrysler brand thereafter. But its production only lasted for another year in 2002, and the final limited-edition model run of 300 cars were painted a special Candy Deep Red body color. The total number of cars produced from 1997 to 2002 was 11,479, and there were 11 body colors in total. Many owners also purchased the matching factory optional trailer, and you will see many of these trailers and cars as a set in car shows all over the U.S.