Let me tell you about one of the most daring moves ever made by a major automaker – the Plymouth Prowler. This isn’t just another car story – it’s about how a concept car somehow sweet-talked its way onto dealer showrooms!
Back in ’93, Chrysler shocked everyone at the Detroit Auto Show with something that looked like it rolled straight out of a hot-rodder’s dream garage. But here’s the kicker – people loved it so much, they started sending in deposits before Chrysler even announced production plans!
Let’s talk production numbers:
- 1997: 457 units (every single one in that eye-catching Purple Metallic)
- 1998 model year skipped
- 1999: 1,900 units
- 2000: 2,746 units
- 2001: 3,142 units (rebadged “Chrysler” Prowler)
- Total production: 8,245 units
Now, here’s what’s really interesting – the current market. We’ve been tracking recent sales and listings:
Recent Sales:
- Bring a Trailer (December 2023): A 1999 model with 12k miles brought $42,500 (including fees)
- Cars & Bids (November 2023): A 2000 model with 45k miles sold for $35,750 (including fees)
- Facebook Marketplace (Current listing): A 1997 first-year car with 28k miles asking $39,900
- eBay Motors (Just ended): A 2001 model, reportedly all original, sold for $38,500
What’s fascinating is how these prices compare to other unique collectibles in the same range. For similar money, you could be looking at:
- Early Porsche Boxsters
- C5 Corvettes
- Last-gen Vipers
- First-gen Acura NSXs
But here’s what makes the Prowler special:
• It’s basically a concept car you can actually own and enjoy
• The Prowler’s aluminum construction was way ahead of its time
• First-year purple cars are becoming seriously collectible
• They only made them for 4 model years
• Each one is essentially a piece of automotive history
Some Current Listings:
Mecum Auctions has 6 – count ‘em – 6 Prowlers to be offered at the upcoming March 18-22 Glendale, Arizona auction:
Lot G69: 1999 Plymouth Prowler – Black, ghost flames, front bumpers deleted
Lot W41: 2001 Chrysler Prowler – Prowler Orange, bumper delete
Lot W56: 2002 Chrysler Prowler – Red, bumper delete, custom grille
Lot F246: 1997 Plymouth Prowler – First model year, highly original, 300 stated miles
Lot F248: 2000 Plymouth Prowler Woodward Edition – 1 of 153 built, 638 stated miles
Lot F249: 2000 Plymouth Prowler – 714 miles, 1 of 711 finished in Silver
Lot F250: 2000 Plymouth Prowler – 1,229 miles, highly original and unmodified, 1 of 1,281 finished in Mulholland Blue paint.
On Facebook Marketplace: 2000 Plymouth Prowler – 19,010 km per listing (11,812 miles), Prowler trailer included, Blue paint, asking $65,000 CAD = $45,002 USD (using exchange rates as at 03-02/2025).
Also on Facebook Marketplace from dealer: 2000 Plymouth Prowler, advertised as “Excellent,” Black/Black
Florida is home to hordes of pampered, fair-weather collector cars and Premier Auction Group has 2 Prowlers for its upcoming March 14 & 15 Gulf Coast Classic Auction in Punta Gorda:
Lot # M25-199: 2001 Chrysler Prowler – rare 1 of 1,281 Midnight Blue paint, one owner, 3,921 miles per listing.
Lot # M25-480:1999 Plymouth Prowler – 1 of 605 Yellow paint cars for 1999, 16k actual miles per listing, bumper delete, custom grille, Black painted factory wheels, professionally installed Paxton supercharger when new.
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