Plymouth Prowler

If you’re looking for bold and unconventional, then you want the 1997-2002 Plymouth Prowler. This retro-inspired roadster turned heads with its daring place in automotive history. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Tim Dadik, Vice President, National Classics Leader at Berkley One, tells us why he loves the Plymouth Prowler.

Prefer to read a text version of the above graphic? We’ve got you covered below!

The Car

The Plymouth Prowler, a retro-style production sports car, was manufactured and marketed by DaimlerChrysler from 1997-2002 and based on the 1993 concept car. The car is unique for its open, Indy racer-style front wheels. The early powertrain was a 24-valve, 3.5L V6 engine producing 214 horsepower which was later upgraded to an all-aluminum 253 horsepower V6. The car prominently featured aluminum construction and was assembled by hand at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant (CAAP) in Detroit. Top speeds ranged from 118-126 mph depending on powerplant. Popular as a daily driving car, the Prowler had the modern amenities of the time including power windows and locks, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD changer, along with a leather wrapped steering wheel.

The Collector

Looking like a cross between an Indy Car and a retro hot rod, the Prowler is unlike any car produced. Originally designed as a coupe, it was later modified to a roadster. A total of 11,702 Plymouth Prowlers were produced between 1997 and 2002. Because of the relatively low production quantity and the unique design, Prowlers have been a hot car at auction recently.

The Love

While auto historians say that the Plymouth Prowler represents the first and last factory-made hot rod, I think of it as the car that looks like a mustache on wheels.

–

Contributed by Tim Dadik

Photo: Garage Kept Motors

–

This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here.

–

Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.