9,884 Actual Mile Prowler Roadster 3.5L V6 4 Speed Auto

After spending the day at a large classic car show, it's easy to come away thinking modern cars simply aren't that special; that the future of the collector car market is doomed to regurgitated Bel Airs and a sea of specialty Mustangs. But, since absence tends to make the heart grow fonder, it's easy to take modern oddities like Chevy's cool SSR and Plymouth's unique Prowler for granted. And there's no mistaking these vehicles as the stars of a future in which global vehicle production is meant to please the government first and the enthusiast second. The fact that cars like this sensational silver drop top even made it out of a Big Three plant grows more impressive by the year. And with only 9,884 original miles, this smooth cruiser is a quiet, comfortable and stylish investment that you can enjoy while the collector market catches up.

The sale of this tastefully modified Prowler includes an original window sticker that lists the following standard and optional equipment:

* PLYMOUTH PROWLER
* Prowler Silver Metallic
* Agate interior
* Leather-trimmed bucket seats
* 3.5 liter, 24-valve High Output V6 that's equipped with multi-port fuel injection
* 4-speed automatic transmission

STANDARD EQUIPMENT:

* Next generation airbags
* Passenger's airbag on/off switch
* Four wheel disc brake system
* Rear window defroster
* Power rack and pinion steering
* AutoStick transmission
* Air conditioning
* 6-disc CD changer
* AM/FM radio that's complete with a cassette player
* Power windows that include a driver one-touch feature
* Speed-sensitive power door locks
* Leather-wrapped steering wheel
* Speed control
* Remote keyless entry system that's complete with two transmitters
* Tachometer
* Automatic day/night mirror that's equipped with a trip computer
* Halogen headlamps
* Black soft top
* P225/45R17 front tires
* P295/40R20 rear tires
* Chrome front wheels that measure 17x7.5 inches
* Chrome rear wheels that measure 20x10 inches

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

Front license plate bracket ($00)
U.S. 50 state emissions ($00)

MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $42,700
DESTINATION CHARGE: $700
TOTAL VEHICLE PRICE: $43,400

Originally penned by Chrysler engineers who were given free rein to create whatever they wanted in a hot rod or sportster type vehicle, this pristine Plymouth convertible is one of only 661 Prowler Silver Metallic units built for the 2000 model year. Since all Prowlers were completely hand assembled at Chrysler's famous Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, Michigan, these roadsters typically show above average build quality and stellar finishing. And this car's paintwork, which has obviously been well-maintained since its debut, looks great with mirror-like reflections across laser-straight body panels. In fact, with its solid-sealing top and tight gaps, this roadster looks and feels better than most classics that are twice its asking price!

Like the old school street rods that inspired it, the Prowler swaps detailed ornamentation and flowery trim for an all-business demeanor and custom good looks. Up front, this car's contrasting gray bumpers have been removed for a cleaner look while composite aerodynamic projector beam headlights and a smooth chrome grille create an instantly recognizable fascia. Above that grille, a satin Plymouth emblem is centered on a pointed hood which leads the eye to pristine factory glass and a fade-free black top. Below that top, body-matched mirrors and vertical-rise doors complement flared rocker panels and rolled rear fenders which are contoured around smooth-fitting tail lights. And at the back of the car, a trunk mounted center high mount stop lamp illuminates two gray bumpers that, in typical street rod fashion, leave plenty of room to display a small back up camera, a chrome transmission cooler cover and big chrome exhaust tips.

When the Prowler finally hit the streets, many purists were upset that a V6 was the only powertrain option. What those purists failed to realize was: 1) with 253 horsepower and 250 lb./ft. of torque, this car's 3.5 liter 24-valve SOHC V6 was making virtually the same power as Chrysler's Magnum V8s at the time and 2) when combined with the car's lightweight chassis and low center of gravity, it made some very impressive performance numbers. Mechanically, the all-aluminum engine is showroom new in just about every possible way. Naturally, the mill has benefitted from basic maintenance but, beyond that, everything is essentially fresh out of the box. It certainly appears that the car has been properly maintained and driven often enough to keep everything in top operating condition. And not only does the smooth sixer fire up instantly, it also idles perfectly and moves this relatively lightweight Plymouth with real authority.

Behind that buff V6, a 42LE 4-speed automatic transaxle, which features an AutoStick gear change setting, is more of a toy than a functional performance improvement. But it fits the Prowler's persona perfectly. And far more of today's “real” hot rods are built with automatics than stick shifts, so who can blame Chrysler for doing their homework and giving the public what it wants? That road ready drivetrain is held off the ground by an aluminum-intensive chassis which is equipped with an independent double A-arm front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension. Koni coil over shocks at all four corners combine with front and rear stabilizer bars and power rack and pinion steering to carve curves for lunch and eat potholes for dinner. Stops come courtesy of power four wheel disc brakes which feature drilled and slotted rotors up front and factory rotors out back. And all that advanced hardware results in a perfect 50/50 weight distribution which makes this roadster an absolute pleasure to drive. The engine growls a rowdy, throaty exhaust note through two fat pipes which exit just under the car's rear bumpers. And, for a bit of flash, this Prowler spins 225/45R17 front and 295/40R20 rear Goodyear Eagle GS-Ds around stylish chrome wheels.

Slide inside this hunkered down roadster and you'll find an Ebony leather interior that successfully doubles as both a comfortable cruise spot and a stylish, retro-inspired show piece. At the center of the cockpit, the driver and passenger benefit from chrome and leather-trimmed buckets that are stitched around monochromatic Prowler logos. In front of the driver, an Auto Meter tachometer is perched top-dead-center on a tilt steering column that props redundant audio buttons opposite cruise control buttons via a factory steering wheel. And at the front of the car a center-mounted 150 MPH speedometer and four small accessory gauges, the voltmeter and oil pressure gauge to the left and the fuel and temperature gauges to the right, ride inside an instrument panel that's a great tribute to vintage hot rods of all kinds. Beneath that mondo dash, a short factory shifter controls Chrysler's highly regarded AutoStick feature. Naturally, the windows, locks and mirrors are all power operated. And a modern Pioneer head unit controls a superb 7-speaker sound system that's wired to a hidden 6-disc CD changer.

The sale of this low mileage Plymouth includes the original window sticker outlined above, a small stack of dealer marketing materials, a Pioneer navigation DVD and a DaimlerChrysler service manual.

There's no doubt Prowlers are cool. Their lines, their attitude and the sheer improbability they even got built is enough to make them a case study in automotive ingenuity. And ten years later, we're still amazed that a large car company actually had the nerve to put something like this in showrooms. If you missed your chance to pick up one of these modern Mopar showpieces when they were new, don't get caught waiting for the right one to come along. Prices are only going up from here!