Highlights
- Fewer than 10 in the UK (according to How Many Left)
- More powerful facelift model
- Custom, hand-painted flames by Hughes & Roell
- Low mileage and good history
The Appeal
Who can resist the timeless draw of a hot rod? Offering a heady combination of striking styling and meaty V6 power, the Prowler was a concept car made real. Only built from 1997 to 2002, and latterly badged as a Chrysler, in the UK it’s a rare and head-turning machine.
Here we have a beautifully presented example, with low mileage and benefiting from a unique, hand-painted flame scheme by renowned hot rod paint specialists Hughes & Roell.
The History and Paperwork
- 2000 model year car
- First registered in the UK in February 2005
- Private registration included in sale
- MOT to April 2023
- Current owner since November 2018
- The owner tells us there is a full specialist service history
- Complete with US Title, workshop manual and current V5C
- According to ‘How Many Left’, fewer than 10 in the UK
The Interior
- Dark grey leather upholstery
- Original radio/cassette with equaliser
- Cruise control
- Electric windows and mirrors
- Air conditioning
With plush leather-trimmed sports seats and a high shoulder line, the cabin of the Prowler feels sporty, hunkered down and really very special. The leather presents nicely, with some light creasing from use on the seats, but nothing inconsistent with the car’s age and mileage. It also features custom embroidered head rests, for a bit of added comfort and style when cruising.
The dash is styled after a typical 1930s hot rod, with a cluster of centrally mounted instruments and the rev-counter prominent above the steering wheel. All of the instrumentation and controls appear to be in fine condition, with a little wear and the odd minor blemish from age and use.
However, there’s nowhere near the wear you’d expect from a 22 year old car. In fact, all of the driving controls look to be in excellent order, and the vendor tells us that everything functions as it should, with no faults they are aware of.
However, there’s nowhere near the wear you’d expect from a 22 year old car. In fact, all of the driving controls look to be in excellent order, and the vendor tells us that everything functions as it should, with no faults they are aware of.
Complementing the leather trim nicely, the carpets look to be in fine fettle, with matched and branded overmats.
The Exterior
- Gloss black paintwork
- Hand-painted flame graphics by Hughes & Roell of Cincinnati
- Black fabric hood
- Black bumpers and alloy wheels
With that classic sloping hot rod stance, open front wheel design and low-slung roof, the Prowler is a great looking vehicle. This example adds to that drama with fantastic hand-painted flame graphics. Completed when the vehicle was new by Hughes & Roell, they really add a sense of occasion to the car and will certainly draw attention wherever you go.
The paintwork and bodywork looks to be in excellent condition, with no notable scuffs, blemishes or damage we could see. There’s certainly no corrosion or damage evident. Also of note is the fact that black alloy wheels and painted bumpers have been added to complete the look. The original chrome wheels and bumpers are available by negotiation.
All of the light lenses, the glass and what trim there is all looks to be in very good condition. There are no cracks or notable wear we could see, and nothing appears to be missing.
The hood is a black fabric item and presents very well, with no UV damage or tearing we could see. It’s a low and swooping design that echoes the lines of a traditional chopped roof hot rod.
As with all Prowlers, the car sits on smart 5-spoke alloys, 17” at the front and 20” at the rear. The size disparity adds to the visual sense of speed, even when the car is parked, enhancing the wedge-like styling. All of the wheels present nicely, with no damage from kerbing and no lacquer peel we could see. They are shod in quality Pirelli P Zero Rosso tyres, 225/45 at the front and 295/40 at the rear. They look to be in excellent condition with a good amount of tread.
Underneath, the car looks to be straight, clean and tidy with no signs of damage or significant corrosion we could observe.
The Mechanics
- 3.5-litre V6 24-valve engine
- Rear mounted gearbox for 50/50 weight distribution
- 4-speed automatic transmission
Unlike traditional hot rods, the Prowler was actually built with handling in mind. From high end Koni dampers to the rear-mounted gearbox for perfect weight distribution, thought has clearly been given to making the driving experience as good as possible.
As this is a 2000 model year car, it features the updated and more powerful 3.5 V6 aluminium block, which offers up 253bhp to the rear wheels – more than enough power to put a smile on the occupants’ faces.
We’re assured by the owner that the car drives superbly and sounds awesome, with no mechanical issues at all.
Summary
If you’re after something rare, eye-catching and with a great “smiles per mile” ratio, you can’t do much better than this lovely Prowler. As a more modern vehicle with low mileage it offers a perfect route into American hot rod ownership, without the usual compromises and drawbacks.
Add to that the rarity, amazing custom paintwork and the fact it’s presented in such good condition, and we think it’s an absolute steal. Just be prepared for lots of admiring glances.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
