Minneapolis Street Sighting: Plymouth Prowler

Chrysler had a history with both questionable cars, and retro cars; and it isn't just in the 2000s, either. Chrysler first hopped on the bandwagon with the Plymouth Prowler concept car in 1993, where it was a hit at major motorshows; in 1995, Chrysler wowed again with the throwback to the 1930s--the Atlantic concept car--and yet again in 1999 with the Pronto Cruizer concept. Just two of these vehicles would ultimately reach production; the Prowler first, then the production Pronto Cruizer bowed as the production PT Cruiser.

Chrysler really took a chance by producing the Prowler; it wasn't really a sports car because it didn't handle, and it wasn't really destined to be a cruiser either--mostly because it was cramped inside, and after awhile the spartan interior reminded drivers of the Dodge Viper-- but make no mistake, the Prowler wasn't fast. What it was, was an design exercise that enough people wanted to pay money for. And as that, the Prowler served Chrysler well; unlike most cars, Prowlers never became discount fodder--instead, most of them sat on dealer lots due to huge price gouges, and even today, they are far and few between--- the same can be said of PT Cruisers, but they're far and few between for an entirely different reason. 

Since the Prowler is so new, I'm not going to discuss overall condition; it's near spotless as any collector/niche car should be; it probably helps that I shot this one right after a rainstorm in the summer. Never the less, I love black cars--and I am also a sucker for the Prowler's styling--which is odd, because I detest most hotrods that looks similar. Maybe it's because the concept came out when I was young enough to appreciate "wild design"?

In an event, I am extremely proud of these set of photos; I had massive quantities of fun while shooting this subject, and it is likely a one-of-a-kind find; yes, there are probably more Prowlers around here, but I don't think I'll see another one on the street--much less in grimy downtown.