Last Chrysler Prowler to be Auctioned at Christie's Auction House On May 18 in New York
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 1 - The last Chrysler Prowler to roll off the assembly line is leaving the hot rod stage in style.
On May 18, the last and most unique Prowler ever built -- complete with a time capsule that contains rare Prowler memorabilia including signed, original styling sketches and other unique Prowler items -- will be auctioned at Christie's Auction House in Manhattan, N.Y. The DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund, the company's philanthropic arm, is donating the 2002 model year Prowler to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) for purposes of the auction. The NMSS will receive all proceeds from the auction of the Prowler. For information on the auction, visit www.chrysler.com .
Before making its final bow in the Big Apple, however, the last Chrysler Prowler will be on display at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills, Mich., from May 1-7. (The Museum is closed Mondays. For museum hours call 888-456-1924. The web address for the Chrysler Museum is http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/museum/ ). Before the auction, the Prowler will be on display at Rockefeller Center May 15, 16 and 17.
"The Prowler is one of the milestones in our company's unrivaled record of bringing concept cars to reality," said Tom Marinelli, Vice President, Chrysler/Jeep® Division Global Brand Center. "Just like the Dodge Viper, the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Chrysler Crossfire, the Prowler evokes a strong, passionate emotional response.
"As an exclusive, factory-built street rod, the Prowler filled a special niche, attracting a diverse group of enthusiasts. The last one deserves a special good-bye, and an auction at Christie's is the perfect send-off. The fact that proceeds will go to the NMSS means that the legacy of the Prowler will have new meaning," said Marinelli.
The final "Conner Avenue Edition" Prowler was built at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit on Feb. 15, 2002. In addition to being the first and only Prowler with High-Voltage Blue exterior body paint, its other unique features include:
- a Mopar® luggage trailer and hitch in the same High-Voltage Blue paint
- signatures of the Prowler Team on the vehicle's undercarriage
- a blue "Stayfast" soft top by Hartz
- bright anodized frame
- unique body-color hood badge
- body color upper radiator crossmember assembly, detailed and signed by renowned striping artist Mr. Rudy Kutey, better known as "Dr. Ru"
- unique body color shifter and instrument panel bezels
- taupe leather seats with matrix grain inserts
- agate door trim panels with unique taupe inserts
- custom-wrapped shifter knob
Prowler first appeared as a concept car at the 1993 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Favorable response prompted the former Chrysler Corporation to unveil a production version of Plymouth Prowler at the 1996 North American International Auto Show. Official production for Plymouth Prowler began in June, 1997 as a 1997 model at Conner Avenue Assembly Plant. With the discontinuation of the Plymouth brand in January of 2000, Prowler continued as a Chrysler.
During its production run, Prowler cruised into the hearts and garages of more than 11,000 passionate automotive enthusiasts throughout North America. Prowler features a 3.5-liter 24-valve sequential multi-point electronic fuel injection, 60-degree single overhead cam, all-aluminum V-6 engine that produces 253 horsepower at 6400 rpm, and 255 lb.-ft. of torque at 3950 rpm. In addition, Prowler's electronic four-speed rear-wheel drive automatic transaxle features an AutoStick® shifter, which allows the driver to shift gears by simply tapping the gear lever.
