posted 03-25-2001 09:24 PM                  

The 2-seater Prowler arrived in time to make its New Zealand debut at Auckland’s Big Boys Toys show, starring alongside the equally wild Chrysler PT Cruiser family fun car.

Now it is the rest of New Zealand’s turn to get a close-up view of the most impressive ‘Hot Rod-orientated’ production car in the world. Chrysler Jeep® New Zealand is putting the finishing touches to a nationwide tour for the Prowler, which will appear at Chrysler dealerships during the next few weeks.

“This is a major coup for New Zealand - production numbers are very limited, hence demand far outstrips supply”, says Brett Aspden, National Product Manager for Chrysler Jeep® New Zealand.

“Such is the pulling power of this car we are having to design a tour programme that gives as many people as possible the chance to view the Prowler.”

And the news just gets better, because there is a chance that the Prowler may end up staying in New Zealand. It is suggested the Prowler will be offered for sale to a discerning buyer willing to pay not only the purchase price, but also an additional sum to convert it to right-hand-drive so that it can be legally driven on New Zealand roads.

Mr Aspden says that initial enquiries show there is no shortage of people willing to pay a premium to own a unique piece of automobilia.
The Prowler, and its PT Cruiser sibling, are the creation of Chrysler’s ‘dream factory’ design department in Detroit that has won widespread acclaim for developing vehicles that “break the mould”.

The outrageous Prowler is based on American street rods with styling features such as cycle fenders, long bonnet, 30’s style grille and ‘chopped’ windscreen. It was first unveiled as a motor show concept and then went on to become a limited production vehicle in 1997, on sale only in America.

Whilst the Prowler pays tribute to the rolling art of hot rods, it also embodies some of the most advanced technology and materials, from its high-performance 3.5-litre, 189kW (253bhp) V6 engine through to the all-aluminium bodywork. Other features are a four-speed auto/manual clutchless transmission, latest generation ABS anti-lock brakes and airbags for the two occupants.

posted 03-25-2001 09:43 PM                  

However, maybe that should be "stealth" ABS brakes....

Seeing that the Prowler does not have ABS brakes...

posted 03-27-2001 08:32 AM                  

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Larry Salzman
Call 911 - there is a Prowler in my garage....