The oddity from 'Murica

The Americans have a certain skill when it comes to manufacturing cars. They can be absolutely dreadful to drive while at the same time be charismatic and very likable. But i stumbled on an american car that i'm not so sure about.

It's the Plymouth Prowler (later known as the Chrysler Prowler) that I'm talking about. The product of Chrysler engineers that were basically given free hands to go play with bits of metal lying about the factory. And to create a car that would describe the words hot rod and sportster. The result then was a two-seater roadster with open front wheels and the V6 from a Chrysler 300M, not even a V8. With the open front wheels it did resemble a hot rod, but nothing else really. The engine too had at first 217 hp but later it was pumped up to a reasonable 252 hp. But the gearbox stayed the same, a 4-speed automatic. That's not very sportster is it? And despite all of this it is found in the civilized world as well, in Europe.

I think because of it's weirdness it did sell well enough for Chrysler to keep making it for five years (1997-2002) before they had to call quits. The Prowler has a character that appeals to a specific sort of person who doesn't care about the stupid gearbox or the awful interior. I don't and probably never will understand what goes on inside this persons head.

At least the plastic bumpers blend nicely in with the black paint.  

Those blinged up wheels cannot make this car more American.