Bob Lutz’s 1997 Plymouth Prowler Heads to Auction

It’s not every day a car comes up for sale with a backstory that’s as wild as its design. That’s exactly what’s happening right now on BringATrailer.com, where Bob Lutz’s former 1997 Plymouth Prowler—serial number 00002—is on the auction block.

Yes, that Bob Lutz—the Chrysler executive who helped shape some of the most memorable cars of the 1990s and early 2000s. And yes, this is one of the earliest Prowlers ever built, finished in the iconic Prowler Purple. But here’s the kicker: the seller’s grandfather-in-law traded Lutz an Ivchenko jet engine for this very car back in 1998. Try finding another vehicle with paperwork proving a swap like that.

A Unique Piece of Mopar History – 

The Plymouth Prowler was one of Chrysler’s most daring projects of the 1990s, taking cues from hot rod culture and wrapping them in a factory-built package. With its cycle-style front fenders, exposed suspension, and retro-meets-modern design, it stood out in an era dominated by SUVs and sedans.

This particular example, VIN #00002, isn’t just an early build—it’s essentially one of the Prowlers that helped launch the entire experiment. Its list of provenance documents includes initial purchase papers, a title in Lutz’s name, and the original signed agreement for the jet engine trade. That’s Mopar history you can hold in your hands.

Specs and Features – 

Under the hood sits Chrysler’s 3.5-liter V6, an aluminum-block motor rated at 214 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. While it wasn’t the fire-breathing V8 many enthusiasts dreamed of, it was paired with a rear-mounted four-speed automatic transaxle that gave the car its distinctive weight distribution and handling. This one also features an aftermarket transaxle cooler cover.

With just 14,000 miles on the odometer—11,000 of those added by the seller’s family—the car remains in remarkably solid shape. Maintenance records include a fuel pump replacement in 2018, and the seller notes a window regulator was also swapped out. The right-side power mirror doesn’t work, and the headliner on the convertible soft top shows wear, but otherwise it’s a strong driver-quality Prowler.

Looks That Stop Traffic – 

Finished in Prowler Purple over Agate leather, this car carries the kind of presence that made the Prowler a poster car of the late ’90s. A front bumper delete kit gives it a cleaner, more aggressive face, and it sits on staggered five-spoke wheels—17-inch in the front and 20-inch out back—wrapped in Continental rubber. The design might look wild, but the suspension engineering is no joke: coilovers mounted inboard of the narrow front bodywork and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes keep things planted.

Inside, bolstered leather bucket seats feature embossed Prowler logos, while color-matched panels and carpets tie the cockpit together. The car comes equipped with Chrysler’s AutoStick shifter, air conditioning, cruise control, and an Infinity sound system with both cassette and CD options.

The Provenance Factor – 

What makes this auction truly special is the history that comes with the car. Lutz, who has been called the “ultimate car guy” in Detroit circles, was at the heart of Chrysler’s most creative era when the Prowler debuted. Owning a car with his name on the paperwork already adds collectible value. Add in the one-of-a-kind jet engine trade agreement, and this Prowler steps into an entirely different league.

Up for Grabs – 

The car is currently live on BringATrailer.com, with bidding set to end on Wednesday, September 10 at 1:44 p.m. EDT. Along with the car, the new owner will receive all of the documentation, the removed factory bumpers, and a clean Carfax report.

It’s rare enough to find a low-mileage early Prowler in its signature purple paint. But finding one tied to Bob Lutz, Mopar history, and a jet engine barter deal? That’s the kind of story you just can’t make up. Whoever wins this auction won’t just be buying a car—they’ll be buying one of the most fascinating footnotes in Chrysler’s history.

Bob Lutz’s 1997 Plymouth Prowler Image Gallery: