I will begin by saying that I like a car if it does one of three things; 1. What the car does, 2. What the car looks like, 3. The utility/usefulness of the car. The Prowler fits the bill of 'looks awesome'.
Some background, I grew up in Warren, MI (north of Detroit), my parents spent 10+ years living there. My dad worked in Detroit, so I occasionally got a chance to see the annual auto show in the Cobo Center.
It was at these auto shows that I saw cars before they even hit the market. Two cars that were my favorites never really hit it big with the public. One of those cars was the Plymouth Prowler. The purple color, the retro body, the indy style front end; it looks amazing! Naturally, the diecast should make me feel nostalgic, right? Well, let's find out.
The diecast car is a Maisto '97 Plymouth Prowler, 1:24 scale. This was also my first Maisto 1:24th scale as well. You probably have seen it in a few pics over the last month, that's because I have had this since before those two mustangs I review. That's right, I've been holding out on you guys.
Front view. This part of the car is central to the Prowler, it identifies the car for what it is, awesomeness. Its what separates it from the other cars on the road. And boy did Maisto do a great job. It looks fantastic! The only thing I would change is the 'bumpers' have the turn signals on them. Right now, there are lines across it to simulate it.
I love the Plymouth badge on the hood, it looks awesome. You might of noticed that the front wheels are connected to the body...weirdly. It was probably done this way so the wheels can turn (yes, they turn!). I would prefer this than to have it accurate and static wheels.
Again, another shot because I love the look of the Prowler.
The engine. This was the biggest disappointment of the car. Its a flat piece with raised parts, inserted into the engine compartment. Though this might of been on purpose because of the steering components....
Side profile: hood open. I wanted to point this out because this looks really odd. But apparently, it actually looks very similar in 1:1 scale. Curious....
Side profile. Looks gorgeous, doesn't it? The diecast case easily replicates all of the Prowlers curves and body-shape. I love how the Prowler was designed to be a hot rod. I also never realized the wheels were different sizes, but apparently that is stock.
Rear profile. Look at that butt! Pretty nice looking! Though I don't like the cheap looking exhaust, and the bumpers have the same issue as the ones in front. Besides that I absolutely love it!
Interior view. It looks sort of cheap, but that's the price tag thing going on. My mom got this at a antique store down the road from my house. She paid ~$15 for it, so its not bad.
Overlooking it from behind.
The seat-backs move forwards and backwards, but not by much. Just enough so the labeling said it did.
Look at the gauges. Stickers, probably, but they fit in so well! And I love the red/orange needles. It's a really nice touch.
Noticed something odd? Like three pedals? Which is weird because the Prowler was only available in a 4-speed automatic! It might be a part of another mold perhaps?
Top view. This pic looks....odd. Probably because of the tear-drop shaped body. Well, from any other view it looks great, so I'm willing to forgive.
Bottom view. I really don't like that chrome exhaust. It looks so out of place.
And my traditional 1:24 scale pic, a view from behind and to the left.
In conclusion, I love this diecast. Mostly because I love how the car looks. Is it for everyone? No. Is it for me? Yes! It is on the cheaper side of quality, but a good shelf piece. It does the Plymouth Prowler justice, and I can officially say that "I own a Prowler" and hope they don't inquire any deeper.