Many people criticize the retro-styled Plymouth (later Chrysler) Prowler for having a V-6 instead of a V-8. Our Pick of the Day also has a design inspired by yesteryear, but no one can knock it for having too few cylinders. You can find this 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser hot rod listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Mesa, Arizona.
As I discovered while researching the Chrysler PT Cruiser for a recent article on Woodys, the Art Deco era of the early 20th century influenced its looks. You can still see that in this Linen Gold Pearl ’06 model — most of it, anyway. You may have noticed that it has a few alterations (if you didn’t, I recommend an eye exam).
For one, the wheels and tires were swapped out for copper-color rollers wrapped in whitewalls. Between the front and rear ends, there appear to be glasspack mufflers attached to side-exit exhausts. Those let out the sound from this build’s most significant change. Chrysler offered the ’06 PT Cruiser with three naturally aspirated and turbocharged 2.4-liter I-4 engines but, decades earlier, you could get a Chrysler with a 440ci V-8. Guess what — that big-block comes standard in this wild build. You can see it on display behind the perforated rectangular grille and the front tube bumper, and between what remains of the front fenders. If you want to hear the deep thrum of the 440, watch the video below.
Instead of trying to pair the new engine with the stock transmission, the people behind this creation opted for a TorqueFlite A727 three-speed automatic. Just as significant as the engine is the conversion to rear-wheel drive: Power reaches the street through a nine-inch rear end with leaf springs. How’s that for retro?!
Inside, this PT Cruiser is fairly standard. The Pastel Pebble Beige Atlas Cloth seats are still there. The center stack houses the factory AM/FM/CD radio. The four-spoke steering wheel is connected to power steering. Even the stock automatic shifter remains. But there are some new additions, such as the aftermarket tach, and oil pressure and voltage gauges. (If there was a gauge for how unusual this vehicle is, it would be pegged.)
The Chrysler PT Cruiser has always had a certain cuteness to it. This 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser hot rod? Thanks to its 440 engine swap, it’s more brute than cute. For $19,995, you can buy this one-off, then make people on the highway and at car shows to snap their necks to catch a glimpse of it as you roll on by.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
