2002 Chrysler Prowler Color me gold, Inca Gold. By Denise McCluggage, New Car Test Drive .com

If color evokes emotion, then the Prowler should be eye candy for those who like gold. Inca Gold is a bright yellow metallic designed to evoke memories of candy-colored California hot rods.

The Prowler is, of course, a throwback to early American hot rods. Yet it embraces some of the latest technological advances in the manufacture of the automobile. It is the most aluminum-intensive car built and puts magnesium, urethane, and polymers to work as well. It comes with an all-aluminum overhead-cam V6, rather than the iron overhead-valve V8s used in traditional hot rods. It uses a semi-automatic transmission and its state-of-the-art run-flat Goodyear tires will keep going even if you drill big holes in them. It also comes with air conditioning, power windows and door locks, and a 320-watt sound system with a six-disc CD changer and seven speakers.

Just one model is available that retails for $44,625. This lightweight rear-wheel-drive two-seat convertible comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an automatic transmission with AutoStick. It comes well equipped. The only options have to do with the Inca Gold paint.