The Satellite became Plymouth’s top-tier mid-size car in 1965 when the B-bodies officially became designated as intermediates. It was a popular seller into the 1970s, though convertibles were never particularly hot (they only built 1,771 copies in 1968). This ’68 drop-top has ample corrosion and some awful stripes, but it does run and move. Located in Belvidere, Illinois (where Chrysler built cars through 2023), this open-air project is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,000. A nod goes to Zappenduster for this Mopar tip.
Chrysler’s B-bodies were redesigned in 1968, and the next three years would produce a great sales run. The hot cars included the Plymouth Road Runner and Dodge Charger. 136,136 Satellites were assembled in ’68, but only 2% were ragtops (including the Sport Satellite model). So, the seller’s car is rare when you consider the likely survival rate over the past 58 years. It’s a rather routine “B” with a 318 cubic inch V8 and a TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
We assume this Plymouth hasn’t been doing much running around of late. Though the seller says it does run and move. The car has 80,000 miles, but there’s no indication that the number is accurate but is believable. Besides rust, which is at least visible in the rear quarter panels, the seller says the vehicle needs frame rails, a trunk floor, and interior floor pans under the seats. Also, there is at least one decent-sized dent.
Once the body damage is repaired, new paint will be needed, and that will be a good opportunity to cover over the awkward body stripes someone added. The interior is a question mark as there is a blanket over the front seat, though the upholstery looks passable in the back. The photos suggest the convertible top is beyond its prime, too. Would you elect to restore this Satellite to 1968 specs or use it as a parts car?
A Friday wouldn’t be complete without an overpriced rusty and crusty Mopar, and BF comes through yet again! The seat has a blanket to cover it. I suggest a blanket to cover the whole car. If a buyer could haggle the price down to, say $1000, that would be a decent admission price to a real project. If this car wasn’t a convertible it wouldn’t be worth the bother.
I agree. With inflation and rarity, I might go as high as $2500, but certainly no higher. This one will need a full rotisserie restoration, though. Hello, Mr. Worman? Have I got a deal for you! LOL!
If it were me, given the damage to the frame rails, I’d be tempted to put an aftermarket full frame under it, just to be on the safe side, from the usual suspects (Art Morrison, Schwartz Performance, The Roadster Shop), although I’d still have the frame rails repaired, just for the sake of completeness. I’d keep the stock drivetrain, but ship the engine off to the machine shop for a displacement replacement, with a bore & stroke job out to 340 cubic inches, if the block could take it. Add the usual go-fast goodies and swap out the bench seat for bucket seats and a console, and you’re good to go!
Guess your more of a Porsheeze guy anyway….
No, my budget can’t take Porche prices, I’m more of a Miata guy, LOL!
It,s got a good back seat? Have the wife buy it and use it as a second bedroom.
you can see it rust as you look at the pics.
Nice rattle-can job.
That is one ugly car.
Perfect base for a Superbird Convertible Build!
Would have to be an expert metal fabricator with lots of time on hand. With the leaf spring shackle sticking up thru the trunk, ya best look over the rest of the frame and see if anything is left. Is rare car…… hope someone tackles it .
Wouldn’t change a thing. A steal.
My bud has a ’68 GTX conv, I suppose his is included in the 1771 figure.
Whose idea was it for those stripes?