The first generation of Plymouth Satellite was produced from 1965 through 1967 on Chrysler’s B-Body platform. The 1966 model benefited from some cosmetic tweaking and a few more engine options, and was popular enough to sell just under 40,000 examples. This particular Satellite is a well-maintained, clean example with only a few blemishes. It has a claimed 56,700 original miles, and is for sale here on craigslist. It’s located in Longview, WA and has an asking price of $11,500.
The Satellite was a combination of performance and style, and both the interior and exterior reflect those values. It didn’t have the overly aggressive stance of say a Camaro or Challenger, yet you can tell by looking at it that it’s not just a sedate cruiser. On the other hand, the brightwork on the outside and interior with various patterns and textures give this an upscale feel as well. The best of both worlds, perhaps! The seller is honest about the condition of this car, and provides good photos to document the few issues present. For example, around the left rear taillight are a couple dents that appear to have been poorly fixed some time ago, resulting in cracking paint and early signs of rust. There’s also some bubbling on the rocker panel, and a few scratches here and there. Without seeing photos underneath the car it’s hard to tell for sure, but overall there don’t appear to be any major red flags.
The interior of this car is in a similar condition – not perfect but not terrible. The things that need to be fixed aren’t urgent, and certainly won’t prevent the next owner from driving and enjoying it. Primarily, there is a large rip in the driver’s seat, some discoloration on a few seats, and strange stretch marks on the rear seatback. It looks like there are a few areas of staining on the carpet as well. However, the dash, headliner, and door panels look to be in excellent shape. You’ll notice the aftermarket gauge pod mounted under the dash, as well as the column-mounted tach. You can also appreciate a few unique touches like the courtesy lights built into the side of the center console.
The engine bay is surprisingly clean. It’s not overly detailed with the sprays that make all the hoses black and shiny, but are so sticky they attract dirt immediately. This just looks to have been cared for, and all the wiring is tidy and organized. The seller tells us this is a 313 poly engine, which is a Mopar engine that is not original to this car. It’s backed by the 727 automatic transmission, which is a very popular and reliable transmission that is often used in cars producing significantly more power than this one. No word on the mileage or condition of the engine, but the seller says it has been a daily driver recently. It also comes with a new battery, some cool old Plymouth advertisements, and some new wheel cylinders (they haven’t been installed yet, so that might be something for a new owner to tackle before too long). Overall, this car looks to be one that can be enjoyed trouble-free by the next owner as they slowly tackle some of the very minor flaws.
313? 318? I have seen 315 in a truck.
i remember reading somewhere about a canadian poly engine that had a different CID that may of been 313, been years since i read that tho and have been to sleep a few times since then
Timothy, according to wiki you’re absolutely spot on the 313 being a Canuck (+ Aussie) version. Never heard of any 313 Chrysler engine until you gave us that hint
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_A_engine#313
It would be very interesting to learn why on earth there was any need to come up with a seemingly identical engine only with 5 tiny cubes smaller displacement – maybe there was some national tax legislation we’re not aware of…?
Before the Autopact of the mid 60’s, Canada taxed non-Canadian parts and cars. Chrysler built several engines of different displacements to avoid any conflict.
Reasonably priced it there are no hidden issues with rust or prior repairs.
Steve R
Probably means 318, looks just like the engine I had in a ’65 Belvedere. You could also get a 273, not to mention the big 383 and 426 wedge.
Or you could get a 225. Let us not forget the gracious lady.
True, but the leaning tower of power looks pretty different from that V8 :)
VIN would probably clear up whether it was Canadian mfg and/or which engine it came with. No?
I thought this would hit a nerve. I too had never heard of a 313, HOWEVER, research shows, a 313 was the Canadian version of the 318, eh? Never knew that. This is a cool find, and could be turned into a GTX clone easily and were much better cars than the ’68 and up models. These mid 60’s Chrysler products were just the best cars, and can’t go wrong here.
From past ownership of a couple of early Mopars, here in Canada the small V8 was a 313. Had one in my 59 Belvedere 2door and my 64 Dodge hardtop. I don’t know if they were exclusive to Canada or not, but with the scalloped valve covers that was the giveaway on what engine you had.
I had never heard of the 313 either but googled it..It is great to come here and learn new things! This was a Canadian- market engine from 1957-1967.
What a cool find. I would just restore it as is, there are enough clones out there. And, imagine telling the cars and coffee crowd that its a 313. They would probably say this guy has no idea what he has!
Learned to drive in a 67 Satellite just this color although with a black vinyl top. It was a 318. Wish I had had the money to buy it from my parents when they went to trade it in.
Very well built cars compared to what came a few years later. My family inherited a 66 . A year or two later my sister put it upside down to avoid a deer. No matter we got it home and running and drove it a few more years.
Interesting info to learn had no clue of the 313 history but always enjoy learning new info . I just wondered what happened to original engine ? Very good looking car and seems to be well cared for. seems like a very good purchase for the right individual .
Had a 66 with the Hemi. Loved the car till my insurance canceled……
Forget the wheel cyls and convert to 4 wheel discs, these are heavier cars and need decent brakes-especially if you upgrade the engine……..
I like the body style..Nice Ride! For my personal use I would yank that motor and throw in a 383 or 440 and just cruise the blvd…..
Around 1965 Canada stopped building 313 and built 318 thru 1967. Great engines! In my opinion volumetric efficiency was better than 318 L A.