The Satellite entered the Plymouth lineup as a 1965 model and was the top-of-the-line offering for the Belvedere series, coming with sporty bucket seats plus a console in between as standard equipment. The Satellite quickly got a redesign the following year, and it remained available only as a 2-door hardtop or convertible for the first three years of production, although a sedan and station wagon were added when the second generation came along in ‘68. This one’s a project, but this 1966 Plymouth Satellite here on eBay in Holyoke, Colorado seems to have healthy bones to work with. The seller has set the buy-it-now price at $15,000, but there’s also the opportunity to make an offer.
Regarding performance, the most memorable thing about 1966 at Plymouth dealerships was the debut of the 426 Hemi engine becoming available in some of their cars, including the Satellite. This one isn’t equipped with such, but it does have the middle-of-the-road engine, a 361 V8 that was factory-rated at 265 HP, offering plenty of get-up-and-go for an auto of this size. The motor here hasn’t been started in more than two decades but will still turn freely by hand, and the seller believes with some TLC you can get this engine running again.
After the Satellite was pulled outside from storage, the dust got hosed off, and underneath is what appears to be a very solid and complete body. There’s lots of patina along with a few dents and scratches, but it looks like all of the body panels will be salvageable, should the future owner decide to smooth everything out and spray on a fresh coat of paint. Another option is to just get this one running and drive it as-is for a while, that is if you’re into the baked-on exterior vibe, which in this case is pretty cool if you ask me! Maybe just add some fresh tires and hubcaps for starters.
The completeness carries over to the interior, with the driver’s seat desperately in need of some new vinyl. However, one eye-catching feature inside here is the clutch pedal, as this one’s also got a 4-speed manual transmission. More good news follows down below, as the seller provides some shots from underneath, which seem to show solid components from every angle we get to view. I’m thinking this 1966 Plymouth Satellite would make a worthwhile and rewarding winter project- what are your thoughts?
That’s cool as heck, Mike, nice one! I’d get everything mechanically working like new, fix the driver’s seat, and drive it.
Needs some good pictures of the bottom of the back fenders. These rotted away to the point the fenders barely existed.
$15k is astronomical given the condition.
Looks to be a rare paint car. Iris Mist. Nice project being an original 4 speed.
Self correction. Iris Mist was a similar Pontiac shade. Plymouth 661 was Light Mauve Poly. Both very rare.
Merry Christmas!
Every time I see a car like this that’s not built for speed from the factory, I get on the interweb and go window shopping. Apparently parts from a 383 ci engine will fit. Good thing too because Summit had scarce stock for that engine. But with cam, headers if you can find them, and the 4bbl carb and manifold from a 383, you can make some respectable horsepower. I like the square edge 60’s styling of these and prefer the Plymouth over the Dodge anyway. Make it a Road Runner or GTX tribute.
Or you could keep it original instead of destroying it.
And nothing makes a car less appealing than making it a “tribute”
The 361 is kind of a turd and a 383 would be a marginal improvement. If you’re going to the trouble do a nice pump gas 440 and enjoy the smiles for miles.
a cream puff car like this sold at mecum 20k
GTX started in ’67. Road Runner made it’s debut in ’68.
I had a 1967 that had the 383 but a slip stick. Fabulous car!! Why did I sell it!🤦♂️
I am too lazy on a Sunday to look it up, but i think the 383 is a bored 361 (4 1/8″ bore versus 4 1/4″?), so all the 383 stuff should bolt on. If you were to keep all the original stuff you could return the car to original if desired. A Hurst shifter is a really nice addition as well unless you enjoy the feeling if stirring soup when shifting gears.