UPDATE 03/21/2024: You must sometimes wonder whether an owner is aiming too high when listing a classic for sale, and that might be the case with this 1971 Plymouth Satellite. Our own Russell Glantz spotted this tired old girl on the market once again. This is the seller’s fourth attempt, and the auction opening figure has dropped significantly since their first try. It failed to receive a bid at $11,000 on the first two occasions, with the same true when they listed it a third time at $8,500. They have now thrown caution to the wind, opening the No Reserve auction at $5,000. If you were previously tempted but hesitated, maybe that move was wise. The Satellite is listed here on eBay, and the remaining details are unchanged.
03/11/2024: Project or parts? Some classics that cross our desks at Barn Finds raise that question. This 1971 Plymouth Satellite Sebring is a perfect example of a vehicle that poses that dilemma for potential buyers. Someone created a Road Runner Tribute, but it has been exposed to the elements for many years. This treatment has allowed rust to take hold, and even the seller suggests that the Plymouth may end its day as a donor. It is listed here on eBay in Broomall, Pennsylvania.
Plymouth introduced its Third Generation Satellite in 1971, with the Road Runner, its high-performance offering, forming part of the range. The company said farewell to its predecessor’s crisp and sharp looks as it adopted the corporate “Fuselage” styling. The history of this car is unclear beyond the fact that someone created a Road Runner clone many years ago. The original owner cloaked its panels in vibrant Hemi Orange paint, but years of exposure have left it sad. It isn’t a lost cause, but the photos confirm that the new owner faces significant work if the Plymouth is to return to a rust-free state. Many lower extremities have been hard-hit, while interior shots confirm the floors are rotted. The Satellite’s cause was not helped by the broken passenger side window in 2006. This has allowed water to flow unabated, contributing to the rust woes. There is no information on the trunk pan or rails, but it would be unsurprising if they require repairs or replacement. Most trim pieces are salvageable, and the Satellite rolls on Rallye wheels.
Potential buyers can ignore the decal on the air cleaner because this Satellite doesn’t feature its original 383ci V8 that produced 275hp and 305 ft/lbs of torque. Someone has substituted a 400ci powerplant that feeds its power to the road via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. Its specifications are unclear, but this motor churned out 255hp and 340 ft/lbs when bolted into a 1972 Road Runner. The seller confirms the Satellite functioned as a daily driver until being parked around fourteen years ago. A restoration was planned, but removing the steering box was as far as it proceeded. They don’t indicate whether the engine turns freely, but the bulletproof nature may make revival possible with minimal effort.
This Plymouth’s interior is as sad and sorry as the rest of the vehicle, requiring a total retrim to recapture its youthful good looks. However, it is complete, with no vital components missing. The Black vinyl would have contrasted beautifully against the Hemi Orange paint, while the bucket seats add a classy and luxurious air. It isn’t highly optioned, but adding features like a console or air conditioning wouldn’t be difficult if this Plymouth’s future is as a project build.
We’ve come full circle with this article, allowing me to pose the initial question again. Will this 1971 Plymouth Satellite Sebring be a project candidate, or is its fate to end its days as a parts car? The harsh reality is that restoration may not be financially viable. Perfection would potentially net a value of $30,000, although a lower figure is more likely. The water becomes muddy when we enter the world of tributes because those cars are typically worth what someone is willing to pay. It will be fascinating to gauge your view regarding this Plymouth’s future.
Probably the least desirable year, but if someone’s always had a hankering for a 71 Plymouth, and is looking for a labor of love, here it is. It might be worthy of something more than just a parts car. How nice that someone kept track of what year the window got broken, too bad they didn’t take the time to cover it up
I wouldn’t call a 71 the “least desirable” by any means. As far as the Coke bottle B bodies go, 71 would be the most desirable for a Satellite or Roadrunner. The broken window is really a shame tho.
Ok, but to me, the 68-70, was a better looking car. There again, personal opinion
Nope…that would be 1975 on up
Least desirable year?..that’s OLD OLD news..that used to be the case in the 80s but not any more.
I think it was covered up. You can see the car cover behind the car.
This car was featured here on February 28th, when it was listed on eBay with an opening bid of $11,000.
Steve R
I knew it looked familiar.
This is what I think whenever I hear “tribute”.
So, what is it you think?
He’s still thinking … I think.
Seeing this car brings back old memories. When I was 17 I was able to get a 72 Plymouth Roadrunner for $1800 in almost perfect shape. It had a 400ci. with 400 horsepower and a 4 speed with a pistol grip shifter. It was a Great Car. Only Wish that I still had it. I believe it will depend on the person that buys it. If they want or even have the money to rebuild it.
You may not be able to put a cost on a rebuild until you get it torn apart and start pricing all the metal panels and pieces that need replacing. I don’t get hung up on whether it was born a Satellite or Road Runner, the body is the same, it’s the add ons that give it identity. Just don’t try to pass it off as a rare original, that would be fraudulent. It’s probably not worth paying Graveyard Cars to do the restoration, but a skilled home craftsman could end up with a nice tribute car in a few years.
Oh, I’ve seen worse and yes this should be saved and not parted out. The sellers dreaming to ask such a high price, they join the vast majority of sellers out there trying to make money off of something that’s been neglected. Maybe people will take better care ?
Maybe before you right an article you need to get your information right. 1971 never came with a 400 That was 1972 the 383!is the correct engine for the year.
Kenny, I think he said the 400 had XXX hp when in a 72 Road Runner. Re-read it.
The correct word is “write”, not “right”.
Again?? We just saw this as mentioned above. Rust-free parts were hard to come by when I redid mine – in 1985. I wish the next owner best of luck. Unless you want to restore this one or need a roof, I don’t know what parts you would want to salvage after sitting in the dirt for so long and with water raining into the interior.
This Satellite is never going to be worth a lot of money. Yes you can make it into a clone Road Runner, but the time and money needed on this rusted out car, would be very time consuming and costly.
Maybe the seller would be better suited to dropping the price quite a bit, if he wants to sell it. ’71 up sheet metal is getting harder to find. Good luck to the buyer…if there is one.
B-52 license plate would defo up the value. It’s not og so it’s a resto-mod project
Salt belt rot bucket, will need floors , trunk, all 4 corners, doors,and interior, etc., etc., you will have $40K + in a $25 -30k car maybe.
I would never consider that a parts car and restoring a classic car is not always about a profit
That’s exactly right
When I see the comments on vehicles like this it kinda bothers me. Question is why does everything have to be ready for Barret jackson.
Yes prestine is nice. But they are a lot more work even after they get the final paint job. Why can’t people get a ride like this and make it safe (brakes, steering, drivetrain.) Have fun with it. I’ve done it both ways, very nice and patched up to different cars I’ve owned. I think some people forget what these things were built for. Does anyone remember when you had a ride and crused down a gravel road to get to a bonfire just to sit on the fender and have a cold snack………
To me the ones that are not perfect are one hell of a lot better than something you can’t use because you financed your first kid to get. Patch it up and run the crap out of it. Let a younger person who thinks he likes the older stuff dig into it and LEARN.
Very few younger people are not into older rides.
My opinion is that because of the idea that they all have to be perfect pushed alot of the younger generation away, (money factor). I say make it safe, patch it up and have a hell of a good time.
If interested I would say make a offer
With all that rust work needed, I think $5000.00 is still asking too much.
$5k is a good price. I could make money on that parting it out. There is easily $5k of parts on that.
I owned a Satellite Sebring Plus thirty years ago. Great CA car, always collected looks. Totally impractical for a family of six. Replaced it with a Dodge B van. The person who bought it was very happy. Don’t understand the desire ( and expenses)to convert to a Road Runner tribute, but that’s personal preference.
I love the idea of patching it up and running the wheels off it. However, I don’t know where you can get a paint job that will last more than a few years without paying 5 digits. A friend had one in the early 80’s and used to roll house paint on it a few times a year. Maybe rattle cans and a gentle buff out?