Transforming a relatively mild-mannered classic into a high-performance muscle car is pretty tempting, although the costs involved will be too prohibitive for some enthusiasts. However, this 1970 Plymouth Sport Satellite will give its new owner a head start. It has rust issues, but the included replacement steel should address the worst of the problems. It retains its original engine, although the additional 440ci powerplant could transform this beauty into a fire-breathing beast. The seller has listed the Plymouth here on Craigslist in Perryville, Maryland. It could be yours for $18,000, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this promising project.
Plymouth’s Second Generation Satellite range graced showroom floors from 1968 until 1970, with this Sport rolling off the line during the final production year. Its first owner ordered it in attractive Ivy Green Metallic, and there is no indication it has undergone a previous restoration. However, the Black hood and Magnum 500 wheels suggest someone wanted it to stand out from the crowd. It is unclear how long it has occupied this spot, but the seller admits it has rust issues requiring attention. It has impacted the areas we have grown to know and love, including the rear quarter panels, trunk pan, tail panel, and front fenders. That sounds daunting, but the included replacement fenders, tail panel, trunk pan, and drop-offs will help eliminate the worst of those problems. The bumpers require a trip to the platers, although the remaining trim and glass appear in good order.
The seller supplies no engine photos, but this is where this Satellite’s story becomes genuinely interesting. Lifting the hood would reveal the entry-level 318ci V8, which sent 230hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. Most owners would have considered the performance easily acceptable, and performing a faithful restoration is an achievable goal. However, some enthusiasts crave more, and this Plymouth could easily deliver. The seller includes a complete 440ci powerplant of 1967 vintage. They supply no information about its condition, so factoring a rebuild into the project budget would be wise. With that motor refreshed and slotted into this Satellite’s engine bay, this could become a genuine muscle car tribute. Having 375hp under the driver’s right foot is a realistic expectation. The result would slash this Plymouth’s 16.6-second ¼-mile ET to a low-14-second pass. I would understand why some enthusiasts would find that prospect irresistible.
The first owner was what I consider a brave soul because I have always thought that ordering any vehicle with White interior trim is daring. It looks stunning at its best, but its susceptibility to marks, stains, and yellowing can easily leave it looking tired. This Satellite retains its White vinyl, but a partial retrim is on the project’s “to-do” list. Sourcing replacement parts shouldn’t be a problem because the market is flooded with alternatives. The first task would be to perform a deep clean because it might produce surprising results. The front seatcovers are toast, but the remaining upholstered surfaces are pretty good. The dash’s faux woodgrain has seen better days, and the carpet is beyond salvation. The only visible addition is an FM converter, with the Plymouth retaining its factory AM radio.
It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on this 1970 Plymouth Sport Satellite to ascertain how many readers would forego a faithful restoration to bolt the 440 under the hood. I prefer my classics unmolested but admit the prospect of the extra power would probably be irresistible. Considering it is one thing, acting requires deeper commitment. Do we have any readers willing to take the plunge?
The 440 could be done, but there is going to be a lot of added parts. Will a 318 K Frame work? Probably a 904 trans, that for sure will not work. Rear end will need to be a beefier model. Of course, all the suspension will need to be rebuilt anyway, but it all needs to be top notch. I think a 318 rebuild would give you a beautiful cruiser. I think I see an air conditioned dash. Nice buckets. I owned a 70 Plymouth like this, very comfortable. I would for sure replace the steering box with one with better build and stiffer springs for better firm feel power steering. Going to need better brakes no matter how you go, make it big discs all around.I like the white interior (recovered, of course) but that green has to go. Maybe one of Chryslers nice blues, either the B5 or the lighter frost blue. I’m partial to the later.
K members are the same ..rear COULD be a 742 8.75 sure grip
It could be a Sure Grip, but since the owner opted for the 318 chances are it’s a regular old open rear.
Nah.
Also, considering all the sheet metal work, paint, different wiring harness, unsure about differential size, needing the B727 trans, ect. I think 18k is a little steep to initially start. Maybe 10k at the most.
Just read the Craigslist ad. The hood doesn’t come with the car but, can be purchased at a separate cost.
Anybody notice the air grabber hood?
I don’t think you could get it with orig 318 v8 tho.
I did notice the hood. And no, it wasn’t available on a small block model. Only big blocks. But also, it was only available on the performance models (road runner/superbird/GTX). I’ve not found in ant literature that it could be had in any other trim. Just like the shaker hood of the E-body fame could only be gotten with a ‘Cuda trim level. And at that, you could only get it with a hemi or 6-pack 440. So I’d say that someone either already replaced the hood with a re-pop or robbed one off an original and put it on here. Either way, it explains the color of the hood in comparison to the rest of the body. If I were so interested in collecting this car, It would be prudent to inquire further about many aspects of this car in person… preferably.
The seller states the hood is not included in the sale with the car. Reminds me of a joke I saw of a chef advertising Tbone steaks for sale with out the meat. Meat is extra. Herbert is right about the odd looking color combo. I’m wondering if the seller swapped out the original interior. Typically buckets came with a floor shifter and console.
Just another 5k car they want three times more than it worth. Rebuild a 440 8k transmission 4k body work 10k suspension at least 5k inferior 3 to 4k paint 10 k if your lucky. 50k if everything goes well 75k at seller price. Crazy
Once bitten in my experience have another $5k minimum ready for unexpected and unknowns.
Probably 10k frog every body shop in America thinks they’re dave kindig
Way over priced considering the work required! People are pricing this stuff right out of the ballpark ?
The has been on Barn Finds before about 3 months back. At that time the asking price was17k I think, but plus don’t quote me. Plus it has been Engaged 2 or 3 times and Facebook market. Seller can’t sell it because of the price. At best 5k but needs way to much rust repair. Fair offer is 3 to 4k. 1970 Sport Satellites are rare because back in the late 80’s many were turned into Roadrunner and GTX clones(fakes)
yep…..
She drove a Plymouth Satellite – faster than the speed of light.
Good car to puts with.looks like it’s still a car,compared to some turds for sale.but….old cars that need work,the market is way down now.so ,yes it’s too much money by far had to end sometime.no matter what they say,and they are going to say a lot .it’s over.thats a good thing.
Front grille is missing a piece of tricolored trim like on the door panels.
Lets see,typical rust repairs needed,lotsa labor,the usual full Mopar restoration needed.Pretty much everything and the hood is separate? Is this what happens when the acid kicks in? Restoration cost as usual out weighs the value.Another Mopar dreamer.Way too much for this project.Definite pass!
Needs a lot of work. 5k is probaly too much. When you’re done, it ain’t worth nothing.