The 2nd generation of the Plymouth Satellite ran from 1968-70. Both the Satellite and Belvedere would lend their bodies to the new Road Runner (hardtop = Satellite, coupe = Belvedere). Plymouth sold 82,000 Satellites in 1970 with 28,000 of them being 2-door hardtops. The seller’s car is one of the latter, one that came from the factory with a 318 V-8 but gained a shiny 440 along the way. The car here is in project condition but might serve nicely if you wanted to do a Road Runner tribute. It’s available in Rapid City, South Dakota and here on eBay where the bidding is up to $8,000. There is no reserve.
The Satellite made its first appearance in the Plymouth line-up in 1965 as a top-trim Belvedere, an intermediate. It started out only as a hardtop model but gained sedan and wagon versions as the years went by. The name was retired in 1975 when Plymouth moved the Fury name to their mid-size cars. The platform would prove to be a perfect fit when Plymouth decided to roll out the Road Runner in 1968. While the Road Runner was clearly a muscle car, you could also get a Satellite with a 383 or 440.
This 1970 Satellite appears in transition between the photos provided. We gather it was originally a single-color car, but it gained a black top at some point, and we can’t determine if that addition is paint, vinyl, or some other material. Also, the car lost its factory styled wheels in favor of aftermarket ones. The body looks rough in several places, a combination of rust and dents. The rear quarter panels might be better replaced than repaired. There is also rust on parts of the chassis, so the buyer should plan on sand-blasting the car from head to toe to find out exactly how bad it is.
While this mid-size once had Plymouth’s smallest V-8 under the hood, a good running, almost new-looking 440 is now in its place. It’s paired with a 727 TorqueFlite and we’re not told of its functionality. The car will start and run, but only on a gas can hooked to the carburetor. It will need a new exhaust system and a fuel tank, according to the seller. The brakes do not work, so caution will be needed when loading the car up to take home. The interior looks as though its also going to need an extreme makeover, as not only does the original upholstery looks worn out, but the blanket covering it is, too.
Based on Hagerty’s estimates, there’s as much as a $50,000 swing on a stellar Road Runner versus a Satellite in the same condition. A 1970 Satellite in fair condition is worth less than what this car has been bid up to so far. Is it possible that those looking to buy the Plymouth are looking at it as a Road Runner tribute?
Seen this car in person get it cheap or you’ll be upside down inside out quick. Needs mucho.
First thing I would do is get rid of those ghastly wheels,and replace them with a set of Cragar S/Ss
First thing ?
As I have gotten older these base models have become so much more appealing than the clones of everything. Almost every 1970 Satellite has been turned into a high impact colored car with cartoon characters and stripes by now. Even worse is so many have been turned into the superbird clones, which means you are making a clone of a factory race car clone.
doug what else did you see
It no doubt came with basic brakes as I see no brake booster, if it were mine I would definitely upgrade them plus check the suspension & upgrade if necessary given the switch to the 440 engine.
Looking at the sellers ad we find it surrounded by some decent Mopars, must be an older photo as this car is sporting some older…better looking wheels too. I like the idea of the 440/727 and all but I’m wondering about the engine itself, what year it is, if its stone stock, etc..
It’s nice seeing a Satellite in progress of being….a hopped up Satellite and not a Road Runner clone. At least for now.
Wheels, a set of bucket seats , some disc brakes and drive it! oh maybe a Hellcrate
This is my first car I got wen I was 17 yrs old. I worked after school at McDonald’s in Romeo Michigan.