UPDATE – Photos of the carburetor have been added to the listing
UPDATE – The reserve is off! This one is going to sell to the highest bidder.
UPDATE – The seller has taken and sent over a ton of additional photos of this Mopar! You can find them in the gallery below.
Choosing to part with a car that has been an integral part of the family for over four decades is a tough call, but doing so with the knowledge that the classic was your late father’s pride and joy increases the emotional wrench involved. That is the story behind this 1968 Plymouth Sport Satellite. The owner’s father purchased the vehicle in 1978, cherishing and enjoying all it offered until failing eyesight meant he had to park it in around 2017. He recently passed away, leaving his daughter with the difficult task of sending the Plymouth to a home and a buyer who will appreciate this gem as much as her father did. Therefore, she has listed it exclusively with us at Barn Finds, hoping that a passionate reader will return this gallant survivor to its former glory.
Classic cars with known long-term ownership histories always command attention, and this Sable White Satellite ticks that box. The seller’s late father purchased it from the original owner in 1978, making it a two-owner vehicle. It was his pride and joy, and he always lavished care and attention to preserve it in excellent order. The longer I examine the supplied photos, the more my fingers itch. I would love to drag it out into the open, treating it to a wash and polish. My instincts tell me it would be worthwhile because the paint doesn’t appear to have any significant defects. That leaves the possibility that the new owner could achieve a survivor-grade result with little effort or expense. The Black vinyl top is a mystery, but if it hasn’t cracked or split, it could be salvageable as part of a preservation approach. The panels wear some bumps and bruises, with a significant dent visible in the passenger-side front fender. It is repairable, and a skilled person might be able to “pop” it without needing any paint or other work. The Plymouth has spent its life in dry climates, which is significant for potential buyers. I can’t see any visible rust in the supplied photos, and with the seller not mentioning any known issues, this survivor may be rust-free. Most trim pieces would serve well on a driver-grade build, and I can’t spot any problems with the tinted glass.
This Satellite’s interior is completed, and apart from a radio/cassette player located by the driver’s left knee, there are no aftermarket additions or modifications. The first thing I noticed is that it is begging for a deep clean. That would be a wise initial step because the supplied photos show no evidence of sunrot or physical damage to the Black vinyl upholstery. It should be noted that the car does smell like mice have lived in the car, so hopefully the wiring isnt damaged. The dash and pad look excellent, as does the faux woodgrain, so hopefully that means there no serious mouse damage. The driver’s armrest may require replacement, with the same true of the carpet. Otherwise, it appears it will take more time than money to whip the interior into shape. The original owner liked their comfort touches, with this Plymouth featuring air conditioning and the factory pushbutton radio with the optional rear speaker.
Buyers ordering a new Sport Satellite in 1968 received a V8 by default, and all offered respectable performance. The VIN confirms that this car’s original owner went for the top rung on the ladder. They specified the 383ci “Super Commando” powerplant, adding a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, power steering, and power brakes. With 330hp and 425 ft/lbs of torque on tap, that V8 could launch this classic through the ¼-mile in 14.7 seconds. That didn’t make it as fast as the ’68 GTX, but the iconic muscle car wouldn’t suddenly disappear over the horizon! The owner states that her father drove this Satellite regularly until failing eyesight made that impossible over five years ago. She believes it hasn’t run since, but the car ran when parked. She hasn’t tried to coax it back to life, rightfully feeling the mechanical components deserve a careful inspection, a fluid change, and a fuel system clean before anyone hits the key. That sounds like wise counsel to me.
The seller will be in Walsenburg the 18th through the 26th and can take additional photos while there. If you have any specific areas you would like to see, please let us know in the comments section below. Also, be sure to take a look at the Chevelle Wagon that’s up for auction as well!
It is easy to understand why this 1968 Plymouth Sport Satellite was its late owner’s pride and joy. It possesses an undeniable innate presence, and its drivetrain combination confirms it has the muscle to back its looks. The photos suggest that returning it to active service should not be difficult, with a competent person capable of completing most of the tasks in a home workshop. The demise of Plymouth in 2001 means we will never see the likes of this Satellite again. That makes preservation imperative, and this car deserves nothing less. Are you up for that challenge?
- Location: Walsenburg, Colorado
- Mileage: 55,593 Miles Shown
- Engine: 383ci V8
- Transmission: 3-Speed TorqueFlite Automatic
- VIN: RP23H8E112593
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
Rteske5782 bid $12,000.00 2023-07-23 20:07:08
Parker621 bid $9,000.00 2023-07-23 18:34:23
Kocancer bid $8,700.00 2023-07-23 18:13:58- Parker621 bid $8,500.00 2023-07-23 17:13:20
- Rteske5782 bid $8,000.00 2023-07-23 16:06:06
OhioPaul679 bid $7,250.00 2023-07-23 14:58:17
Mr.G bid $7,100.00 2023-07-23 07:59:10- Rteske5782 bid $7,000.00 2023-07-20 15:18:18
- Kocancer bid $6,000.00 2023-07-20 12:12:41
- Rteske5782 bid $5,300.00 2023-07-20 07:56:51
mrgreenjeans bid $5,100.00 2023-07-18 17:59:19
Thomas Carby bid $4,900.00 2023-07-18 13:23:37
Backyard Classics bid $4,800.00 2023-07-18 08:19:55
Billy's Fury bid $4,500.00 2023-07-17 19:50:36
2manyvettes bid $4,300.00 2023-07-17 17:00:17- mrgreenjeans bid $4,100.00 2023-07-17 16:02:16
- 2manyvettes bid $3,750.00 2023-07-17 13:47:09
Wopner50 bid $2,900.00 2023-07-17 13:39:21- 2manyvettes bid $2,750.00 2023-07-17 13:29:45
- mrgreenjeans bid $1,700.00 2023-07-17 12:35:50
Kracked-Up bid $1,500.00 2023-07-17 10:34:38
bruce3652 bid $1,400.00 2023-07-17 09:55:16
Terry keeble bid $1,200.00 2023-07-17 09:42:07
Curmudgeon bid $1,000.00 2023-07-17 09:25:51
Had a 69 with a 318 /auto, back around 1977 or so.
Not a fan of these distorted photos, but
I do like Sport Satellites…
As soon as the seller gets to Walsenburg, they are going to take and send additional photos. Let us know if there are any specific areas you’d like them to take photos of!
A pic to see the trunk floor with the factory vinal cover or spare tire out of the way would be good also, thanks
Indeed, need clear photos of the underside, close up of any questionable areas that you yourself would want to see before purchasing from afar and will the motor turn over by hand ?
Numbers matching mtr & tranny ?
Thank you
Satellite price…RoadRunner powertrain…GTX amenities. What’s not to like and looks to be a nice, presentable car with a little cleaning. GLWTS!!!
I am generally one of these people that would like to make say a GTX clone out of something but this sport satellite is just far too nice to do anything but clean it up and make it exactly what it’s supposed to be. I’ve always liked the center console bucket seats thing but the interior looks really nice doesn’t look like it would be too hard to straighten out and I just think it would be a shame to do anything other than make this thing exactly what it was born to be. Maybe put a little bit more horsepower into the motor just because I like horsepower but other than that leave it alone. I certainly hope whoever wins this does the same.
Need I say 383 bb with A/C ! We just don’t see many like this around. I think I could count A/C cars with a big block on 1 or 2 hands
Eons ago an uncle had a 67 Similar to this one very neat car and quick.
Imagine entering this Mopar along side a similar year Galaxie 500 on the Greenwood road course ! Oh yeah, that would be so much fun.
Btw, thank you Barbara for all your great photos 📸
Took my high school driver’s test in this exact Satellite at 15 years old, with our high school Principle at my side. Bench seat, column auto, 2 door hardtop in white…..
These had a bit of a ‘hollow, tinny’ sound when you closed the door, hood, or trunk even when new; our school’s car with 1500 miles on the odometer seemed very thin on quality. BUT, I really, REALLY loved driving this car. Easily passed the driver’s test and parallel parked the car in one swift move due to the excellent quick power steering these MOPARS had.
A fellow student bought one new in a pale yellow right after high school with the 318, just because of his experience with the Public Schools ownership of that Satellite. And another student bought a ’69 Road Runner 383 in dark green with 4 speed and bench seat for a whopping 3200 dollars the year after he graduated. Almost every other student had a MACH 1 or a Chevelle or an Impala SS at Dad’s generosity….. times were great back in the late 60s Automotively speaking. Not so much politically as we sunk deeper into war unrest as young men graduated; those including myself with low lottery #’s, (mine was 13) had these cars to thank in relieving our angst of uncertain futures.
I owned this exact car except mine was a 383-2bbl. White with black interior and vinyl top, PS, PB (drums), AC, all of it. If I had some spare cash I would pick this one up. That car wend down the road comfortably and with no issues until it spun a rod bearing. I paid $700 for mine in 1995 just north of the Bay Area, it would be nice to find one for that price again. It was a black-plate car from Pasadena, no rust, no rips or tears. Sold it for what I paid for it. I wonder if it is still around.
Well for 1 look real close at odometer, see the uneven numbers this car has more than 55000 on it. (2) get real good close up of interior. For 55000 mi it is surely in lousy shape. Headliner drive side front coming down. That vinyl roof had to be done by shade tree person. That rubber molding on front and ends of rear bumper. Front grille painted black is not factory. Look at paint job, it definitely is not in good shape. 4500 would be the tops I would pay and that’s too much. They say no rust, look under hood on passenger side. Sorry to bust bubbles . I would almost bet motor transmission are not original.
Ben, if you look at the brake pad in pic 17, it is not worn enough to have 155k miles. As far as the headliner goes, there are only 3 photos that show the headliner and they all seem pretty tight to me. Painting, (blackout) grilles was something that I did when I was young to give a car a different look, so no biggie there. Vinyl top just looks like it needs cleaning. Paintless dent removal could remove the dent for the most part, if not completely out of the front fender. A wash and interior shampooing would do wonders, then buff that old enamel paint and drive it. There are so many people that chime in on these cars and beat the owners down and most of them don’t even bid, nor plan to on a car. Just get on here and troll people. Why even comment on any of the cars if you are not buying or have nothing good to say about them. This is not the 80’s anymore, and you can’t get classic cars for nothing anymore. Sounds like you need a good dose of kindness and maybe it would infect you a little bit.
Great comments moparmaniac. Agree completely. Some folks just have a negative glass is half empty mentality, and it translates to most of what they say or do. This is a nice car which needs some attention…..that’s all. The seller is not trying to deceive anyone. Take it for what it is, bid or not. This site is supposed to be enjoyable, not confrontational.
It’s a common misconception that when the numbers in the odometer in an old vehicle don’t perfectly align it’s an indication that the car has more miles on it than indicated, but it’s seldom true. The plastic gear teeth in an old odometer were not precise and there was/is some play. The numbers are driven from the right (tenths) position and the next number to the left is advanced when the one on it’s right passes the “9”. There is usually several other indicators when a collector vehicle does not seem to match what the seller is saying but you have to know what to look for. From my experience uneven odometer numbers and pedal wear aren’t always an accurate way to tell.
Sometimes you just have to accept that the mileage that the owners
Ben,
Too many suppositions without any evidence except looking at photos. I agree with Moparmaniac, too many folks with negative comments without basis. Go take a look at it and let us know if you feel the same way.
Send more pictures please
Ray Charles could see the rust under the vinyl top, and he was blind and is six feet under.
It gives it character IMHO, shoot just leave it till it leaks, then break out the Flex Shield you na sayers ~ make it a conversation piece wherever you go, wtheck McFly lol / all 4 fun ! Now would someone Buy it !!
May the best man win ! 🏆
I am not trying to deceive any one. I have no idea how to hand turn over an engine. Where would I find motor and tranny numbers? I sent a lot more photos of the underside of the car. One photo is of numbers on the frame.
As far as rust goes I can tell you my dad bought the car in 1978 from
A neighbor when we were living in Los Angeles CA. It was housed in the garage at night. In 1990 my parents divorced and he moved to Pismo Beach in central CA. I do not know if his cars were house in a garage there. Knowing my dad they were. In 2000 he moved to La Veta, CO and his cars were in a garage. In 2000 bought a house in Walsenburg CO and had a garage built for his cars. The land he lived on is acres of grassland in So Colorado that is very windy, dusty and micey. The trunk has some rust color stains but we found a mouse nest in there along with other stuff he stored. The underside just seems dirty to me but hopefully the photos will tell you more. Let me know what else you need pics of or come see it in person. I will be in Walsenburg through 7/26.
Barbara, good additional photos. I believe that you are honest and true to the best of your knowledge of the cars history, and aren’t trying to pull one over on anyone. I believe, other than the unknown with the mice possibly chewing on wires and insulation, that this car would clean up and run with some TLC. The people on here that are bashing the car just do that for a hobby as they obviously do not have anything better to do. There is a seat for everyone’s heinny, and there will be for this one too. One man’s junk is another man’s treasure and if I had room, and lived a lot closer, I would be bidding on this and not think twice about it. It’s hard to find one and two owner cars anymore, and I believe that this one is going to make someone a nice driver while fixing some of the cosmetics. Good luck with the sale!
I need to add (as one of the bidders here on this car) my only real objections or more accurately ‘concerns’, are the black stripes on lower edge of body which could be concealing sketchy metal due to rust. I really applaud the fact it appears to have spent most it’s life indoors as shown by clarity of gauges, lack of dash cracks, and lack of u/v distortion to the fake wood on dash panels. I like the fact the back glass is whole as these are extremely difficult to source used. (at least when I checked last). The mice are a concern as well as the non factory belt line moulding which will require removal and filling of holes where mounted.
It has the cat-eye fender mounted turn signals which is desirable, vinyl roof which I don’t care for but is not commonly seen on hardtops, and split bench buckets. The fact the rear trunk applique is present, undamaged, and relatively clean is a real positive. A fellow with GTX told me he was rear ended after a rotisserie resto and his panel cracked and beyond repair. To source a replacement with minor flaws still cost him $2800.00 !!!
Great looking piece of pretty solid bonuses seen here, really….. I gotta say to clone this into a GTX or something other than what it is would be a crime. Which I would never personally do…..
I looked at the black stripes at the lower edge and took pictures. I know it was not to cover any thing up. My dad liked the lower side of his cars black. He painted both the Plymouth and Chevy black on its lower sides. It is smooth accept right where the doors open on both sides. I will ask Josh from barn finds to add the pictures. I want to add that I took close up pictures included in the gallery already of the faded pin stripping and want to share the story. Our neighbor 3 doors down from us in WLA was a professional pin stripper. We would have the coolest cars drive down our street and go to Art Summer’s garage to get pin striped. My dad paid Art to pin strip the Plymouth. Fun story!
I’d love to have this car and drive it as is, maybe fix up a few things. Get the a/c running. Put in a tail shaft o/d and cruise the family around for the spring summer and fall. This is the kind of thing I’d love to restore as I’m driving it and make memories in with the family!
Yep, it’s a boat with plenty of room for the family ! Sure would like to know who wins 🏆 it and keep in touch with it’s progression and maybe buy it in the future. Ty
Put in a tail shaft OD , is that overdrive ? Please advise: Anyway☆☆It’s a nice hulky American Automobile regardless. I’d just lube it up and make it my daily driver, shoot you know how many comments you would be getting going here and there lol
Yeah, there’s a gear venders od that will replace the tail shaft of the 727 and make it an od transmission. It’s costly, but worth it in my opinion, especially if you want to drive it everywhere like I do. Did it to a 76 Camaro when I was 24. Made it way more drivable
WoW, after that last photo dump, this dry car is going to get some real serious, BIG money real fast. Final day of bidding is gonna put me in the last on the rung category…. Thanks for the images our friend ! I love it even more as all doubt has been removed on how genuine an article it really is
As far as this being a concern: the vinyl top would need to come off immediately; I would not even spray it with water first. Every rust bubble has elevated upward stretching the top. I do believe if one pushed hard with a thumb a hole would be made where most of those bumps hide. AMD would be a source for new skin metal if the original steel could not be saved. BUT what would you rather do? Replace countless convoluted stampings underneath on the floor pan, or cut off the roof and weld on a new one ? Every MOPAR of this era exposed to rain or salt air, if it had a vinyl roof, will show evidence of rust bubbles under the skin. Water just seeped into the vinyl and never dried out……
I’ll take this amount of damage in a heartbeat to rusty frame members, floor pans, or rear quarters.
This car is going to get real expensive I just know it. Bidding may just be out of my reach, but someone is going to get a really nice survivor
I agree that this looks like a great candidate for a survivor grade purchase, I’d like to see what is under the trunk mat. I also would remove that vinyl top, fix those rust bubbles, how ever deep they may go and then paint the roof a different color. Maybe a light metallic blue. I had a 67 Fuet 3 that color but with an anemic 318. I think this car would be a lot more fun to drive.
Did i miss the pictures of trunk pan with mat removed? also was bottom of rear glass metal rusted out ? not knocking car , just questions ! Thanks
Look at the picture Trunk – 2. Rust boiling up beneath the window. Still workable….
OMG Barbra you are so patient with these tire kickers…its obvious its a good car
It’s a wonderful old Mopar, they, and all others as well, are getting harder to find every day. For every 1 person wanting to brow beat it, there is 100’s dreaming they could have it in their garage, driveway, shop, whatever. I look at it and I’d be hard pressed not to do a hood swap but this car is so real I’m not sure I could. I can’t go for clones at all but some times a little visual appeal upgrade is acceptable. Another 15 years, a car in this shape will be gold, if we don’t have to ev convert it by then.
Shoot it’s SOLD, anyway my second automobile was a 1967 6cyl Camaro, dad wouldn’t let me have the 68 400 4 speed Firebird sitting next to it…Well it had that lower rear window rot/rust too and they just ground it all out and filled or back with molten lead. Truer than dog chit. Thanks again for your photo s Barbara
What is sold?
You are all welcome for all the photos. I am happy it will make someone truly happy to fix up and own this car like my dad did.
Congrats to Barbara and Rob! We look forward to hear from Rob with future updates on the car.
Thank you Joshua
Yes I love to hear and see pictures on future updates on the car.