What a perfect name for the space-crazed ’60s, a Satellite! It’s like something out of an episode of The Jetsons. Elevated from the Belvedere and way-overshadowed by the Road Runner and GTX, Satellites, such as this 1970 two-door hardtop edition, grace Barn Finds pages with surprising frequency. They were popular cars, just not saved with the same emphasis and at the same rate that their performance brethren have been. This example is located in Dothan, Alabama and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $16,500, reserve not yet met.
With a recorded 68K miles, this Satellite is one of the best, if not the best, examples of a survivor that I have encountered. The current seller has owned it for five of its 51 years but he has clearly been as bought-in, same as the prior and original owners, regarding upkeep. Known for their tendency to rust, this Satellite is having none of that. The body panels are as straight and rot-free as they can be and the Sassafras Green reflects beautifully, almost too beautifully to be original. It is mentioned that the rear bumper and trunk seal have been replaced but that’s it – originality abounds.
The interior is an inside reflection of the outside as it too shows like new. The seller adds, “Upholstery is Chrysler original, also headliner, door panels, and rear panels are original and excellent. Dash pad is original and excellent“. Well, there’s certainly a whole lot of green going on but that’s how domestics rolled in this era. Finding an example like this Satellite that still has its original working AM-only radio and a not-split dash pad is a rare treat. Based on the “Nelson Chrysler – Loveland” trunk lid badge, it is assumed that this was originally a Colorado sourced car and the day-one owner saw no reason for A/C.
The one commonality that generic B-body Mopar cars seemed to possess was a 230 gross HP, 318 CI V8 engine working through a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission (though I recently found one with a three on the tree set-up) and this subject is no exception. The seller claims, “The vehicle runs great“. I see no reason to suspect anything less.
Now comes the tough part and that’s finding a new owner that will keep their cotton-pickin’ Road Runner/GTX cloning fingers off of this magnificently preserved example. Obviously, there is no assurance that action can be guaranteed. When you have something like this Plymouth for sale, you get your agreeable price and move it on – the car is no longer your concern. Just saying…but yes, don’t you think it would be a shame to do anything other than just maintaining this ’70 Satellite as Plymouth intended?
Clone? NOOO!! Personally, I would only add a set of Magnums, and a dual exhaust w/ factory tips and drive this green beauty as it is! GLWTA!! :-)
I’m not sure that I would even add the dual exhaust & magnums. Kinda refreshing seeing one like this for a change.
My brother bought an almost exact clone of this car in the mid 70s, except it was black/black and had air. Had the same goofy wheel covers, but he DID put on Magnums, he had to get them out of a wrecking yard in those years as dealers wanted gold for them, and repos were not yet made. A great car, good for long trips, as his also had something not found here…air. Dealers wanted gold for that in those days, not all that many cars had it. Air-conditioning in a new Plymouth cost several times more than what was needed to put a large window unit in a large room of your house. I never bought it new unless I got a deal on the car otherwise. Of course, we had those great quarter window vents to direct outside breezes to your noggin, and people were not so afraid to roll the windows all the way down. I hope this car stays original, but chances are not in favor of that option. Odds are, this will have a larger engine in near future. Of course, if you just must have a vulgar engine replace the gallant and loyal 318, why pretend it is a GTX or RR? I recall a Satellite could have any engine the other boys had, just check the right boxes on the order sheet. 225 up to the 426. Chrysler believed in free choice in those days, not so much packages.
I would put Magnum 500 wheels and nice dual exhaust with turn downs… no headers. Nice 4 bbl intake and 450 Holley carb. This engine set up really wakes up the 318. Maybe add posi rear with 3.55 gears. Nothing crazy back there. Go to car shows and enjoy driving it. 😊
A FITech or Holley Sniper with front disc brakes (if not already equipped) would really make this a nice fall cruiser in addition to being super reliable.
The colour on that Plymouth is lime green poly..sassafras green was a high impact colour you wont soon forget :P
True , but its Sassy Grass green . I had a very base model Duster in that color
Though I’m a Chevy guy and also find the ’68/’69 to be prettier I’d have a hard time kicking this one out the driveway. While I could sort of defend an engine upgrade to some of the healthier versions I see absolutely NO REASON to make another stupid clone out of it.
If someone thinks it’ll draw more attention as a RR/GTX he’s WRONG – I’m willing to bet it’ll receive a lot more oohs and ahs just as a plain Satellite particularly with that beautiful/ gross (you pick) period color combo – personally I simply love this subdued color with just a tiny bit of yuck in it
I’m pretty sure we had a refrigerator and stove in this color when I was a kid (lol). I’d leave it and drive it just as it is. Forget the RR clone stuff
What is this photo of a Verizon text message telling “Holly” she has a bankruptcy filing? Is this why the car is for sale?
nothing to do with a bankruptcy sale, e bay wouldnt allow me to change my reserve to 16,500
Tell me more about the 57 Ford.
I had a 69 Plymouth Satelite Sebring that was black vinyl over white with a 318. Great performer but was made on a Monday I believe. Door handles, mirrors, etc. were always falling off. Beautiful car and handled well.
The only clone possibility is a Superbird!