The 1960s was a remarkable era in automotive history. Because they weren’t hamstrung by emission regulations, manufacturers produced some potent products designed to scratch the performance itch felt by many enthusiasts. For those with a healthy budget, slipping behind the wheel of virtually any Mopar product sporting a Hemi under the hood guaranteed a satisfying and rapid motoring experience. That brings us to this 1966 Plymouth Satellite. It is 1-of-503 to roll off the line featuring a Hemi/4-speed drivetrain combination, and its original owner didn’t squander their money on options that would undermine its performance potential. Its condition is guaranteed to turn heads, and there’s a chance for you to become the center of attention if you park it in your garage. The Satellite is listed here at Hemmings in Morganton, North Carolina. The seller’s price is $75,000 OBO, and I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for referring it to us.
Long-term ownership history is desirable with any classic purchase, and potential buyers receive that assurance with this car. The vehicle previously belonged to the seller’s father, who performed a restoration in 1996. The car survives well, with only a few minor flaws worth considering. A light fell on the vehicle while parked in a garage, inflicting two minor scratches on the top of the driver’s side rear quarter panel near the decklid. Repairs should be easy, while a glass specialist could address the scratch on the back window. Otherwise, this classic’s Dark Red Metallic paint looks immaculate. There are no problems or issues, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. The Satellite is garage-kept, helping it to remain rust-free. Aftermarket additions include Magnum 500 wheels and a Dodge Demon hood scoop. However, the seller includes the parts required to return this beauty to its “factory” appearance.
The drivetrain configuration of this Satellite is enough to gladden the heart of any performance enthusiast. The engine bay houses the legendary 426ci Street Hemi, capable of churning out 425hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque. There’s no point in having that much power if you can’t apply it to the bitumen. Therefore, it feeds to a Dana 60 rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. The original owner was on a search for ultimate performance, electing to forego such luxuries as power assistance for the steering or brakes that might sap even the slightest amount of power. There were faster things on the planet in 1966, but most featured a jet or rocket motor! This classic should storm the ¼ mile in an incredible 13.6 seconds before winding its way to 148mph. Okay, now I’ve got your attention, I must impart some bad news. This Plymouth isn’t numbers-matching. The seller indicates it underwent an engine change at some point, with the original Hemi making way for one of 1967 vintage. They also added Hooker headers and vintage Chrysler 300 air cleaners. Once again, the original items are there if the buyer desires a stock appearance. Included are the original Owner’s Manual, Broadcast Sheet, and Certicard. We receive no specific information on how this classic runs or drives, but the video embedded in their listing allows us to hear the Hemi running. It sounds crisp and clean, with no smoke or unwanted noises.
As with other aspects of this Satellite, the interior features some aftermarket items. The most obvious are the Grant steering wheel and the VDO tachometer. You can add a console-mounted oil pressure gauge to the list, along with a Hurst shifter and a radio/cassette player. However, most original parts are included for those wishing to reverse the changes. The upholstered surfaces wear flawless Red vinyl, while the console, dash, and carpet are equally impressive. There are two small holes in the headliner, but a competent upholsterer may be able to “blind” patch these without resorting to replacement.
Although it isn’t numbers-matching, this 1966 Satellite is a stunning car with only some minor cosmetic needs. These don’t require immediate attention, but the upcoming winter months could allow the new owner to achieve automotive perfection before the warm weather arrives. Any Hemi Mopar from this era commands respect, and this classic should be no exception. The loss of the original engine will negatively impact its potential value, with recent sales results suggesting that the seller may be slightly optimistic with their starting price. However, if they demonstrate a willingness to negotiate, somebody could soon be driving away in a muscle car guaranteed to plaster a mile-wide smile on their face.
Cannot afford to drive it with that big motor in California at the current gas prices at $6+…
It is not a daily driver and if you worry about the cost of gas you would not be considering buying it.
A silly waste of time. Useless back in the day as a daily driver, only good for the drag strip…nothing else. Then, a 318 was the best all around engine, cost you a bunch less, ran better, more reliable, and didn’t give your insurance agent a stiffie.
You have obviously never driven a Hemi. They were perfectly tractable as long as proper maintenance was performed.You sound as if a car had any performance it was BAD.
You must be young. I was of driving age when these cars were just used cars, and I will tell you that as a DD they stunk. Horrible to keep in tune, rough idle at a street light, 5 MPG on average, poor handling except in a straight line, and a plethora of other troubles. Fun? Sure. Practical? Nope. Not to mention, the equivalent of an extra 5 grand (and then some) to originally purchase. Used, they were useless in value, esp during the 70s gas crunches. The only people who bought hemis were wealthy adults to use at the track, criminals with cash to burn, and kids with idiot rich daddies. Any of that group drove them hard and they made poor second hand cars. They may have started out as dreams, but they ended up as nightmares.
Grant—who peed in your wheaties?
People back then were no different than now, they drove what they liked practical or not, what they could afford or what worked best for them. I drove my Hemi roadrunner to work to my construction job almost every day for a couple years and it was a blast. It even had a .590 cam and 4.30 gears! Someone who has never owned and operated one really has no place speaking such nonsense. And I still have the car after 50 years it just doesn’t get driven every day now because I’m retired. I also have another car that has no place in this world if using your model of ownership and it’s a 2018 Hellcat.
Well said Ffred,!
What’s in the metal cage next to the master cylinder?
3.23 gear ⚙️ perfect, this beauty will be at home on the hwy, imagine rowing through the long gears, all that power.
It appears to be an elaborate theft deterrent kill switch? Looks like I can see the positive cables connected inside. Whatever it is,it’s after market.
A four on the floor and a fifth under the seat gets you down the road
Hi,
1. Is the additional hood painted same as the car and what is the condition?
2. Do you have the original lockout shifter and what is the condition?
3. Can you provide pictures of the scratches and headliner issues?
4. Do you have the original hub caps?
5. What is the condition of the original air cleaner?
Side Note: One of my former (passed away) acquaintances was Sam Kennedy of the original ram-chargers.
P Wood: To get these questions answered, you need to click the link in the article that will take you to the ad on the Hemmings website. There, you can contact the seller and start a conversation.
What a sweet looking ride, it might do better at a big name auction.
I believe a lot of police forces used these era Satellites.
Why not…..gas was 20 cents a gallon at most and the Coppers
liked the HP. Since near everyone, including dad & mom were
gearheads.
I’m a bad boy.^^
This thing was intended for the Nurburgring north loop. Called
the green hell. Throttle means throttle and where else can you
push the pedal down as on a 20,835 KM or 12.8 mls long ring.
(Actual record is hold by a AMG GT 63 S with 7.27.800 min)
https://youtu.be/yR5WC9Y3SYo
By tuning HEMI engines which are the best piston and conrods?
Mahle SRP ASSO WöSSNER , rods: Clevite King Fedral-Mogul
ARP?
Had a silver blue 66 with Hemi and 727 back in the day. Fastest stock in my little town of 100k. Don’t know if it’s true or not, but my dealer told me AC was not available because the engine turned too many rpm? 12,000 mile warranty instead of 50,000 like other mopars. Did not have that hood scoop or wheels. As a teen, got me in so much trouble had to trade it for something a little tamer. At about 15,000 miles of teen driving it smoked like the one in the listing. Guy that bought it from me rebuilt the Hemi and parts back then we’re pretty much dealer only and VERY expensive.
I have not heard that phrase for many years ,my father had a license plate that said that very statement,and he lived the life.
When I grew up tires and wheels didn’t match on hot rods. The upgrades to original muscle cars included: Craigers on the back and Kraco inside.
The hood scoop on this car is an abomination. Some might say the box cutter Kraco installations were too. Amazing all the original equipment that was lost.
But that’s we did back in 1982. When MTv was MTv, an oz. was $40, and the average retail price of gas was $1.22 a gallon. (This is equivalent to $3.62 a gallon in 2022 btw)
Perhaps the very best body style Plymouth made, and to have a Hemi four speed is just icing on the cake. Clone or not this is cool and the wankers who complain about gas prices and driveability just do not get it. Full size muscle cars with four speeds are the top picks for me Right now everything I own in my collection has dual quads and manual trans. It just does not make any logical sense to say negative things about cars like this.
Clone? Clone of what?
You have obviously never driven a Hemi. They were perfectly tractable as long as proper maintenance was performed.You sound as if a car had any performance it was BAD.
This car is close to my own ’66 Satellite convertible. 440+.030, cam, Indy aluminum heads, TTI headers, 750CFM carb, done 727, 3.55 gears, and gives a thrill when driving through town. Who cares about gas mileage, if you do get a 3 cylinder Saab. BTW, I bought a new ’71 340 4sp Duster, tuned it up, put in 4.88 gears and ran the car in NHRA Factory Pure Stock to constant consistent 13.60’s while still being my daily driver. Oh it got 10MPG in town, and 10MPG on the highway but it was a ton of fun to drive, especially beating up on Vettes.