In 1965, the Chrysler B-body platform officially became a mid-size car after the full-size Dodges and Plymouths had erroneously been downsized in 1962. Also in ’65, the Satellite joined the roster as an upscale version of the Belvedere. The seller has an original survivor from 1970, and even the double-stripe whitewall spare tire seems to be period-correct. Located in Brush Prairie, Oregon, this nifty Mopar looks to have loads of life left and is available here on craigslist for $35,000. Once again, “Curvette” scores in the tips arena!
The B-bodies had their best run in 1969-70 when the muscle car movement was in full bloom. The Dodge Charger and Plymouth Road Runner were especially hot properties. The “gentleman’s” performance car, the GTX, was a dressed-up Satellite with a 440 cubic inch V8. The seller’s ’70 Satellite is more docile, and we’d suspect the majority of the 82,600 Satellites produced in 1970 had that venerable powerplant. About 28,200 were 2-door hardtops like the Yellow Gold Cream (code DY3) example you see here.
We’re told the seller bought this highly original Satellite about six years ago and has driven it mostly to car shows. But those activities have become less frequent, so a new caretaker is in order. No mention is madeds e of whether the previous owner was the first, but the documentation provided speaks to lower ownership turnover. The vehicle has 89,000 miles, so it was not a garage queen for at least part of its life.
The sweet running 318 is naturally flanked by a TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The body, paint, and vinyl top are all up to snuff, and the green interior appears to carry original Plymouth upholstery (if so, where are the headrests?). The dog dish hub caps are a nice touch with the DY3 finished steel wheels. The trunk is so nice you’d hardly want to carry anything in it. The seller is asking what may be top dollar, but this seems like a top-dollar automobile.
Sometimes, you get what you pay for.
I remember in the 1980s when these 318 cars were dirt cheap. Bought a ’70 Challenger with its factory 318 in 1987 for $700. It was rusty but still. There was a huge gap back then between the workaday 318s and the 383 and 440 muscle car variants. I guess no more! Hopefully it doesn’t get turned into a GTX/Road Runner clone or “tribute.”
I remember them really well too. Bought a really nice 69′ Satellite 4dr sedan back in 88′ for $1500. 318ci, bench seat, auto on the column. Same color interior as this. Was my daily driver for several years until the miserable northeastern weather did it in. Loved that car and miss it to this day.
Cars even in this condition back then would have been about $3k or $4K all day long. I think he’s a bit steep on the price, but if it sells I just pray it doesn’t turn into another big block clone mobile.
I bought a rusty, but decent tan 68 Belvedere sedan in 1981 for $5 ! the guy had taken the starter apart and couldn’t be bothered to put it back together. He was asking 10 bucks, I told him I only had $5 on me ( which may have been true) and that was it. rope towed it back to my parents house ,went to the junkyard for a starter and it was running in no time. same color interior as the Adam 12 cars ; with a 318 auto and power steering , no radio , rubber mat , dog dish hubcaps.
This one is nice and clean and would make a nice weekend cruiser with A/C.
Nice, but pricey. It’s hard to see the market supporting the $35,000 asking price, especially this time of year.
Steve R
…and the absolute, worst color combo imaginable.
As nice as it is,$20K is a reach. It would make a nice start on a Superbird clone
Hopefully the next caretaker will leave it as is. Too nice of a car to molest. 35k for a 318 Satellite is a hefty ask though.
With headrests mandated in 1969, the interior had to be redone at some point and the headrests got 86’d.
It’s not period correct when a 70’s car is missing the headrests.
Just look at the lovely curve of that rear window!
I don’t care that they no longer build these, but when the owner of a 318 Satellite is asking for $35,000 the market has gone crazy !
$35 large????? “Asking” and “getting”, are completely different. The owner might be asking in Canadian dollars, which would be about $25k USD.
Brush Prairie is in Washington State.
Ugggggh…that color combo is horrific. Good luck with that.
I agree. – The paint is lost wondering somewhere between yellow and tan – but I guess it could grow on you. – That drab army green roof would not. White would have been infinitely better. – I think the color combo guys back then must have spent too much time visiting hippy communes and got into some things that made their color perception a bit on the wacky side. — But the car otherwise is an excellent survivor and a very nice example of a classic Mopar of the time. I had a ’72 Satellite Sebring that had all the bells and whistles, which I absolutely loved to drive – until I sold it to a female friend, who eventually wrecked it. I later wished I hadn’t done that and had it back.
Hagerty puts a concours condition ’70 Satellite at $32,900 and excellent condition at $20,300.The seller does say “make an offer”. Seems to be in great condition other than a few cracks in the steering wheel. I like the color combo, and would mount whitewalls with full wheel covers if I was a bidder and won it.
22k delivered I’ll take it
Ck out all 30! of the colors avail in 1970 included with the car…
https://images.craigslist.org/00t0t_j5UEetSgH1A_0CI0t2_1200x900.jpg
Younger drivers today have no idea how many color, option, & body style choices there used to be – even on the dirt cheapest cars offered.
You do know that it’s upside down, don’t you? And there’s no way to flip it around.
You can save the pic to your desktop & view/rotate it with Faststone image viewer(my fav), tho the small print will be hard to read even after magnifying with your mouse wheel. But u only really need to look at & count the # of upside down colors avail above in 1970. & then try to “build” any new “car” online & look at & count the # of “colors” manufacturers offer today.
Another example of tv car auctions ruining the car hobby. I’d make it a Superbird clone. Flame away 😆