Tackling any form of project build requires deep commitment, and it is almost inevitable that the process will deliver a few unexpected extra tasks along the way. The most challenging for some will be addressing rust problems, but that may not be a problem with this 1971 Plymouth Satellite Sebring. Its exterior looks tired, but the listing suggests it is a rock-solid vehicle that retains its original V8 under the hood. Enjoying it immediately seems possible, with the new owner able to complete the build in stages as time and circumstances allow. The Satellite is listed here on eBay in Tea, South Dakota. Bidding has raced past the reserve to sit at $10,053.
Chrysler introduced its “fuselage” styling look across various vehicles for the 1969 model year. However, Plymouth wouldn’t adopt it for its Satellite range until the Third Generation hit showroom floors in 1971. It is fair to say it continues to divide opinions, with some enthusiasts embracing it warmly while others are left feeling cold. This Satellite Sebring rolled off the line during the first production year and is an essentially original vehicle. Its Blue Metallic paint is pretty tired, and there is evidence it originally featured a vinyl top. The seller includes shots of the Fender Tag that should have made that easy to determine, but the low image quality makes decoding difficult. The panels have accumulated minor bumps and bruises, but the best news for those with limited skills is that the floors and trunk pan are rock-solid. That removes cutting and welding from the equation, making the Satellite more attractive for those considering the hands-on approach. Most trim pieces might present acceptably following a polish, and the tinted glass shows no signs of significant flaws. The Plymouth rolls on Rallye wheels that are in good order, but substituting the correct items should be easy for those preferring a more “stock” appearance.
This Satellite’s interior doesn’t make a positive first impression, and the more you dig, the more you realize the seller’s lack of effort has done them no favors. The shifter isn’t original, and the radio is missing, but the good news overshadows the bad. The seats are trimmed in Black vinyl that is free from wear and physical damage. The door trims look respectable, and there are no issues with the dash or pad. This interior’s most pressing need is a deep clean. I’m unsure whether the carpet will respond positively, but the rest of the trim might return to a high-end driver standard if the new owner spends more time than effort in their workshop.
There is further good news under this Satellite’s hood, with its engine bay housing the car’s original 318ci V8. It would have produced 230hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque when the Plymouth was shiny and new, which was fed to the road via a three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The performance figures aren’t outstanding by modern standards, but it should be an effortless cruiser that delivers the beautiful bass note that is the hallmark of a Chrysler V8. The seller indicates they recently fitted a new Edelbrock carburetor, fuel filter, plugs, and wires. The exhaust is relatively new, but they don’t supply any information on how the car runs or drives or whether it is roadworthy. However, the impressions seem positive, raising the possibility that enjoying the Satellite immediately could be a realistic expectation.
This 1971 Plymouth Satellite Sebring is a promising project candidate, and a faithful restoration seems straightforward. That would produce a civilized vehicle that would turn heads wherever it goes. Those seeking something with more attitude might consider transforming it into a GTX tribute. With the genuine item commanding prices beyond the means of mere mortals, it could represent the most affordable way to slip behind the wheel of a car that would command respect. Either approach is valid, but which would you choose?
Poor car was abused. Who was looking out for it? There should be a lawto protect the innocent.
You should have seen my friend’s ’68 nova when he bought it used in 1981 – looked like the car came back from Hell itself. lol
It’s still kickin & driveable unrestored with its orig strait 6 & powerglide – & imagine what it looks like now.
King Creole!
A man from New Orleans?
Here we have either a parts car or conversion to something else like a Road Runner/GTX tribute or restomod. I don’t feel like it is worthy of restoration to its original state because that would be like restoring something not that special – ie they were all over the place. An old girlfriend’s parents had TWO of them when I was in HS! They were very similar bronze-ey colors except reversed body and vinyl roof colors. God, I haven’t thought about that since like, 1977, haha… But yeah, it wouldn’t be great restored to original. I wonder about the seats in this one too. It probably had that high-back bench seat that looked like buckets until you get close, those actual buckets being replacements. It’s a start.
Instead of restoring it, I’d make it a resto-mod. She has potential to be a really hot looking rig with some work, and you’d have a car that you you very rarely see anymore because most people prefer Challenger or Chargers.
That’s what I thought. Good idea!
Why can’t Satellites just be Satellites? A restored example of a Satellite is something that is becoming alarmingly rare. Soon nobody will know what the daily drivers of the past actually looked like, at least not in person. Cars are as much a piece of history as statues or paintings. To turn this car into another clone or God forbid a “restomod” (which is a self-contracting term, but I digress), than it would no different than taking a Van Gogh and making it into a Banksy.
My dad had the exact year and model car, white with a 3/4 vinyl roof, same engine and column shift automatic trans, we took that car everywhere including family vacations, it had highway gears in the rear end and frequently got 20 mpg on the highway. God that brings back memories.
Had a 72 Original Road Runner with a 340 4BBL, TorqueFlite trans. 22K original miles. Was gold w/black interior. Immaculate except for a dinger/scrape along the right rear 1/4 panel. Repaired that and had it painted gloss black lacquer. The paint was so deep looking it was incredible. Loved this car but stupidly sold it because my soon to be wife, now ex, wanted an 86 IROC-Z. Yeah, I know, don’t tell me. I miss the car. I hate her.
It seems reasonable for a pretty clean shell. Surely going to become a Roadrunner or GTX. It’s a shame they dyed the blue interior, ruining the dash. At least they didn’t cut the wonky mopar radio slot.
I don’t think anybody “dyed” anything, it’s a standard black vinyl interior – except I don’t think those are the original bucket seats. I’ve got to agree with you 100% on them not cutting the wonky dash due to the OEM radio though. I hate nothing more than when somebody retrofits a radio head where some metal needs cutting because you can never reinstall the original unit. I’ve seen it done on all makes for one reason or another and I won’t buy an old vehicle with a new radio head just on principal alone. I hate it. “But what’s the difference? It’s only the radio.” El stupido.
Looks like it may have had a vinyl top at one time. I wonder what’s hiding beneath that off shade of blue on the roof.
Camaro seats?
Nah, those are Chrysler all the way.
Those buckets are not original either..likely a bench that matched the rear seat.
Looks just like the one I chased for awhile here in Dallas….just a plain jane in good orginal shape….just gas and go !
Like Eleanor, those satellite emblems will be gone in sixty seconds.
I do believe those rims may be factory 15X7s, which are pretty hard to come by. 70 and later hemi, t/a, and aar only?
I must be looking at the wrong pictures – I see a complete , running 53 year old 2 door v8 car in a desirable body style with plenty of potential . The trunk floor looks solid and I’d bet the floors are in the same shape. The front seats are from another Mopar, but they could be redone to match the rear seat . The 318 can really be a performing engine with a little work if you needed it . Maybe there is hidden body work done to it , but it is far from a basket case. It looks like it was gold with a black top originally ,which I think looks sharp and would go back to that if I could buy it. Yeah, its no Road Runner, but does it have to be ?