When you consider some of the stunning and desirable cars that it produced over the years, it is hard to fathom how Chrysler could find itself in a situation where it was teetering on the edge of bankruptcy as the 1970s drew to a close. Cars like this 1971 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus offered a fantastic blend of style, performance, and comfort. This is a tidy classic that its next owner could retain as an original and unmolested survivor without feeling any shame. It is a turn-key proposition that would look equally at home in a driveway or turning heads at a Cars & Coffee. The Satellite is located in Bozrah, Connecticut, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Solid bidding activity has seen the price sail past the reserve to currently sit at $29,000.
This Satellite rolled off the production line located in Los Angeles in 1971. From there, it didn’t venture far to find its first owner. The car has spent most of its life in sunny California before finding its way to its present location in recent times. For potential buyers, that’s excellent news. Rust could be a significant issue, but this one has managed to remain completely rust-free. Its original Gold paint is in impressive condition for its age, while the White vinyl half-top is a quirky design feature that shows no issues or problems. The panels are remarkably straight, although the owner does note a couple of “pin dents” that are about the size of the end of a pencil eraser. Addressing these should be easy and cheap. I would probably consider talking to one of those paintless dent removal companies to see if they could fix them without interfering with the original finish. One of the distinctive design features of the Satellite is the looped front bumper. Although some potential buyers weren’t sold on the concept, this offers excellent protection for the headlamps and grille. I personally quite like them, and that this one is free from damage is a significant plus point. The rest of the trim is equally impressive for a survivor, while the Rally wheels continue that theme.
Opening the doors reveals an interior that is a match for the exterior in the presentation stakes. That’s to say that while its condition is well above average, it isn’t perfect. The carpet on the driver’s side shows some light wear and a slight fitment issue, but I believe that some cleaning and careful adjustment could make a significant difference. Someone has installed a wrap on the wheel, but that appears to be the only aftermarket addition. Nobody has pulled the original radio to fit a stereo, which is refreshing in a car of this type and age. The dash and pad are spotless, as is the console. The vinyl trim shows no evidence of wear or physical damage. While the interior isn’t dripping with optional extras, the Rally gauge cluster and air conditioning are welcome touches.
Lifting the hood reveals that the original owner ordered the Satellite with a 383ci V8 and 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission. This V8 appears to be in good health, meaning that it should go close to producing the 290hp that it would’ve been blessed with when it was new. With the engine and transmission combination featured here, it would’ve been capable of storming the ¼-mile in 17.1 seconds. There were faster cars rolling off Plymouth’s production line in 1971, but this was still a respectable performer. For buyers seeking a turn-key classic, this Satellite ticks the boxes for you. The owner indicates that it is in sound mechanical health, the motor feels extremely strong and that the car drives with no vices or problems.
For buyers unwilling or unable to tackle a restoration project, this 1971 Satellite Sebring Plus could be hot property. It is a car that has no apparent needs and could be driven and enjoyed immediately. However, wringing more power out of its V8 would not be difficult or expensive and could awaken this classic. It has generated some intense interest since the owner listed it for sale. Are you tempted to throw your hat into the ring and submit a bid on this rust-free survivor? If you do, I could hardly blame you.
These are really nice looking cars.
When I was in Junior High,one of the student’s
parents had one of these.It was white,with
custom wheels.Made a lasting impression
on me.
My uncle had a 1972 Satellite coupe. It was yellow with a black canopy roof, like this one. I loved that car as a kid.
He & my Dad had a younger brother who had a 1968 Road Runner. He passed away at the ripe age of 18, in 1971. My uncle that had the Satellite traded my deceased uncles Road Runner in for the Satellite. His wife was pregnant & he wanted a family friendly car that was still kinda sporty, so he got the base Satellite coupe with a 318.
My Dad eventually ended up with the Satellite in 1982. By then it was badly battered, it was rusted, and it had a bad transmission.
My Dad was down on his luck at the time (sometimes you make your own luck) & that free car was a god-send. It even became his residence for a few weeks, after he replaced the transmission.
By them it was in a sad state, but I still loved that body style.
I wish I had the funds to buy this one. What a sweetheart!
Darn good looking car. That gold has a really nice warm glow. I’m not sure on pricing but it is a Mopar so I’ll just go with it.
The Satellite Sebring Plus gave buyers the luxury of the GTX and the performance of the Road Runner without the insurance company premiums. They rusted out and were beaten to death like every other car from that time. This one looks nice. Keep it off the roads from the first snow to Memorial Day and it will last.
My first ride… 318 version… 3 on the tree… loved that car!!!
This is one car I really like the looks of. I know the carpet needs cleaning but if the rest of the car is as good as it looks in the pictures this is a great car. Only concern I have is it never fails I have issues with rust under roof vinyl over time, but if that checks out then hopefully someone will get a gorgeous car.
If this dash is called the Rally Dash, what is the optional instrumentation called with a tachometer? Did the base Satellite have a sweep-style dash? I was 19 when these came out, the memory has faded a bit. I wasn’t a fan of the body style when these first came out, but they have grown on me over the years!
Nice car!
The car presents well inside and out. The larger V8, floor mounted automatic transmission, power steering and brakes and air conditioning represent a high level of equipment for a 1971 intermediate sized car. Because the Plymouth brand is dead, and it’s not a Roadrunner, GTX or Dodge Challenger, the future collector value would have to be weighed before making such a high bid. However, as a vehicle to enjoy on old car cruises and to shows it looks like a fun survivor.
My brother had one way back and the front reminded me of a shark.
This one, same thing, ha….
Nice condition though.
Great car for a GTX tribute, but the bids are too high to make that feasible. The problem with many of cars like this is that they were grocery getters and every manufacturer made their version. This will have little to no desirability and market in the future.
Man, at the prices these are now fetching, my dream of owning a Sebring have been dashed.
Chrysler’s financial woes had less to do with styling and engineering and more to do with execution and quality issues. We were a Ford family but had a class C minihome on a Dodge chassis. Mechanically very good but the body was not so great. Always had wind noise around the drivers door area and no amount of adjustment helped. When the body was welded together the shape of the door opening didn’t match the shape of the door! Adjust it properly at the front of the door then the back panel gap didnt fit properly.
This body style is one of my favorite mopars. Unique looks that have aged very well.
Would this SSP still be available by chance?