So the theory goes, as the value of a muscle car rises, so does its non-muscle car version. Obviously, not to the same dollar extent but it is that rising tide supposition. It is particularly noticeable with the Chevelle Malibu in concert with the SS396/454 as well as with the standard Dodge Charger vs. the R/T equipped model. That trend continues also with the Plymouth Satellite/Belvedere juxtaposed with the Road Runner/GTX. Case in point is this 1970 Plymouth Sport Satellite – it has all of the great Road Runner/GTX styling, just not the mechanical performance vibe. And right out of the gate, this Plymouth is in a way better shape than some Road Runners covered lately, cars that are in such deleterious shape that you wouldn’t want to park them in front of your house on trash pickup day. This nice example is located in Memphis, Tennessee, and is available here on eBay for a current bid of $8,100, reserve not yet met. There is also a BIN price of $15,500.
Plymouth had lots of bases covered in 1970. Midsize-wise, there was the Belvedere at the bottom, the Satellite in between, and the Sport Satellite at the top of the heap. For performance, it was the Road Runner, based on the Belvedere and the GTX, evolved from the Satellite. When a non-performance version of a Plymouth “B” body surfaces, it’s usually a Satellite so finding a Sport Satellite is a bit of a treat.
The seller states that this is his second attempt to sell this 158K mile Satellite, the first arrangement fell through. He is the second owner of the car having purchased it from the original owner in 1983. The Yellow Gold finish still presents surprisingly well but the seller does not state whether or not it is a repaint. He does add that the gar has been garage kept so that helps explain its condition and supports the assumption is that it is the original finish. He further references rust in the trunk and wheel wells; the trunk is a nonevent, surface rust only, and that is a common occurrence in a car of this age. As for wheel wells, there are no images or further descriptions so that will require investigation. The body appears fine, however, no evidence of rust-through or crash damage. Of note is the inclusion of the road wheels, apparently, they were pinched from a ’71 Road Runner and they nicely enhance the appearance of this Satellite.
Under the hood is what would be expected, an “LA” series 318 CI V8 engine that develops 230 gross HP. It “worked” in 2018, but doesn’t now due to an incomplete radiator installation. The radiator is in place, minus at least an upper hose, but the seller adds that he’s unable to complete the work. That’s a concern, if it is simply a matter of completing the radiator job, which is not complicated on a car of this nature, it would make sense to do so, or get it done, and return this Plymouth to operational status. That alone would greatly help with the sale process, especially at this price point. As expected, there is a three-speed, TorqueFlite automatic transmission in place. The seller mentions that this Satellite is air-conditioned but the A/C compressor is non-operational and it will have to be repaired or replaced.
The green interior, an interesting color choice with the Yellow Gold exterior, is basically in good nick, except for the front seats, they are adorned with aftermarket seat covers. The original vinyl fabric has seen better days. What can be spied of the carpet presents itself as very faded but that’s to be expected. The rest of the passenger compartment, dash, instrument panel, door cards and headliner all appear to be fine. It’s a nice driver grade interior. The original radio has been substituted for an aftermarket unit but it is available with the sale – a minor item, of course, but original radios provide a nod to the past and the time period when this Plymouth was mainstream.
This is a very nice early ’70s two-door hardtop, a one-time common and preferred body style, that is still very stylish and in vogue, especially when compared to some of the dreck being bandied about today as au courant. And, as mentioned at the outset, this Satellite is in so much better shape than many of its completely abused performance brethren that are being held out at impossibly high values. The major concern with this Plymouth is its mileage and its BIN price which is probably reflective of its reserve. At 158K miles, it’s going to need a major mechanical redo at some point before too long and the price, probably being helped by the values that the performance versions trade for, is not really a bargain though that’s a subjective observation. Nevertheless, this Plymouth is going to make a great driver for someone, don’t you think?
Very nice! Repair the front seats, sort the mechanicals (I’d add dual exhaust w/ Road Runner tips!) detail and cruise! When the 318 dies, either rebuild it or replace it! GLWTA! :-)
great looking sled, especially for a color i’d never spec.
appears super solid and original and worth $10-12k if running.
make a nice driver!
I had a 70 satellite 318 2 door HT. In black, beautiful car. Really enjoyed everything about it except the crummy power steering and even though the Freon charged air worked very well, when it kicked in, I swear it took like 20 HP. That was almost 40 years ago, still miss it. Wish I had kept that one. Would be cool to cruise to shows in. Never wanted or needed a big block, the 318 car had the looks, good enough for me.
I still have a 1969 383 hp out of a road Runner that’s frame rotted away on, it would fit perfectly in that engine bay. Get rid of the green int and put on a road Runner hood, and I’d be quite happy with this !
You always gotta wonder why someone who has these cars just can’t seem to finish a 30- 45 minute job to make it run
They go right along with the ones who can’t spray the hose to get the 1/2 inch of crud off the non running car they want big $$ for
As that actual “someone”, life simply got in the way after all the years of keeping my car going. I hated to let it go, but it was time for someone new to take charge of my ride.
I am actually quite fond of the Sports Satellite. There have been so many of the Satellite and Belvederes cloned leaving nice examples like this one uncommon today. I prefer a 69 Floral Top, but this 70 will do just fine. Is that color Y2 in Sunfire Yellow? In any case, I love it. I am not a fan of the green though and it would be a dealbreaker for me. If it was black however, then it would appeal to me much more. It is well taken care of nevertheless and to the right buyer, the seller will get close to his asking price.
The Mod Top!
I’m an outlier in that I love green interiors so this is a nice thing for me to see. I’d prefer if it was green on the exterior too.
Painted – never ceases to amaze me, when a detail would be have been the ticket
One problem of the muscle car maniac… is that he doesn’t respect the chassis. If the car came as an original 318 with 3-speed, why replicate another “stuntman car” or repeating the tribute? These original Satellites and Belvederes simply vanished. Some, often with a rare 225 engine, doesn’t exist anymore. If I were to buy one of these B-bodies, I’d like to keep it most original as possible.
I agree, I had a ’68 Belvedere that only had the 318 and power steering as options .It had plenty of power and would smoke the tires with no problem . Its one of the cars I wish I had kept, and I know I’ll never find another since the majority that survived were stripped for more valuable GTX and Road Runners or worse ,made into a clone
I like all variants of the ’68-’70 Mopar B-bodies and I know I’m not alone. To find a modest trim example in this condition,not tampered with/cloned and owned in the same family since new doesn’t seem to happen anymore. That’d offer a unique opportunity to fish for any kind of trivia about the car’s life; heck it even seems to be in decent price territory too.
As much as I like the hi-po Mopars (’68 RR in particular) I REALLY hope any buyer isn’t tempted to make another clone out of this one… as Kirk says we hardly see regular B-bodies any longer. I really don’t see any reasons to change this Satelite’s apperance; I even like its period colors! No reason to go overboard with BBs here; either the 318 or a 360 police dressed as OE would work. Very interesting and tempting find!👍
If I bought this, I would commit the unthinkable. Find the latest 440 block available, like a ’78 or so, rebuild it to 10.5 – 11.0 compression, new Edelbrock 6pak aluminum intake, 6pak fuel injection, 6 speed Tremec manual, change to a white interior, and dress up exterior as a GTX, then use it for taking cruise trips.
As a Chevy guy I don’t a know as much about mopars as others. I had never heard of a Sport Satellite, I really like this car 70 was always my favorite year for the Roadrunner/GTX. Love the color and the wheels not so much the green int. I’ve have to change to white or black, or perhaps it would grow on me and I’d just keep it all original. Nothing wrong with a 318 but, would love to slap in a 4 speed behind it, keep all the auto. parts if some day you wanted to return it to the way it came from the factory.
I had a 70 Sport Satellite in the middle 70’s. It had the LA 318 in it. I put 70 340 HP heads on it n Hooker Super Compition headers on it. It was a automatic in the floor. The interior was green n the extrior was jade green matalic. I had yhe tranny professionaly built. I had Crager mags on it 14×6 on the front n 14×8 on the rear. This was a badass little motor n trans combination. I dusted many small block chevy’s n Fords with it. I wish I still had it. This car got about 25 mpg on the highway. I LOVED THIS CAR. The 68 to 70 B bodies were the best looking of all the B bodies. Now I have my Fathers 70 RoadRunnet Superbird now. It’s going through a body off restoration as we speak. It has just over 61,000 original moles on it. Wish I had my SS to go with it. This car could be the repacement I’ve been looking for.
I have a 1969 Plymouth Satelite, with the 318 motor {auto trans} with a slight cam, high rise manifold, 4 barrel carb, headers, and a new dual exhaust with cherry bomb mufflers, all new front brake stuff and a new gas tank. I jumped on the deal when I found out the car came out of a Ga. barn with cement floors so there was no rust in the floor pans or trunk pan. Only thing its a 4 door but a sleeper.She runs like a scaled dog. Trying to trade it for a older station wagon or older Chrysler. Bruce.
This looks like a good drivable car at what I think is a reasonable price not to mention most people would mistake it for a charger!! I think this is a much better buy then the rusted out chargers we’ve seen on here for twice this price!! A 440 with a four speed in it would be really nice though!!!