Introduced in 1965, the mid-size Satellite was the top trim level of the Plymouth B-body Belvedere line of cars. It would hold that place in the sales literature until 1975 when the Fury nameplate took over the reins. Third-generation models, 1971-74, would have new “fuselage” styling, including the seller’s ’72 edition. It’s in good overall condition with an older repaint and a strong-running 400 cubic-inch V8 under the hood. From Cuero, Texas, this Plymouth is available from a dealer here on eBay where the reserve has yet to be met at $8,100.
Beginning in 1971, Satellite hardtops and sedans shared little, if any, sheet metal (which begs the question of why carry the same name). Given the VIN of the seller’s car, this is likely a Satellite Sebring, which bought with it a higher level of trim, though not top-dog (those honors went to the Sebring Plus and Satellite GTX). The hardtops used a loop-type front bumper and rode on a 115-inch wheelbase, two inches shorter than the sedans and wagons.
The seller’s car has less than 19,000 miles on the odometer, but that’s not likely authentic as the motor has been rebuilt. The VIN suggests the original 400 came with a 2-barrel carburetor, whereas the car has had a bit of tinkering which includes an Edelbrock intake manifold and BBL carb. It has 276 gears, a 727 automatic transmission, and new exhaust from front to back. We’re told it runs well and has factory A/C although that’s going to need some work.
About 20 years ago, the red paint was redone and looks good, though a tad faded here and there. The only rust on the car is a small spot on the hood where it was modified to accept a scoop. And some surface rust on the floor of the trunk that some sanding and paint would take care of. If this is troublesome for the buyer, the seller has a ’71 Road Runner hood available at additional cost. The side trim was removed when the car was repainted but never replaced, but the seller has a complete set that will go with the car for the next owner to install.
The seller recently spent $1,400 on the white and black interior, repairing the seats front and rear (sorry, no buckets). A new headliner and rear package shelf were also part of that work. Newer redline tires are mounted on 14” Magnum wheels, so the car presents well overall. If you’re looking for a nice, but not perfect, mid-size Plymouth of this era and don’t have the funds for a Road Runner or GTX purchase, maybe this car could fit the bill.
2.76 gears, what, this guy want to race in NASCAR?
3:23 with the 400 worked VERY well!
“Kansas gears “, my late father would say.
That is funny. I have traveled across Kansas at high speed in my younger days. I remember being outside of Topeka once and stormed past a billboard at almost 90 and a cop was there, but believe it or not, just then I was pasted by a kid in an old Chevy. As I slowed down, the cop nabbed the kid and I kept on trucking at closer to the posted limit (at least for a while).
I really like the looks of this one, and if the bidding doesn’t get too out of control this looks like a good driver for somebody without breaking the bank.
I never knew Mopar made a 400 ? Always learning something on the Barnfinds site 👍
Hi Stan, the 400 was available from 1972 to 1978 in cars, maybe longer in trucks. It was the replacement for the aging 383.
I would prefer the 71′ GTX but, this is a nice cruiser.
I always loved this body style. Cool colors too. This one would be just fine by me.