The biggest hurdle facing enthusiasts searching for a classic to park in their garage is that the desirable ones typically cost a lot of money. That is where well-executed tributes can ride in and save the day. They typically sell for significantly less and, if created properly, will offer a comparable ownership and driving experience. Take this 1972 Plymouth Satellite as a perfect example. It looks like a Road Runner, features a 440ci V8 under the hood, and appears to need nothing beyond a new owner. The seller has listed the Plymouth here on eBay in Farmingville, New York. Bidding sits below the reserve at $11,100 at the time of writing.

Plymouth abandoned the Coke-Bottle styling with the introduction of its new Satellite and Road Runner range in 1971. The “fuselage” design gave its latest offering a more pronounced presence and improved the car’s aerodynamic efficiency. This 1972 Satellite carries the hallmarks of a genuine Road Runner, featuring the correct graphics over its Formal Black paint. The image quality isn’t as good as I would typically like, making it hard to identify any potential paint shortcomings. The hood decals exhibit checking, but the rest look crisp and clean. The panels are straight, and the seller states that prone areas, like the floors, rails, trunk pan, and rockers, are rock-solid. The trim and glass are in good order, and the Cragar wheels add a sense of purpose.

This Plymouth’s interior is almost as tidy as its exterior, with only a few visible flaws. The dashpad has cracked, and the carpet appears faded on the transmission tunnel. Otherwise, the Black vinyl upholstered surfaces look rip-free, and apart from one small hole, the headliner looks nice. The faux woodgrain is in good order for its age, and the new owner will receive the original Owner’s Manual and other documentation.

It is disappointing that the seller supplies no engine shots because the V8 lurking under the hood is one of this car’s defining features. The VIN decodes to confirm that the first owner ordered this Satellite with a 318ci “LA” V8, which, according to the company’s literature, produced 150hp and 230 ft/lbs of torque in SAE net terms. Those figures are rendered irrelevant by an upgrade performed by the seller during their build. The 318 was shown the door, with a 440ci brute occupying the empty space. We can speculate upon its power and torque figures, but with such additions as an aluminum Edelbrock intake, a Holley carburetor, an MSD electronic ignition, and a dual exhaust, it is safe to say that this classic is considerably faster than it was when the first owner drove it off the lot. Shifting duties are performed by a three-speed TorqueFlite, with the car also featuring power-assisted steering and front disc brakes. The best news for potential buyers is that this Plymouth is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well. It is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.

If this 1972 Plymouth Satellite was a genuine Road Runner, its condition would typically see bidding surpass $35,000. Considering how much interest it has generated, that figure may still be achievable. However, making an accurate call in such circumstances is challenging because any modified car is only worth what someone is willing to pay. Having said that, the interest the seller’s listing has generated suggests there could be some way to go before the hammer falls. What would you be willing to pay for this stunning Road Runner Tribute?