From 1965 to 1974, the Satellite was the top trim level for Plymouth’s version of the Chrysler intermediates. It was a step up from the Belvedere and Road Runner and on par with the GTX muscle car. This 1969 edition is a running convertible and one of fewer than 2,000 built that year. Located in Beachwood, Ohio, it needs some TLC but looks like a solid project to restore. It’s available here on eBay where the reserve is unmet at $5,000 bid so far.
The Satellite benefitted from the B-body redesign in 1968 and production for 1969 would crack 114,000 units, including sedans, hardtops, station wagons, and relatively few convertibles. 1,955 copies of the drop-top came in regular and Sport Satellite trim. The Satellite would enjoy its best years in the 1970s before the nameplate gave way to Fury in 1975 when that monikered was repositioned as Plymouth’s mid-size product.
This Plymouth is largely original at 95,000 miles though the seller has done some work to get it in running condition (we assume it may have been dormant when he/she bought it). That includes a new carburetor, brakes, battery, and BF Goodrich T/A tires on restored rims. No mention is made if the 318 cubic inch V8 or the TorqueFlite automatic transmission has ever been cracked open. But for now, the automobile does what it’s supposed to do: run, drive, and stop.
For the most part, the sheet metal and undercarriage are okay with some exceptions. The floorboards and trunk have ample surface rust and there are a couple of holes down below that will require repairing. The two fenders may need patching as do the rear quarter panels and one of the doors reskinned. The F8 green paint may be original, and it looks to have exceeded its prime. The front bumper is rusty, but the seller has a replacement.
A full restoration was planned but – as is often the case – the seller doesn’t have the time to proceed. The interior is okay except for the front seat bottom, and we’re told a new convertible top may be in order. You could probably drive the car for a while the way it sits This could be a cool ride for cruising once all the work is done.
Road Runner project. Hemi swap.
I think Nelson meant that is likely what will happen to it, as it seems to happen with most non-supercars these days. I saw a 68 Camaro about two weeks ago at the parts store, older gent driving it, palomino ivory and black, still had the original 6 cylinder and powerglide. Of course the younger guy that worked the counter swore up and down that he needed a big block in it. The older gent replied, “at my age, son, I’m not in a hurry to get anywhere.” He said he bought the car for his wife, who had passed a few years ago, back in 1971 and owned it ever since. Pretty cool to see one so original.
Agreed, And I think a mild 5.7 Hemi swap would be a great upgrade. Keep the exterior original/restored.
It depends on what your goal is.
If you’re looking to make some money – restomod it.
If you’re looking for some drop-top cruising enjoyment – repair, paint, drive.
I had a 69 sport satellite. The original owner swapped the 318 out for a 340. Wonderful car. Sweet trim package.
Looks like the important structures are pretty solid. I’m tempted, tho I prefer ’70 coupes…
No….he fails to mention BUT does provide pictures of the rear rails which will need to be replaced and that’s not that easy. Would like to see the front underside pictures if the backs are that bad.
It’s been for sale for awhile…..
Runs, drives and stops, with great effort on the pedal. I had a 70 fury 318 4 wheel drums and no power assist. Need I say more.
My first driving lesson was through driver’s ed, in a car without power brakes. Later that week my dad took me out to practice in the Satellite with power brakes – almost put him through the windshield the first time I braked.
Learned to drive in my parents’ Satellite, although it was a hardtop with the same 318. Wish I had the money to buy it from them when they went to trade it. Don’t have enough garage space to relive my teenage years, but it would be fun.
I’m a “middle-of-the-road” kind of guy, so like so many things, I’d take the middle ground here between keeping the engine “bone stock” and swapping in a Hemi. I’d stroke it to at least 340, and possibly to 360 cubic inches, with suitable machine work to the heads so it could run well on modern unleaded go-juice, with an upgrade to either a Six-Pack intake, or EFI, along with electronic ignition. The EPA didn’t mandate compatibility with low-lead or no-lead fuels until the 1970 model year, so if you don’t swap out the valve guides and valve seats, you’ll have to feed it a lead additive at every fill-up, a very large PITA!
And the Sport Satellite was the top of the heap for 1968/69/70 pretty much same inside as the GTX. 1965/66/67 didn’t have the Sport only Satellite model.
Unless you can tie to Joe Mannix somehow it’s definitely a swap. I can see a restomod possible. Great project.
Did not meet reserve with a high bid of $10,600.
Steve R