1966 Plymouth Satellite

Description

Performance first and everything else second was the calling card of cars like this 1966 Plymouth Satellite hardtop, which probably explains why they're so popular with Chrysler fans today. Originally a 318 car, it's been upgraded to a built 360 that not only delivers a big wallop of horsepower, but with its light weight, it's a pretty agile handler as well.

These cars can look incredibly sophisticated in the right color, and the code GG1 Dark Green Metallic gives this car the appearance of a far more expensive machine. The long, straight shape of the Satellite demands care when you're restoring one, and they spent time and effort all out of proportion to the sticker price to get this one to look right. The dark green paint has just a hint of metallic in it, so it sparkles in the sun and looks glossy and sleek at night, and you can see from the reflections in those arrow-straight quarter panels that they got it right. The cantilevered styling on the roof was uniquely Mopar and gives the no-nonsense Satellite a sleek profile. Bright chrome bumpers, stainless trim outlining the bodywork and windows, plus a bright insert on the trunk lid makes this Satellite look anything but ordinary. This is a really nice car.

More surprises await inside where a gorgeous black bucket seat interior reinforces the idea that this car should cost thousands more than it does. Cool tooled vinyl on the seats is a funky '60s touch and power windows are a nice find in a car at this price point. Chrysler stylists were at the top of their game when this car was built, giving it a high-end look with chrome accents and brushed stainless trim and a complete array of gauges in the wide dash panel. An aftermarket tach has been neatly installed down low on the console and there's an AM/FM/cassette radio in the center of the dash for entertainment. There's room for real-sized human beings in the back seat (try that in your Mustang or Camaro) and the trunk is positively massive, perfect for road trips to the Mopar Nationals. Adding a fifth Cragar wheel and full-sized tire is a nice touch.

The original 2-barrel 318 is long gone and a recently rebuilt 360 cubic inch V8 has taken its place. Topped with a performance intake and 4-barrel carburetor, it cackles the way only a small block can. It's eager to rev, too, so throttle response is instantaneous and it still looks pretty darned authentic with Hemi Orange paint on the block and those finned aluminum valve covers. Long-tube headers bolster its torque curve and with glasspack-style mufflers, it definitely has a snarl that'll get some respect on the street. Chrysler's 727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic is one of the better gearboxes of the era, giving up little to its manually-shifted cousins, and there are 3.55 gears in the 8.75-inch rear end which are the ideal combination of acceleration and comfortable cruising. Shiny chrome Cragar limited edition anniversary wheels are a traditional '60s performance look and carry staggered 205/70/14 front and 215/70/14 rear Goodyear radials.

Given the quality of the restoration, the amount of performance under the hood, and an original Chrysler Corporation Broadcast Sheet, this car is shockingly affordable. If you like the looks of these heavy-duty Mopars, this Satellite will make you very happy. Call today!