Vehicle Description
Some of our favorite cars are those that that you never expect to
love. This 1966 Plymouth Satellite is a pretty unassuming car, a
cool hardtop in awesome '60s colors, but you'd never think that
there was a predator lurking within. Not quite a pure sleeper, but
it's certainly a subtle factory hot rod that hits all the right
notes with a legendary 456 HEMI V8 big block and quick-shifting
automatic waiting inside.
Chrysler marketers weren't that talented in the paint naming
department, but the PP1 "Bright Red" paint on this car is indeed
its original color and it really works well. It's bright, clean,
and unassuming, perfect for a car with serious blasting powder
under the hood. The sleek lines of the '66 Satellite mean that you
really need to nail the bodywork, and with straight panels and
crisp details like that slashing character line down the sides, the
guys who painted this one approximately 10 years ago really got it
right. There are some signs of age and use, but the basics are
great, and the overall solid driver-quality helps with the low-key
demeanor of this hardtop. You already know that we love the
cantilevered hardtops that Chrysler was turning out during this
period, which gives the car an industrial-strength look that's both
attractive and a little bit intimidating. The Satellite wasn't big
on flash, but the newer chrome bumpers, bright stainless, and
nicely finished grille and tail panel all contribute to its clean
overall look.
The contrasting black interior is every bit as stylish, perhaps
even more-so thanks to the "Western Scroll": accents, than the
bodywork, and it defines the minimalist style that Mopar delivered.
It's clean and uncluttered, but the patterns on the seats make it
look upscale and the dashboards on these cars have always been
somewhat remarkable in their design. All the original gauges are
still resting inside the ornate bezel, and this beauty also
received a factory tachometer installed in the middle console that
splits the bucket seats. Options are scarce because Mopars were
primarily built for their horsepower, not their luxury, but the
heater/defroster still work, as does the factory AM/FM radio that
still in the dash, and the beautiful steering wheel may very well
be the car's original unit. The back seat is in great shape and
supremely comfortable, the carpets are a little worn in a few
places but still present well, and the door panels are adorned with
the same "Western Scroll" that's found in the seats. Out back, the
trunk is massive and includes a correct mat and plenty of room to
accommodate for all travel plans.
The big 426 HEMI V8 is a neat fit in the Satellite's engine bay and
it's so clean and tidy that you can see where all the money was
spent. VINs weren't stamped on these blocks but we do believe it to
be the original block, and its presented beautifully with dual
4-barrel carbs up top, black valve covers, a correct chrome air
cleaner replete with period decals, and Hemi Orange paint on the
block, so it looks fast before you even turn the key. You know it
was built for speed because it has no major options other than
power steering, but you'll probably find they're not really
necessary and the car is easy to drive just about anywhere. Stock
manifolds feed a newer X-pipe dual exhaust system, and as long as
you're under there, be sure to check out the new gas tank as well.
It's not detailed for show, but it doesn't have any glaring
problems and in a car that you'll want to drive, having a spotless
undercarriage isn't really an advantage anyway. Classic Magnum 500
wheels with 235/60/15 front and 275/60/15 rear BFGoodrich
white-letter radials complete the period performance look.
A factory HEMI car that only gets better the more you look at it,
this industrial strength Plymouth offers a lot of performance at an
attractive price. Call now!
