Vehicle Description
1971 Plymouth Satellite Sebring
Introduced in 1965 as the top model in Plymouth's mid-size
Belvedere line, the Plymouth Satellite used Chrysler's mid-size B
platform. The Satellite was available with the newly optional
'Street Hemi' engine in 1966. This engine came to compete with the
two 4-barrel carburetors and 10.25:1 compression. This body style
remained for the following year with only minor trim changes. All
mid-sized Plymouths carried the Satellite name from 1971 to 1974.
The hardtop coupe models had the 'Sebring' suffix. The Satellite
name disappeared when the Fury name was given to Plymouth's
mid-size models for 1975. In 1965 a larger, more updated Plymouth
Fury was presented to the public on Chrysler's full-size C
platform. The Plymouth Belvedere title was switched to Plymouth's
mid-size line, really a continuation of the full-size 1962 to 1964
models. The top trim model of the series with the Belvedere
Satellite, available as a two-door hardtop or convertible with
bucket seats. Similar to the Fury, the simple front end carried a
single headlight on each side and had a grille that was divided
into 4 thin rectangles laid horizontally. 1968 brought a higher
trim Sport Satellite model at the same time the Belvedere name was
downgraded to low-trim base models. Continuing on this body, only
minor rear and front restyling was done in 1970. The Belvedere
discontinued this year. The Satellite adopted a new 'fuselage'
styled body that had different wheelbases, sheet metal for two and
four-door models as significant updating and restyling was
accomplished for the 1971 model. Two-door models, base coupe with
non-roll-down rear windows were called Satellite. In 1973 the
two-door models received a conventional front end, along with
squared up sheet metal and rear side windows. Satellite Sebring,
Satellite Sebring Plus came in base, Custom or wood-trimmed Regent
models, and Sedans were available in base, Custom and Brougham
trim. 1974 Sedans and wagon models had large 5mph bumpers. The
Satellite continued on steadfast until 1974 where the nameplate was
retired.
1971 was a pivotal year for car production, the end of an era if
you will. Between upcoming pollution control and insurance
companies raising rates to be borderline unaffordable for most,
1971 was the last year for truly masculine muscle. Leave it to the
White Hat boys to keep things going strong at the end, not only did
they keep the big muscle car engine options available, the B-body
styling for '71 had gone full sexy and sultry with a coke bottle
design even in small block form. For consignment, a first year body
style and last year true muscle car look in the form of a 1971
Plymouth Satellite Sebring, add a remanufactured engine, a rebuilt
transmission a subdued paint scheme, and a laundry list of recent
maintenance and updated parts you have eye candy in steel form.
Exterior
With a near show quality finish for the carefully resprayed body
done with fender tag matching Amber Sherwood Green Metallic, it
will be difficult to find any fault on this fuselage looker other
than some small inclusions down low. Great looking Satellite
Sebring script trim is seen dressing the coke bottle sides, and
going around the front wheel well, then headed back through the
door and rear quarter panel where it goes for another up and down
ride around the rear wheel well, and finally ending at the rear
bumper is an embossed body line giving the look of motion even when
standing still. Speaking of the bumpers, they're both new and for
the front is an ovalesque chrome surrounding the quad headlights,
grill assembly and the traditional red white and blue Satellite
emblem. Signal markers are mounted down below on the valance and
all front lighting has been updated to CIBIE high power LED bulbs.
A large slightly inward scooped hood wears not only hood pins but
is flanked outboard by some body colored fender mounted turn
signals. Well polished stainless surrounds dress the clear and
clean glass and new chrome sport mirrors are dressing both doors.
Out back, the flat rectangular trunk lid has been fitted with a new
chrome laden luggage rack. New tail light lenses with LED bulbs sit
within black trimmings and are surrounded by the all encompassing
new chrome rear bumper. 1970's era American Racing Torque Thrust
wheels dress the 4's and are wrapped in raised white letter
staggered width Hankook rubber from 2021, and there you have
it...Sebring trim.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we see very nice medium green embossed
upper door panels then some molded vinyl below in a darker green. A
shiny door actuating paddle and window crank are also in this
differing field of texture and surfaces and we are blown away by
the chrome trimmed light green rectangular inserts. Upfront we note
the split front bench in medium and light green vinyl with the
light green reserved for embossed inserts and the dark for the
smooth bolsters in nearly perfect condition. In back is a pattern
matching bench which is also presenting very nicely and perfectly
clean. This interior looks like new because it is with all the
parts coming from the folks at Legendary Interiors. Some extra wood
applique is on the dash and frames the squared off gauges, radio
and black knobs and aftermarket AC and heat dials, while down below
a modern AM/FM/Bluetooth radio resides in its factory location. New
aftermarket gauges hang below dash central and on the hump is a
Johnson/Messenger 130A 2-way CB radio In front of the passenger
seat is a large glove box door below a Satellite badged band of
applique and topping things off is a new padded dash topper, again
from Legendary Interiors. On the steering column is the original 3
spoke dark green and applique Plymouth badged steering wheel. This
is all within a field of like new dark green low pile carpeting and
above is a tight dark green headliner and nice B pillar coverings
with some embossing in back.
Drivetrain
An unbelievably clean engine which touts 318ci displacement and
Hemi Orange paint has all kinds of shine and little corrosion on
any surface, as well as electronic ignition. This is a correct, but
not original, remanufactured engine from ATK. The standard rebuilt
2-barrel carburetor sits atop with a flawless air cleaner in orange
protecting the carb. This mill has been treated to a new water
pump, a fresh tune up, a new alternator and voltage regulator, new
high torque starter, new oil pump, new fuel pump and filter, and a
new Champion 3 row aluminum radiator is on to keep things cool.
Bolted on to the back is a rebuilt with new torque converter A904
TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a 8 1/4" rear axle with 2.71
gearing rounds out the package. Our consignor notes that all the
fluids have been replaced to ensure reliable service.
Undercarriage
Slight surface rust is noted on an otherwise clean undercoated and
patinaed frame and floor panels as well as underside of rockers. A
newer Flowmaster dual exhaust snakes its way rearward from the
headers attached to the 318ci mill. Providing the ride is an
independent torsion bar front suspension with new ball joints and
new air shocks and in the back we note leaf springs with more new
air shocks. We note a new master cylinder actuating the power disc
brakes with new hoses up front and power drums in the rear along
with a new fuel tank. Our consignor also notes that the power
steering box and power steering pump are also new.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and great performer, this example was a pleasure to
test drive, and it handled our test track like the best of them.
Adequate and smooth acceleration...for more information please
contact the seller.
