Some of the most popular, powerful, and valuable cars of the classic muscle car era are based on Chrysler’s intermediate B-body platform. Think Hemi-powered Dodge Charger - opens in new window or tab. or high-winged Plymouth Road Runner Superbird - opens in new window or tab.. Collectors who cherish these cars can pay six-figure prices for the privilege.
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Yet the B-body was also a versatile platform. It formed the basis of models ranging from station wagons to police cars. The 1967 Plymouth Satellite sold on eBay provides Mopar performance experience without a big-ticket price tag.
Sporty Hardtop
The 1967 Satellite sat in the middle of Plymouth’s intermediates, between the high-performance GTX - opens in new window or tab. and economical Belvedere - opens in new window or tab.. It has exclusive lower-body trim and standard front bucket seats. For hot rodders, the options list included a 325-horsepower 383 V-8 engine - opens in new window or tab. and four-speed manual transmission.
Most, if not all, 383/four-speed ’67 Plymouth Satellites left the factory without the distinctive lower moldings. That made them look like the GTX without paying the GTX premium. It does not have popular (but power-robbing) accessories like power steering, power brakes, or air conditioning, bolstering the idea that this car was built for speed.
There’s a steep output difference between the 325-horse 383 and the 375 ponies from the GTX’s standard 440 V-8 engine - opens in new window or tab.. But the $400 or so saved by buying a Satellite could fund a lot of hop-up parts in 1967.
Carburetor Upgrade
The seller said this car’s 383 came with a two-barrel carburetor from the factory, but it now has a four-barrel carb. A previous owner rebuilt the engine about 10 years ago. The Satellite then sat for most of the following decade.
The seller now drives it daily and has put about 1,000 miles on the car. He said:
It drives beautifully. It’s super strong. It fires up every time. The clutch is nice and tight, and the brakes don’t pull. It hasn’t given me any issues.
He’s not sure if the 42,000 miles on the odometer are actual. But he wouldn’t be surprised, he said, based on wear on the windshield, clutch pedal, and other components.
A Lot of Potential
The Satellite was repainted at about the same time as the engine rebuild. The seller was honest about the result:
They did a pretty bad job on the repaint. It’s an exact color match to the factory Dark Red Metallic, but that doesn’t matter because of how terrible it is.
The fault lies not with the Plymouth Satellite’s body, which he said is sound, but with poor prep before painting. The top coat is lifted off in places on the quarter-panels and front fenders. Body filler shows through around the wheel openings. Some patina can be attractive, but this goes beyond age spots. Removing the bad paint and starting over will get the best result. Fortunately, the jambs and engine bay look fine, so the re-do can be limited to exterior body panels.
The interior, on the other hand, looks great. It is reupholstered in the original black vinyl pattern and has new carpeting.
The seller believes this Satellite has a lot of potential:
It’s a badass driver. With a little bit of bodywork and paint, it could be a sweet car. I love the look of it, too. But these cars are kind of underrated. One day, people will realize how rare they are.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.