Beskrivning
For us Brits, American machines of the 1950s and 1960s often need a little clarification, with their multitude of different names applied to similar body styles, engines measured in cubic inches rather than litres, and constant updates and restyles. So, deep breath, here goes with the first generation (1965 to 1967) of Plymouth Satellite.
The designation was introduced by Chrysler Corporation in 1965, to designate the highest trim level for the mid-sized Plymouth Belvedere model. And by mid-sized, of course, we mean pretty hefty by European standards. It remained the flagship, above the lowlier Belvedere I and II models, until 1967 - the year of this car - when the GTX came along to top it. However, it remained a very luxurious, well-equipped and powerful model despite being usurped.
Available only as a two-door hardtop (as here) or convertible, among the features Satellite buyers got were bucket seats and a centre console as standard, with a 273ci (4. 5-litre) V8 as standard. However, motors up to 426ci (seven litres) could be specified for those who wanted even more.
As was generally the way with American vehicles of the era, the Satellite was mildly redesigned for 1966, and again in 1967. This included the fitment of twin headlamps and tweaks to the boot and tail-light areas. Inside, the seats and door cards - vinyl rather than leather - were given a ‘Western Scroll’ motif, something that was shared with the GTX.
The first generation body style lasted a mere three years, with the visually similar but actually totally redesigned second gen version coming along in 1968. For many American car enthusiasts though, the first generation Satellites represent the pick of the Belvedere mid-sized models, with their imposing looks, potent V8s and high levels of comfort and equipment, from an era when the US car industry was still proud, ambitious and flamboyant.
This Satellite remained in its homeland until 1991, when it came over to the UK as a 24-year old classic. While there isn’t a great deal of history prior to the 21st century, there’s quite a stack of bills from the 2000s onwards, testifying to a car that has been carefully looked after and money spent on it as and when needed. That said though, it hasn’t seen that much use while in Britain. A check of the MoTs (available online at - details above) reveals that in June 2005, the Plymouth had covered 60, 002 miles. 15 years on from that, and the mileage is now only 74, 300. The MoTs show consistent passes too - indeed, there’s only one year (2008) when any advisories were highlighted at all.
Overall state, inside and out, is excellent, with all the mechanics also in superb order. This isn’t a car on which anything needs doing - just drive and enjoy. And what a lot of car there is to do both in.
Finished in a very gorgeous shade of metallic burgundy, this isn’t a vehicle that blends into the background. It’s in lovely condition, with a deep shine to the paintwork and no signs of corrosion anywhere. The same is true of the chromework - being an American car, there’s quite a bit of it, of course - but its all unmarked and free from any tarnishing. This includes the very ornate fuel filler cap. The previous owner fitted new door handles, locks, complete rear lamps and light surrounds.
All the trim is present and correct, with ‘Satellite’ badging on the front wings and the red, white and blue strip motif used for this Belvedere trim level on the grille. And for those keen to know what’s under the bonnet - sorry, hood - without having to lift it, there’s an upright ‘383’ emblem topping off this panel; a nice finishing touch on a car that likes to dial up the prestige.
For those who like originality, the ‘Airtemp - Air-Conditioned by Chrysler Corporation’ sticker surviving in one of the rear side windows is a bonus. There are more touches like this to be found elsewhere too.
Tyres all around are BF Goodrich Radial T/ A 245/ 60 R15 100S M+S items, enveloping wheels that show few indications of wear and tear, and no scuffing or corrosion. The age of the tyres is uncertain, but they have plenty of tread left. The white lettering is also still in good order, with minimal fading.
As stunning as the exterior may be, it’s the inside where this Satellite really shines. It’s very lavish, with the same amount of shiny brightwork as most British contemporaries would have outside. The carpets and dashboard are all finished in burgundy to match the exterior, while the seats and door cards are Pearl White, with those all-important and ornate Western scrolls running in strips on both, and adding a distinctive (and distinctively American) touch.
While there are a few signs of age to be found here and there, the cabin is generally in first-class order. The vinyl seats, front and rear, barely look like they’ve been sat on, while the door panels were another recent fitment by the previous owner, so look as new as they actually are. Lap belts are fitted for passengers up front.
As the instrument panel itself doesn’t give a lot of information, additional Sun gauges are installed above the glitzy centre console panel. These give readouts on water temperature, revs and oil pressure. These look to be a later fitment judging by the bullet connectors that can be glimpsed behind them - but this wiring is hidden out of sight under usual viewing.
Features to delight purists include the ‘Plymouth transistor’-fitted radio and the porthole courtesy lights set into the centre console.
The boot (or trunk, if you want to stay true to the Plymouth’s national origins) is absolutely huge and fitted with a chequered plastic mat. The paint here isn’t quite as good as it is on the rest of the car, as you might expect from an area not usually on general display and used to hold items which can move around while in transit. The lid still has its jack instructions sticker on the underside of the panel, although it is in quite delicate condition now, albeit still legible.
The big Chrysler B V8, with its blue-painted block, comprehensively fills the expansive engine bay, which is clean, presentable and certainly worthy of being displayed at shows. No leaks are apparent and the fluids look healthy and at the right levels, The car was serviced not too long ago.
The engine is topped off by a ‘Magnum’-branded air filter casing. We suspect this may have been transferred from another car, as this was either a Dodge designation for the 383ci engine or it denoted the 440ci (7. 2-litre) engine introduced on the Satellite for 1967. Plymouth’s usual moniker for the 383 was the even more impressive-sounding ‘Commando’. Still, it is a great looking air filter…
To complement the window air conditioning sticker, there are MOPAR stickers on the bulkhead - although they don’t look like original items because their level of preservation is just too good. What does look like it’s been with the Satellite since its very early days is the fabulously period Stant ‘Lev-R-Vent’ safety radiator cap.
The engine starts easily and runs well, with an intoxicating V8 bass soundtrack. The rugged and reliable Torqueflite 727 three-speed automatic transmission smoothly takes care of gear changes, while the brakes were renewed quite recently. Although they’re drums all around, they work very effectively. Handling isn’t always a strong point of large American cars, especially when compared to their European counterparts, but this one behaves itself well on the road. With 325bhp on tap, there is a surfeit of power to make use of.
In summary, this is an eye-catching machine that turns a lot of heads. If you like your classics to stand out, this Satellite definitely does that - it’s certainly not a car that could be lost in a crowd on this side of the Atlantic. It’s been very well-maintained and still looks a million dollars. Fortunately, we’re asking a lot less than that, at £24, 995 for a lavish Plymouth that you’re unlikely to see another example of in Britain.
