Whatever your opinion of Plymouth’s Satellite line may be, there’s no denying that it was one of the underestimated mid-size automobiles of its day. All three generations had fantastic looks and showed no reluctance to display their abilities.
In 1966, the Satellite underwent a minor redesign, receiving the infamous “Street Hemi” engine with its 4-barrel carburetors and 10.25:1 compression ratio. Simply put, the Satellite was instantly one of the most potent muscle cars of its generation thanks to the 426 ci HEMI V8 engine’s 425 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque.
There were, of course, other engine options available, with anywhere from 180 hp to 330 hp, but none compared to the Hemi.
It comes as no surprise to learn that this particular 1966 Plymouth Satellite, which is currently getting auctioned off to the highest bidder, was drag raced by its original owner in Michigan back in the mid-to-late 1960s, before getting shipped off to northern California.
Long story short, it’s been in the hands of the current seller for 33 years, having already undergone a multi-year refurbishment process consisting of a replacement driver-side fender, new coat of factory white paint, and re-plated chrome trim.
Other visual features include the fender-mounted turn signal indicators, 426 fender badges, side-view mirrors, a hood ornament, and a set of 14” steel wheels with Hankook Optimo H725 radials. The suspension was also overhauled (these Hemi-powered models came with heavy-duty front torsion bars and high-rate rear leaf springs), although we’re not too thrilled about the front and rear drum brake setup
Moving on to the interior, we see black vinyl front bucket seats, a similarly-upholstered rear bench, color-matching dashboard and headliner, custom three-piece fiberglass center console, a Plymouth Transaudio AM radio, locking glovebox, lap belts, and a two-spoke steering wheel with a chrome horn ring.
The only modifications made to the Hemi V8 are an aftermarket exhaust system with TTi headers, an MSD electronic ignition system, and a new radiator core. A replacement four-speed manual gearbox with new synchros and a Sure-Grip differential is in use in the meanwhile. Coincidentally, we’ve just come across a number of notable first-generation Plymouth Satellite cars online, including one survivor from 1969 with a 318 ci engine. Not bad, you’d say?
Check out this 1967 model with the 383 ci big-block V8 if you think we can do better; we don’t know if it has the two- or four-barrel carburetor, which is important because one helped produce 270 horsepower while the other 335 horsepower. However, neither of those two can compete with this 426 Hemi-powered vehicle. It has every desirable first-generation Satellite specification conceivable.
