Yo, gearheads and B-car enthusiasts! Let's talk about a legend, the Plymouth Satellite. From 1965 to 1974, this bad boy wasn't just the fancier sibling of the Belvedere; it was a three-generation powerhouse that gave us sedans, hardtops, wagons, and some seriously gnarly coupes. For us in 2026, it's the holy grail for builders on a budget. Why? Because those two-door beauties are basically Road Runner and GTX doppelgangers without the insane price tag. Perfect for your next project car or tribute build. But hold up, some of these sleepers came with factory Hemi hearts, making them pure, unadulterated collector gold. Buckle up, because we're diving deep into everything Satellite.

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This OG started life in '65, slotting right between the compact Valiant and the full-size Fury. Over its decade-long run, it evolved through three distinct generations, each with its own flavor. It was the Swiss Army knife of Mopar—versatile, stylish, and packing enough performance options to keep things interesting through the muscle car era's peak and its… let's say, interesting later years.

Now, a quick sidebar about the GTX. Everyone calls it a Satellite variant, and they're not totally wrong. But the real tea? It debuted in '67 as a Belvedere trim package, the Plymouth Belvedere GTX, sharing the Sport Satellite's vibe but with a 440 or 426 Hemi ready to party. It became a standalone model from '68 to '71 before becoming a trim for the Road Runner. Since the GTX and Satellite share so much DNA, we're treating them like family here.

Gen 3 (1971-1974): The Comfort Crusader (With a One-Year Beast)

By the '70s, the Satellite had matured. The third gen was all about balancing daily driving comfort with a side of performance. Think of it as the family sedan that could still get rowdy if you ticked the right boxes.

Regular Trims & Drivetrains:

These were designed for the real world, not just the drag strip.

Trim Engine Options (225 Slant-6 to 400 V8) Transmission Options Axle Ratios Vibe Check
Satellite (Base) Full range 3-/4-speed manuals, A904/A727 automatics 2.71 to 3.23 Your blank canvas, pure and simple.
Satellite Custom Same as Base Same as Base Same as Base Base trim with better threads (upgraded interior/exterior).
Satellite Brougham/Regent 225 Slant-6 to 400 V8 Same as Base Same as Base The luxury liner. All about plush seats and smooth rides. 0-60? A gentleman's 9.5-12.5 seconds.
Satellite Wagon 225, 318, 360, 400 V8s Mostly automatics, limited manuals 2.76 to 3.23 The practical powerhouse for hauling kids and groceries in style.

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The 1971 launch model had a wild engine lineup, from the humble Slant-6 all the way up to 383 HP, 440 RB V8s, and the mythical 426 Hemi (though the Street HEMI was gone). Regular trims kept it sensible, while performance models got the good stuff: 4-speed manuals, heavy-duty A727 autos, and stump-pulling 3.23–4.10 axle ratios.

The Star of the Show: The 1971 GTX

For one year only, the third gen got a shot of adrenaline. The 1971 GTX was Plymouth's last hurrah for a proper, high-trim Mopar muscle car in the Satellite line. This is the unicorn everyone tries to clone with a base Satellite. Finding a real '71 GTX, especially with a Hemi, is like winning the lottery—and the price reflects that.

💰 2026 Market Reality Check:

This gen is your gateway drug into classics. According to the latest data, the average price sits around $25,000. You can snag a clean base model for way less, but that Hemi GTX? Yeah, that's a six-figure conversation all day.

Gen 2 (1968-1970): Peak Mopar Style & Performance

Alright, let's rewind to the good stuff. The second generation is where the Satellite truly came into its own. The styling? Absolutely iconic. The performance options? Legit. This is the era that makes hotrodders' hearts beat faster.

Regular Trims & Drivetrains:

Something for everyone, from the value hunter to the luxury seeker.

Trim Engine Options Transmission Options Key Feature
Satellite (Base) 225 Slant-6, 318 V8, 383 2-bbl 3-/4-speed manuals, automatics The affordable core. Power & value, baby.
Satellite Sport Same as Base Same as Base All about that hardtop look. Style over raw performance upgrades.
Satellite Custom Same as Base Same as Base The fancy one. Luxury touches with proven drivetrain versatility.
Satellite Wagon 225, 318, 383 2-bbl Automatics only, no 4-speed manuals The ultimate family hauler. Dependable and practical.

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The engine bay was a playground. You could start with the economical 225 Slant-6 and go all the way to the earth-shattering 426 HEMI in the GTX. Transmissions matched the muscle, from basic 3-speeds to robust A904/A727 autos and performance-geared manuals.

The Performance Kings: GTX & High-Output Trims

This was the golden age. The second-gen GTX became a standalone model—the gentleman's muscle car, but with a savage heart. These were the only Satellites that got the monster mills:

  • 440 Super Commando (torque for days)

  • 440 Six-Barrel (carburetion madness!)

  • 426 Street HEMI (the undisputed king)

These beasts came with the whole package: heavy-duty everything, reinforced drivetrains, and Dana 60 rear ends to handle the brutal power. This is factory muscle at its absolute pinnacle.

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💰 2026 Market Reality Check:

Want that iconic '60s Mopar look without selling a kidney? The second-gen Satellite is your ticket. They're highly sought after, but more attainable than their badge-engineered siblings. The average price is around $55,000, but savvy builders can find project cars for a fraction of that. It's all about the vision, my dudes.

Gen 1 (1965-1967): The Original Recipe

Where it all began. The first gen kept it simple with one main regular trim, but oh boy, did it offer a laundry list of V8 options. This was about progressive power, letting you choose your own adventure.

Engine Lineup - Choose Your Fighter:

  • 273 V8 (Base): The entry-level. 180 HP, 17-sec quarter-mile. Slow but steady and dependable.

  • 318 Poly V8 (Optional): A solid step up. Better torque, shaved about a second off 0-60. Great bang-for-your-buck.

  • 361 V8 (Optional): Hello, big-block! Mid-15s quarter-mile times. This is where things start to get serious.

  • 318 LA V8 (Optional): The refined, lighter version of the Poly. Same power, better efficiency and response.

  • 383 2-bbl V8 (Optional): The boss of the regular trims. 270 HP, sub-9-second 0-60. Proper muscle on a (relative) budget.

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But wait, there's more! The first gen also offered the performance trims that turned the Satellite into a legend:

  • 383 Commando: The versatile street bruiser. Heavy-duty everything, multiple axle ratios. A fan-favorite.

  • 440 Super Commando: A rare, torque-monster big-block. Explosive power, exclusive heavy-duty drivetrain.

  • 426 Street HEMI: The holy grail. Required special chassis reinforcements, dedicated transmissions, and the strongest axles. Exceedingly rare and insanely valuable today.

💰 2026 Market Reality Check:

First-gen Satellites are some of the most affordable vintage muscle cars you can find. Sure, a numbers-matching Hemi car will cost more than a house, but you can find solid 383 or 440 projects for a song. The average price is about $32,000, with tons of opportunity below that. It's the perfect start for a restomod or a period-correct cruiser.

Final Verdict: Why the Satellite Still Slaps in 2026

So, what's the deal? Why are we still obsessed with the Plymouth Satellite? Simple: value, versatility, and vibe.

  • For Purists & Collectors: The first-gen Hemi cars are top-tier. A 440 or 383 car from any generation will always turn heads and start conversations at any cars and coffee. It's pure, uncut American iron.

  • For Builders & Hotrodders: The second and third gens are PERFECT donor platforms. They give you that legendary Road Runner/GTX silhouette and Mopar soul without the "official" badge premium. You can build your dream muscle car, drive it hard, and not worry about destroying a priceless artifact. It's freedom, baby!

All three generations have earned their stripes. Whether you're chasing originality, planning a savage restomod, or just want a classic that won't empty your wallet, the Plymouth Satellite has got you covered. In 2026, it remains one of the smartest plays in the classic car game. Now, go out there and find your project! *mic drop*