Make: | Plymouth |
Model: | Satellite |
SubModel: | Hemi 426 |
Type: | Hardtop |
Trim: | Hemi 426 |
Year: | 1966 |
Mileage: | 56936 |
VIN: | RP23H67251150 |
Color: | Red |
Engine: | 426 HEMI V8 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Interior color: | Black |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Fort Worth, Texas, United States |
Some of our favorite cars are those that that you never expect to love. This 1966 Plymouth Satellite is a pretty unassuming car, a cool hardtop in awesome '60s colors, but you'd never think that there was a predator lurking within. Not quite a pure sleeper, but it's certainly a subtle factory hot rod that hits all the right notes with a legendary 456 HEMI V8 big block and quick-shifting automatic waiting inside. Chrysler marketers weren't that... talented in the paint naming department, but the PP1 "Bright Red" paint on this car is indeed its original color and it really works well. It's bright, clean, and unassuming, perfect for a car with serious blasting powder under the hood. The sleek lines of the '66 Satellite mean that you really need to nail the bodywork, and with straight panels and crisp details like that slashing character line down the sides, the guys who painted this one approximately 10 years ago really got it right. There are some signs of age and use, but the basics are great, and the overall solid driver-quality helps with the low-key demeanor of this hardtop. You already know that we love the cantilevered hardtops that Chrysler was turning out during this period, which gives the car an industrial-strength look that's both attractive and a little bit intimidating. The Satellite wasn't big on flash, but the newer chrome bumpers, bright stainless, and nicely finished grille and tail panel all contribute to its clean overall look. The contrasting black interior is every bit as stylish, perhaps even more-so thanks to the "Western Scroll": accents, than the bodywork, and it defines the minimalist style that Mopar delivered. It's clean and uncluttered, but the patterns on the seats make it look upscale and the dashboards on these cars have always been somewhat remarkable in their design. All the original gauges are still resting inside the ornate bezel, and this beauty also received a factory tachometer installed in the middle console that splits the bucket seats. Options are scarce because Mopars were primarily built for their horsepower, not their luxury, but the heater/defroster still work, as does the factory AM/FM radio that still in the dash, and the beautiful steering wheel may very well be the car's original unit. The back seat is in great shape and supremely comfortable, the carpets are a little worn in a few places but still present well, and the door panels are adorned with the same "Western Scroll" that's found in the seats. Out back, the trunk is massive and includes a correct mat and plenty of room to accommodate for all travel plans. The big 426 HEMI V8 is a neat fit in the Satellite's engine bay and it's so clean and tidy that you can see where all the money was spent. VINs weren't stamped on these blocks but we do believe it to be the original block, and its presented beautifully with dual 4-barrel carbs up top, black valve covers, a correct chrome air cleaner replete with period decals, and Hemi Orange paint on the block, so it looks fast before you even turn the key. You know it was built for speed because it has no major options other than power steering, but you'll probably find they're not really necessary and the car is easy to drive just about anywhere. Stock manifolds feed a newer X-pipe dual exhaust system, and as long as you're under there, be sure to check out the new gas tank as well. It's not detailed for show, but it doesn't have any glaring problems and in a car that you'll want to drive, having a spotless undercarriage isn't really an advantage anyway. Classic Magnum 500 wheels with 235/60/15 front and 275/60/15 rear BFGoodrich white-letter radials complete the period performance look. A factory HEMI car that only gets better the more you look at it, this industrial strength Plymouth offers a lot of performance at an attractive price. Call now!