1971 Plymouth Satellite Sebring

Introduced in 1965 as the top model in Plymouth's mid-size Belvedere line, the Plymouth Satellite used Chrysler's mid-size B platform. The Satellite was available with the newly optional 'Street Hemi' engine in 1966. This engine came to compete with the two 4-barrel carburetors and 10.25:1 compression. This body style remained for the following year with only minor trim changes. All mid-sized Plymouths carried the Satellite name from 1971 to 1974. The hardtop coupe models had the 'Sebring' suffix. The Satellite name disappeared when the Fury name was given to Plymouth's mid-size models for 1975. In 1965 a larger, more updated Plymouth Fury was presented to the public on Chrysler's full-size C platform. The Plymouth Belvedere title was switched to Plymouth's mid-size line, really a continuation of the full-size 1962 to 1964 models. The top trim model of the series with the Belvedere Satellite, available as a two-door hardtop or convertible with bucket seats. Similar to the Fury, the simple front end carried a single headlight on each side and had a grille that was divided into 4 thin rectangles laid horizontally. 1968 brought a higher trim Sport Satellite model at the same time the Belvedere name was downgraded to low-trim base models. Continuing on this body, only minor rear and front restyling was done in 1970. The Belvedere discontinued this year. The Satellite adopted a new 'fuselage' styled body that had different wheelbases, sheet metal for two and four-door models as significant updating and restyling was accomplished for the 1971 model. Two-door models, base coupe with non-roll-down rear windows were called Satellite. In 1973 the two-door models received a conventional front end, along with squared up sheet metal and rear side windows. Satellite Sebring, Satellite Sebring Plus came in base, Custom or wood-trimmed Regent models, and Sedans were available in base, Custom and Brougham trim. 1974 Sedans and wagon models had large 5mph bumpers. The Satellite continued on steadfast until 1974 where the nameplate was retired.

1971 was a pivotal year for car production, the end of an era if you will. Between upcoming pollution control and insurance companies raising rates to be borderline unaffordable for most, 1971 was the last year for truly masculine muscle. Leave it to the White Hat boys to keep things going strong at the end, not only did they keep the big muscle car engine options available, the B-body styling for '71 had gone full sexy and sultry with a coke bottle design even in small block form. For consignment, a first year body style and last year true muscle car look in the form of a 1971 Plymouth Satellite Sebring, add a remanufactured engine, a rebuilt transmission a subdued paint scheme, and a laundry list of recent maintenance and updated parts you have eye candy in steel form.

Exterior
With a near show quality finish for the carefully resprayed body done with fender tag matching Amber Sherwood Green Metallic, it will be difficult to find any fault on this fuselage looker other than some small inclusions down low. Great looking Satellite Sebring script trim is seen dressing the coke bottle sides, and going around the front wheel well, then headed back through the door and rear quarter panel where it goes for another up and down ride around the rear wheel well, and finally ending at the rear bumper is an embossed body line giving the look of motion even when standing still. Speaking of the bumpers, they're both new and for the front is an ovalesque chrome surrounding the quad headlights, grill assembly and the traditional red white and blue Satellite emblem. Signal markers are mounted down below on the valance and all front lighting has been updated to CIBIE high power LED bulbs. A large slightly inward scooped hood wears not only hood pins but is flanked outboard by some body colored fender mounted turn signals. Well polished stainless surrounds dress the clear and clean glass and new chrome sport mirrors are dressing both doors. Out back, the flat rectangular trunk lid has been fitted with a new chrome laden luggage rack. New tail light lenses with LED bulbs sit within black trimmings and are surrounded by the all encompassing new chrome rear bumper. 1970's era American Racing Torque Thrust wheels dress the 4's and are wrapped in raised white letter staggered width Hankook rubber from 2021, and there you have it…Sebring trim.

Interior
A swing of the doors and we see very nice medium green embossed upper door panels then some molded vinyl below in a darker green. A shiny door actuating paddle and window crank are also in this differing field of texture and surfaces and we are blown away by the chrome trimmed light green rectangular inserts. Upfront we note the split front bench in medium and light green vinyl with the light green reserved for embossed inserts and the dark for the smooth bolsters in nearly perfect condition. In back is a pattern matching bench which is also presenting very nicely and perfectly clean. This interior looks like new because it is with all the parts coming from the folks at Legendary Interiors. Some extra wood appliqué is on the dash and frames the squared off gauges, radio and black knobs and aftermarket AC and heat dials, while down below a modern AM/FM/Bluetooth radio resides in its factory location. New aftermarket gauges hang below dash central and on the hump is a Johnson/Messenger 130A 2-way CB radio In front of the passenger seat is a large glove box door below a Satellite badged band of applique and topping things off is a new padded dash topper, again from Legendary Interiors. On the steering column is the original 3 spoke dark green and applique Plymouth badged steering wheel. This is all within a field of like new dark green low pile carpeting and above is a tight dark green headliner and nice B pillar coverings with some embossing in back.

Drivetrain
An unbelievably clean engine which touts 318ci displacement and Hemi Orange paint has all kinds of shine and little corrosion on any surface, as well as electronic ignition. This is a correct, but not original, remanufactured engine from ATK. The standard rebuilt 2-barrel carburetor sits atop with a flawless air cleaner in orange protecting the carb. This mill has been treated to a new water pump, a fresh tune up, a new alternator and voltage regulator, new high torque starter, new oil pump, new fuel pump and filter, and a new Champion 3 row aluminum radiator is on to keep things cool. Bolted on to the back is a rebuilt with new torque converter A904 TorqueFlite automatic transmission and a 8 1/4" rear axle with 2.71 gearing rounds out the package. Our consignor notes that all the fluids have been replaced to ensure reliable service.

Undercarriage
Slight surface rust is noted on an otherwise clean undercoated and patinaed frame and floor panels as well as underside of rockers. A newer Flowmaster dual exhaust snakes its way rearward from the headers attached to the 318ci mill. Providing the ride is an independent torsion bar front suspension with new ball joints and new air shocks and in the back we note leaf springs with more new air shocks. We note a new master cylinder actuating the power disc brakes with new hoses up front and power drums in the rear along with a new fuel tank. Our consignor also notes that the power steering box and power steering pump are also new.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter and great performer, this example was a pleasure to test drive, and it handled our test track like the best of them. Adequate and smooth acceleration from 1971, solid braking and decent handling. All worked very nicely with the functionality, no problems to report with the exception of the fender mounted turn signals not flashing and the clock not keeping time.

Mopar fans here are a true example of what one would see cruising the highways and byways of the good old USofA in the 1970's. Great looks out of 1971 and coming with a slew of new updates and upgrades, this car has always been maintained like a favorite prize flower, this beautiful and loooong car is a turnkey classic.

RH23G1G197406

R-Plymouth Satellite
H-High Price Class
23-2 Door Hardtop
G-318ci V8 2bbl
1-1971
G-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
197406-Sequential Unit Number

FENDER TAG

RH23:Plymouth Satellite
High, 2 Door Hardtop
G1G:318ci 2bbl V8 230hp
1971
St. Louis, MO, USA
197406:Sequence number
E44:318 cid 2 barrel V8 230hp
D31:A904 3-Speed Auto Trans.
GF3: Amber Sherwood Metallic Exterior Color
H2F7: Trim - High, Vinyl Bench Seat, Green
GF7:Sherwood Green Metallic Int. Door Frames
331:Build Date: March 31
149217:Order number
V4F:Vinyl Canopy Roof, Green
U:USA Specifications
A01:Light Package
B41:Front Disc Brakes w/Standard 10in RR Drum
B51:Power Brakes
G11:Tinted Glass (all)
G33:LH Remote Racing Mirror
H51:Air Conditioning with Heater
J52:Inside Hood Release
L31:Hood/Fender Mounted Turn Signals
M21:Roof drip rail moldings
M25:Wide sill moldings
R11:Radio Solid State AM (2 Watts)
26: 26" Radiator
END:End Of Codes

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.