Plymouth Hemi Satellite, for sale in Solon, Ohio, for $118,990.

1966 Plymouth Hemi Satellite

At the end of 1964, NASCAR had seen enough out of Ford and Chrysler. Mopar Hemis were beating the “High Riser” Ford 427's, and you couldn't buy either one in a production car. Worse yet, Ford and Chrysler were both developing exotic, hand built overhead cam versions in an ever increasing horsepower race. Bill France wanted his racing series to mirror what was available to the average buyer, and he wasn't about to let factories turn NASCAR into yet another exotic prototype series. The SOHC engines were canceled, Ford developed a set of heads and an intake which would fit under a stock hood, and Chrysler pulled out for 1965. The marketing dollars couldn't be avoided, though, so for 1966 anyone who could pony up the substantial premium would roll out of their Dodge or Plymouth dealership in one of the most potent cars in the world. Of those built, this '66 Satellite was definitely one of the best looking, and of those which remain it's far and away one of the nicest.

In late 2006, a no-expense-spared rotisserie restoration was completed on this perfect numbers matching car using only original and NOS parts. This beautiful car retains 100% original Mopar sheet metal!

Here's how this great car was optioned out:

73 426/425h. p. HEMI engine

393 A833 4-speed manual transmission

406+8 Sure Grip Dana 60 3.54 rear end

421 AM Radio

486 Center Console

577 Console mounted tachometer
48 7.75 x 14 Goodyear Blue Streak tires

58 “Spinner” wheel covers

62 70 Amp series 27 battery

QQ1 Dark Red Metallic exterior

P4R Red Premium vinyl bucket seat interior

Chrysler wouldn't get around putting crazy names on colors until 1970, which is a shame: “Dark Red Metallic” doesn't begin to do this hue justice. It's deep, like a fine red wine, with an internal fire which is hard to describe. Complimenting the paint, all of the bright work on the exterior such as bumpers and chrome trim is in perfect show condition. Those Blue Streak tires came and went way too soon, adding an interesting touch overall. Unlike the base Belvedere, Satellites came with lots of stainless trim. This certainly was a “gentleman's muscle car” in the tradition of the Chrysler 300!

The interior brightwork and trim is also flawless throughout. The new seat covers, carpet and headliner are some of the only reproduction parts on the entire car! Sit down. . not only is this car a four speed, it's a console car, and one with a tach to boot! Restored gauges, bezels and a flawless dash pad are ahead of you, which is more than can be said for the competition!

The undercarriage is over detailed and absolutely beautiful. Primer and overspray? Not here—that's the same beautiful red as the top. You'll see correct components from the fasteners to the original engine, transmission and rear axle, all done perfectly.

Pop the hood and take in the sights. That's the proper mill, a 1966 Hemi, dressed to the nines. The big air cleaner hides the right carburetors, the starter relay is on the 1966-only mounting plate on the driver's inner fender, and all of the wear components are new. There are a pair of changes from stock: One is the now-ubiquitous Mopar electronic ignition distributor, and the other is a larger-than-stock cam which gets along GREAT with the Flowmasters underneath. You're going to love the way this car runs and drives!

Faking a '67-down Mopar is a lot tougher thanks to the original IBM punch cards in Chrysler Historical's possession. Aside from verifying the options, it shows this Satellite was shipped to Johnson Motor Sales in Lenoxville, Pennsylvania. The ORIGINAL window sticker also verifies this information. In case you need even more, the IBM punch card and fender tag were decoded by Galen Govier! The original warranty card is also present and shows that the original owner, Jack G. Rudd of Endicott, New York, purchased the car on April 14, 1967, and bought an extended warranty good until april 14, 1969—remember Hemi cars only carried 12/12 coverage!