1967 Plymouth Satellite

When the Plymouth Satellite was introduced in the 1965 model year, it served as the Plymouth 'B' platform Belvedere top-of-the-line trim model offered as a convertible or a two-door hardtop. It remained the top model until 1967 when it was dethroned by the GTX, moving down a position in the Plymouth hierarchy.

The 1967 Plymouth lineup included the entry-level Valiant and Valient Signet wearing all-new bodies and styling. The Barracuda was no longer associated with the Valiant line, becoming a separate model available as a convertible, fastback coupe called the Sports Barracuda), or hardtop coupe. The Belvedere, Satellite, and GTX were intermediate-sized vehicles within the Plymouth lineup, resting below the full-size Fury and VIP models.

Both the Satellite and GTX were offered as hardtop coupes or convertibles, while the Belvedere was offered as a hardtop coupe, convertible, sedan, and 6- and 9-passenger station wagon. Trim levels of the Belvedere included the base (offered only as a station wagon), Belvedere I (two-door sedan, sedan, and 6-passenger wagon), and the Belvedere II (coupe, convertible, sedan, and wagon). The Belvedere wagon was priced at $2,580, and the Belvedere I ranged from $2,320 to $2,650 for the six-cylinder versions. The base eight-cylinder version added approximately $100. Prices on the Belevedere II ranged from $2,440 to $2,840; the Satellite listed for $2,745 for the hardtop coupe and the convertible sold for $3,000; and the GTX was priced at nearly $3,200 for the coupe and $3,400 for the convertible. A total of 30,328 examples of the coupe (Satellite and GTX) and 2,050 of the convertible (Satellite and GTX).

The Valiante and Barracuda rested on a 108-inch wheelbase, the Belvedere passenger cars measured 116-inches (station wagons were 117-inches), and the Fury passenger cars were 119-inches.

The styling of the intermediate-bodied 1967 Plymouths was similar to the previous year with mild updating including the relocation of the parking lamps into the bumpers, a horizontal grille with blades that were thinner and flanked by dual side-by-side headlights with small grille extensions in between.

Standard equipment on the Belvedere I trim level included seat belts, dual brake system, emergency flashers, dual outside rearview mirrors, energy-absorbing steering column, cigar lighter, padded dash, armrests, back-up lights, and two-speed wipers with washers. Belvedere II added Belvedere II nameplates, front foam seats, full-length body side moldings, wraparound taillights, carpeting, parking brake warning lamp, and trim molding around the wheel openings.

The station wagons had a power tailgate window, two dome lamps, all-vinyl seats, wall-to-wall carpeting, and rear bumper step. Convertible body styles had glass rear windows.

Buyers who ordered the Satellite received bucket seats in the front with a console or optional center armrest seat, deluxe wheel covers, upper body accent stripe, courtesy lights, glovebox light, fender top turn signals, and aluma-plate full-length lower body trim panels.

The GTX models had a heavy-duty three-speed TorqueFlite transmission, upgraded brakes and suspension, dual hood scoops, Red Streak tires, a standard 440 cubic-inch V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, a 'Pit-Stop' gas cap, and dual-sport stripes.

The standard six-cylinder engine, except for the Valiant 100, was an overhead-valve inline-6 with 225 cubic-inch displacement, an 8.4:1 compression, Carter one-barrel carburetor, four main bearings, solid valve lifters, and delivered 145 horsepower at 4,000 RPM. The base V8 had overhead valves, a 273 CID displacement, five main bearings, solid valve lifters, a Carter two-barrel carburetor, and delivered 180 horsepower at 4,200 RPM. The Commando 273 had a four-barrel carburetor and 235 horsepower at 5,200 RPM. The 440 CID V8 in the GTX produced 375 horsepower.

A three-speed manual transmission was standard, with a four-speed manual with floor shift controls as optional on all but the GTX or cars equipped with the six or 273 and 318 CID V8s. A TorqeuFlite automatic was also optional equipment. Among the many performance options available was the 'Street Hemi' 426 cubic-inch V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors and 425 hp, a heavy-duty battery, heavy-duty alternator, heavy-duty Sure-Grip axle, Sure-Grip positive traction rear axle, various gear axles, power brakes, and power steering.

The Satellite and other intermediates were completely restyled for 1968, along with a 'Sport Satellite' backed by a standard 318 V8 resting above the standard Satellite. It received a few styling features similar to the Road Runner while the regular Satellite shared features with the Belvederes. A four-door sedan and station wagon joined the Satellite line for the first time.

Plymouth would continue to offer the Satellite through 1974.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2020