1966 Plymouth Belvedere Satellite

Plymouth introduced the up-market versions of the Belvedere in 1965. The standard engine was the 273 CID V8 with overhead valves, five main bearings, solid valve lifters, a two-barrel Carter carburetor, and 180 horsepower at 4,200 RPM. The optional 273 CID V8 with a four-barrel carburetor brought horsepower to 235 bhp. The 318 CID V8 with five main bearings, solid valve lifters, and a two-barrel carb produced 230 bhp. Additional options included the 361 CID, 383, and 426 'Commando' V8s. The 426 of 1965 had the wedge combustion chamber design and the 1966 426 was the Hemi.

The Plymouth Satellite, part of the Belvedere line, was given a major restyling in 1966. The body was square with a much sharper profile and the front wheel openings curved upward into the rectangle shape. The sedans had a square-angular roof with thick rear pillars while the hardtops had the cantilevered roof treatment with a wider base.

The Satellite was available as a Hardtop Coupe or a Convertible. 35,399 examples of the hardtop were sold while 2,759 were convertibles. The Satellite models were distinguished from the Belvedere Series with less side trim, a fancy trunk treatment, rocker panel moldings, vinyl trims, wheel covers, bucket seats, and a console.

Pricing began at $2,695 for the hardtop coupe while the convertible sold for $2,900. The Satellite hardtop coupe was the most popular of the entire Belvedere Series with 35,399 examples built and 2,759 of the convertible.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2019