1969 Plymouth Satellite

The 1969 Plymouth model lineup included the entry-level Valiant and Valiant Signet, and the performance Barracuda with hardtop, fastback, and convertible body styles. The intermediate models included Belvedere, Road Runner, Satellite, and GTX. The Fury (in Fury I, Fury II Fury II, and Sport Fury trim levels) and VIP were Plymouth's full-size range of models. The Valiant and Barracuda rested on a 108-inch wheelbase, the intermediates with a 116-inch wheelbase, and the full-sizes measuring 120-inches (the Fury station wagons had a 122-inch platform).

Engine options for 1969 included an overhead valve six with 170 cubic inches and 115 horsepower, a 225 CID six with 145 hp, a 273 CID V8 with 190 horsepower, a 318 CID V8 (230 hp), a 383 CID V8 (335 hp), and 440 CID V8 (375 hp).

Plymouth introduced its Satellite model in 1965 as the top-trim level in the 'B' platform Belvedere line. Initially offered as a two-door hardtop and convertible body style, it remained the top-trim level until the 1967 model year, when it was dethroned by the GTX.

The Road Runner convertible and the Sport Satellite four-door sedan were new additions to the intermediate line for 1969. The Satellite models came with rear ashtray armrests, a heater and defroster, a lockable glovebox, front shoulder belts, dual horns, roof drip and lower rocker panel moldings, and a vertical center grille divider.

The Sport Satellite had the same body styles as its Satellite sibling, priced approximately $300 higher, and distinguished by wheel opening and 'B' pillar moldings, chrome door frames on the sedans, and exterior accent striping. The interiors had front foam seats except on the convertible which had bucket seats.

The Road Runner was offered as a coupe, hardtop coupe, and convertible with fairly similar prices to the Sport Satellite. Road Runner models had a heavy-duty suspension, upgraded brakes and shocks, top opening hood scoops, unsilenced air cleaner, rear or white streak tires, a four-speed transmission with Hurst shifter, a fake walnut shift knob, Deluxe steering wheel, and nameplate identification throughout the vehicle.

The GTX, available as a hardtop coupe ($3,415) and convertible ($3,640), included the items found on the lower series (Satellite, Road Runner, and Belvedere) plus exhaust trumpets, twin hood scoops, a performance cam, larger valve and ports, a heavy-duty TorqueFlite transmission, performance upgrades to many of the mechanical components, a heavy-duty battery, and foam bucket seats.

Minor styling changes followed for 1970, the final year for the Belvedere name. The styling introduced in 1971 would continue through 1974.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2020