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| About the Satellite/GTX/Belvedere |
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The Beginning
The Plymouth Belvedere, which had been around as a separate product line since 1954, spawned a Belvedere Satellite model in 1965, the same year its 116 wheelbase was promoted as a mid- size rather than a full-size. The line went from the Belvedere I to the II, and then to the Satellite. The body could be a hardtop or convertible; both had bucket seats. The front end was simple: a single headlight on each side, a grill divided into 4 thin rectangles laid horizontally (akin to the Fury).
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1967 Plymouth GTX
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The Early, but not the Earliest, Years
In 1966, there was a re-skinning, and the 1965 Belvedere I Super Stock () was dropped. As a consolation, the top-of-the-line Satellite model got an optional Street Hemi -- for extra, with quarter miles in 14.5 seconds and 0-60 in 7. The Street Hemi ihad two Carter AFBs (4 barrels each) with 10.25:1 compression. Styling for the 66 was clean, and sleek. The rear bumper was smooth, with no cut outs for lights (just for the license plate). Taillights were sectioned horizontally. The front end grill work was softened a bit, with the 4 section grill changed to that of horizontal slats (tiered from the middle out). The 66 Satellite hardtop coupe lists for .
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The GTX Takes Charge
In 1967, the GTX was the top of the line Belvedere. Petty won the Grand National championship in NASCAR this year, in a hemi Belvedere. The bottom 7 inches or so were painted silver, an aluminum trim was added, and you could get whatever color you wanted with it (I think). 67 was also the first year for the new 318 block, which is still in use.
1968 Coke-Bottle Restyling
In 1968, the line was restyled. The most noteworthy difference was the roofline, which was changed to follow the Charger. 68s and 69s had flip out rear quarter windows as standard. The new "Coke bottle styling" was attractive and eye-catching, and quite a departure from past models.
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The 1968 375hp 440ci RB/B Block
This is Mark's engine. Currently 57 cubes larger than David's, and there's no replacement for displacement. |
Sport Satellite
The Sport Satellite came out in 1968, just a year after the Satellite became its own model. Available as a two-door coupe, two-door convertible, and wagon, the Sport Satellite came with a 318 V-8 as well as cosmetic touches. Over 20,000 of these were made in 1968 alone. This series continued through to 1970. In 1971, the Satellite Sebring, Custom, and Regent Wagon were introduced instead (also replacing the Satellite GTX).
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