1968 Plymouth Satellite: A Step Up in Style and Substance
The 1968 Plymouth Satellite represented a significant evolution for Plymouth's mid-size offerings, building upon the foundation of the Belvedere but infused with a bolder, more contemporary aesthetic and a renewed focus on performance and luxury. Slotting above the entry-level Belvedere and below the premium GTX, the Satellite carved out a distinct niche as a stylish, comfortable, and surprisingly potent option in the competitive "intermediate" car market of the late 1960s.
Design and Styling: A Move Towards Aggression and Sophistication
For 1968, the entire Plymouth B-body line, including the Satellite, underwent a significant facelift, moving away from the somewhat conservative lines of its predecessors. The Satellite adopted a more aggressive and sculpted appearance, characterized by:
- Distinctive Front End: A prominent, concave grille dominated the front, often featuring a horizontal bar design and distinctive quad headlights set within deeply recessed bezels. The front bumper was more integrated and stylish.
- Sculpted Body Sides: The body gained more character lines and a more muscular stance. The rear quarter panels featured a subtle kick-up, contributing to a sporty profile.
- Fastback Roofline (Optional): While sedans and hardtops were available, the introduction of a sleek fastback roofline on the coupe models significantly enhanced the Satellite's sporty appeal, giving it a more aerodynamic and contemporary look.
- Tail Panel: The rear featured a distinctive tail panel that often incorporated a horizontally oriented taillight design, contributing to the car's width and aggressive stance.
- Wheelbase and Dimensions: The Satellite was built on Plymouth's 116-inch wheelbase B-body platform, positioning it squarely in the mid-size segment.
Body Styles: Catering to Diverse Needs
The 1968 Satellite was offered in a range of body styles to appeal to a broad audience:
- 2-Door Hardtop Coupe: This was arguably the most popular and iconic body style, showcasing the new fastback roofline and embodying the sporty image of the Satellite.
- 4-Door Hardtop Sedan: For those prioritizing practicality, the 4-door hardtop offered a stylish and spacious option without sacrificing the modern design.
- 2-Door Sedan: A more traditional sedan offering.
- Station Wagon: The Satellite lineup also included a practical station wagon, providing ample cargo space for families.
Powertrain Options: A Blend of Economy and Muscle
Plymouth equipped the 1968 Satellite with a diverse range of engine options, allowing buyers to tailor their car to their performance and budget requirements.
- Standard Engine: The base engine was typically a 230 cubic inch (3.8L) "Slant Six" inline-six, providing economical and reliable transportation.
- V8 Options:
- 273 V8 (4.5L): A smaller, more performance-oriented V8 for those seeking a step up from the Slant Six.
- 318 V8 (5.2L): A popular and versatile V8, offering a good balance of power and economy.
- 383 V8 (6.3L): A more potent big-block V8, providing serious performance for the enthusiast. Available in two versions: a 2-barrel carburetor version offering strong torque and a 4-barrel carburetor version for even greater horsepower.
- 440 V8 (7.2L): The top-tier engine option, the 440 "Magnum" was a powerhouse, delivering exhilarating acceleration and performance, truly cementing the Satellite's muscle car credentials, especially when paired with performance packages.
Transmission options typically included a 3-speed manual, a 4-speed manual (often with the larger V8s), and Plymouth's Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission.
Interior and Features: Comfort and Optional Luxury
The interior of the 1968 Satellite was designed to be comfortable and functional, with a focus on providing a pleasant driving experience.
- Bench or Bucket Seats: Buyers could opt for either a comfortable bench seat or sportier bucket seats, often with a center console available for bucket-seat equipped cars.
- Dashboard and Instrumentation: The dashboard featured a clear and logical layout of instruments, with gauges for speed, fuel, and warning lights. Optional rallye gauges could provide a more performance-oriented look.
- Optional Amenities: A range of optional features enhanced comfort and convenience, including:
- Air conditioning
- Power steering
- Power brakes
- AM/FM radio
- Vinyl or cloth upholstery options
- Optional vinyl roof coverings
The Satellite's Place in the Market: A Solid Contender
The 1968 Plymouth Satellite was a successful offering for Plymouth, competing effectively in the burgeoning intermediate car segment. It offered a compelling package of attractive styling, a range of powerful engine options, and a comfortable interior, making it a desirable choice for a wide variety of buyers. While not reaching the outright performance heights of its GTX sibling, the Satellite provided a potent blend of everyday drivability and sporty character, making it a memorable and significant chapter in Plymouth's automotive history. Its combination of style and available V8 power, particularly the 383 and 440 options, also made it a popular choice for those looking to venture into the world of muscle cars without the premium price tag of some of its more specialized counterparts.