The 1968 Plymouth Satellite marked the first year Plymouth used the Satellite name as part of its new mid-size lineup. Positioned between the compact Valiant and full-size Fury, the Satellite offered a combination of style, size, and performance options, making it a versatile family car with muscle potential.
Styling part of Chrysler’s “coke bottle” design era with sweeping fenders and curving rooflines. With Quad headlights with wide grille, Chrome trim along beltline and wheel openings. The Interiors were functional with optional upgraded trim packages for vinyl upholstery, carpeting, and woodgrain dash accents. With Seating for six with optional bucket seats in certain packages.
- Make/Model: 1968 Plymouth Satellite
- Body Style: 4-door sedan (also offered as 2-door coupe and station wagon)
- Platform: Chrysler B-body
- Wheelbase: 117 inches
- Trim Position: Mid-range; above Belvedere, below Fury in full-size lineup
The Satellite had a wide range of engines to suit economy or performance buyers:
Base engine:
- 225 cu in Slant-6 – 145 hp
Optional V8s:
- 318 cu in V8 – 230 hp
- 340 cu in V8 – 275 hp (high-performance small block)
- 383 cu in V8 – 330–335 hp (medium performance)
- 426 cu in HEMI V8 – 425 hp (rare, race-oriented)
- 440 cu in V8 – 375 hp (optional in high-performance models)
Transmissions:
- 3-speed manual
- 4-speed manual (floor shift)
- 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic
1968 was the first year for Satellite as a separate trim line, replacing Belvedere 2nd-tier models. Production numbers for the 4-door sedan: ~over 30,000 units, though exact numbers vary by source. The 1968 Plymouth Satellite was popular among families, but V8-equipped versions made it attractive to enthusiasts seeking a mid-size muscle car. The 1968 Satellite laid the foundation for Plymouth’s muscle car era, as the Satellite would later evolve into the Road Runner (1968–1974) and other high-performance derivatives.
| Engine (cu in) | Horsepower | Transmission Options | Notes / Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 225 Slant-6 | 145 hp | 3-speed manual, 3-speed auto | Base engine; most common in sedans |
| 318 V8 | 230 hp | 3-speed manual, 3-speed auto | Popular mid-range V8; widely produced |
| 340 V8 | 275 hp | 4-speed manual, 3-speed auto | High-performance small block; rare in sedans |
| 383 V8 | 330–335 hp | 4-speed manual, 3-speed auto | Strong performance; moderate rarity |
| 426 HEMI V8 | 425 hp | 4-speed manual only | Very rare; mostly race-oriented |
| 440 V8 | 375 hp | 4-speed manual, 3-speed auto | Available in high-performance packages; rare in sedans |
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