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1970 Plymouth Satellite

The '70 Plymouth Satellite: a cool, muscle-car-ish cruiser! Big, boxy, and undeniably 70s, it wasn't as raw as its predecessors but still packed a punch. Part of Mopar's popular lineup, it reflects the era's shift towards comfort. Think chrome, long hood, and that classic American muscle vibe. A true time capsule.

The 1970 Plymouth Satellite: An American Classic

The 1970 Plymouth Satellite is more than a car; it's a gateway to a bygone era of muscle cars and shifting automotive trends. Back in the day, when the world of was less advanced, this model emerged as a true icon. It's got a look and feel that screams vintage muscle, while the period's charm seeps through its design and engineering. This page will take you through the Satellite's captivating history, specs, notable owners, and more.

Photo of a 1970 Plymouth Satellite

1970 Plymouth Satellite Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Plymouth Satellite Worth?

Original MSRP :$2,765.00

Outstanding

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$35,000

Clean

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$21,600

Average

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$16,600*

Rough

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$9,200

1970 Plymouth Satellite Specs

Body Maker: Plymouth
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: RH23
Length: 203.8 inches
Width: 76.4 inches
Height: 53 inches
Wheelbase: 116 inches
Weight: 3,055lbs
Type: Slant 6, overhead valve, Single downdraft, Fully synchronized
Displacement: 225.54 cu. in.
Cylinders: 6
Bore And Stroke: 3 13/32 & 4 1/8 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.4 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 145@4000
Horsepower Rated: 27.85
Torque: 215@2400
Main Bearings: 4
Valve Lifters: Mechanical
Block Material: Cast Iron
Engine Number Location: Stamped on joint face at right corner, adjacent to number 1 cylinder bore.
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Holley
Type:
4.75 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
9.25 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
3.08
Gear Ratios Second:
1.76
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
3.95
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.23 to 1
Front: Independent torsion bar
Rear: Hotchkiss
Service Type: Hydraulic, self-adjusting drums
Service Front Size: 10 inches
Service Rear Size: 10 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 10 inches
Type: Regular
Tire Size: F78 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 19 Gallons
Oil: 4 Quarts
Rear Differential: 2 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting RH23B0a100001
Total Digits:13
Digits 1-2:Series
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Silver Metallic, Ice Blue Metallic, Blue Fire Metallic, Jamaica Blue Metallic, In Violet Metallic, Rally Red, Lime Green, Ivy Green, Lime Light Metallic, Vitamin C, Burnt Orange Metallic, Deep Burnt Orange Metallic, Sand Pebble Beige, Frosted Teal Metallic, Scorch Red, Sahara Tan Metallic, Burnt Tan Metallic, Tor-Red, Alpine White, Black Velvet, Lemon Twist, Sunfire Yellow, Yellow Gold, Citron Mist Metallic, Citron Gold Metallic
Hardtop: Opt
Torque Flite Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Radio: Opt
Front Disc Rear Drum Brakes: Opt

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History of the 1970 Plymouth Satellite

The Satellite took flight during a time when American automakers were shaking things up to fend off foreign rivals. It's a bit like when your favorite diner starts adding exotic dishes to keep up with the new restaurant down the street. Influenced by German aesthetics but bursting with American spirit, the Satellite managed to find a balance between opulence and performance. Maintaining Plymouth's recognizable brand traits, it offered a classy and refined driving experience.

Notable Variants

Back then, Plymouth wasn't afraid to experiment. Legendary tales, like those 1978 Plymouth Fury cars turning up with extra whitewall tires, show just how adventurous they could be. As for the car's heart—the engine—the Satellite offered an array of options. From modest choices to the heavy-hitting V8s, each variant offered its own flavor of performance.

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Detailed Specifications

Let's talk shop. The 1970 Plymouth Satellite combined beauty and brawn. Engine choices ranged from the humble 225 cubic-inch slant-six to the raw power of the 426 Hemi. And if power was your thing, the Road Runner's 440 engine didn't disappoint.

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    Acceleration: The Satellite could smoothly hit the 0-60 mph mark in just under seven seconds.

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    Quarter-Mile Time: It clocked in at 15.6 seconds, reaching speeds up to 91 mph.

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    Top Speed: A casual 120 mph, if the road were long enough!

Pop Culture Spotlight

The 1970 Plymouth Satellite wasn't just a road warrior; it was a screen star too. Picture this: its slick design cruised through movies like "Smokey and the Bandit." Even in the TV series "Adam-12," the Satellite played the role of an official police vehicle. It was the kind of car you'd expect to see in a high-stakes pursuit or casually parked in front of the protagonist's house.

1970 Plymouth Satellite Gallery

Photo of a 1970 Plymouth Satellite
Photo of a 1970 Plymouth Satellite
Photo of a 1970 Plymouth Satellite
Photo of a 1970 Plymouth Satellite
Photo of a 1970 Plymouth Satellite

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Popular Figures Who Own the Satellite

Jay Leno

This charming late-night talk show host, Jay Leno, is known for his enviable car collection. When it comes to Mopar muscle, Leno doesn't just kick tires—he drives them passionately. His garage acts like a public museum, revealing just how much he's smitten by the car's retro allure.

Richard Carpenter

Richard Carpenter, of The Carpenters fame, often dabbles in classic car restoration. His interest in the 1970 Plymouth Satellite proves his keen appreciation for nuanced design and performance finesse.

John Cena

WWE star John Cena blends muscle strength with muscle cars. His collection of automobiles pays homage to 1970s icons, including his very own Plymouth Satellite. It's a nod to his era-defining larger-than-life persona.

Fun Facts about the Plymouth Satellite

Cultural Footprint:

You'll find the Satellite's influence in unexpected places. It's even represented in Matchbox collections across America—often in hot wheels competitions!

Collector's Gem:

Well-preserved Satellites can fetch a pretty penny. At auctions, they sometimes soar close to $167,200! Not bad for a car that's middle-aged.

For anyone on the fence about getting into classic cars, or those who just want to reminisce about a golden era, the 1970 Plymouth Satellite is a testament to what's possible when passion meets innovation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Well, let's see... Spotting a '70 Satellite? It's got that unmistakably boxy, kinda slab-sided profile, you know? Think of it like a really well-built brick—solid and dependable. Key features include the distinctive rectangular headlights, a long hood, and that iconic, somewhat low-slung stance. The taillights are also pretty unique to the year; they're horizontal and stretch across the rear, really emphasizing that wide, strong back end. And of course, the badging! Make sure to check for the correct Plymouth and Satellite emblems—fakes are out there, sadly. They’re easy to spot with a bit of practice, though. Basically, if you see a big, sturdy, somewhat square-shaped car from that era with those features, chances are pretty darn good you’re looking at a 1970 Plymouth Satellite. Oh, and the grille! Don't forget about the grille. It's a pretty significant detail.

Okay, so the '70 Satellite? It offered a pretty wide range of engine choices, from pretty tame to totally wild, if you were so inclined. You had your six-cylinder options, good for everyday driving, a solid workhorse. Then, there were a bunch of V8s—some pretty mild, others... well, let's just say they could really move. You're looking at options ranging from around 230 horsepower all the way up to, you guessed it, the mighty 440 Magnum. Now that thing was a beast, let me tell you; truly a muscle car powerhouse. It really depended on what you wanted from your car; daily driver or weekend warrior. Choosing the right engine was kinda like picking the right tool for a job, you know?

The transmissions available for the 1970 Satellite varied depending on the engine choice, naturally. The smaller engines often came with a three-speed manual, which was pretty standard at the time. You’d also find a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission frequently paired with the lower-horsepower V8s, providing a smooth, easy driving experience. The more powerful V8s, especially the big-block 440 Magnum? Those usually came with the heavy-duty TorqueFlite automatic; you definitely needed something that could handle all that power. Man, those things could shift! You could also find some with the four-speed manual, if you were looking for a really engaging driving experience; but those are a bit rarer, though pretty cool.

The '70 Satellite came in a couple of different body styles; you had your two-door hardtop, which was a popular choice, a classic coupe. There was also the four-door sedan, a bit more practical for families and those who needed extra space. The two-door hardtop is generally considered the sportier, more stylish of the two – but honestly, it just depends on your priorities. Think of it this way: hardtop for style, sedan for practicality—classic car conundrum!

Now this is tricky; pinpointing the exact value of a classic car like a '70 Satellite is like trying to catch smoke. It really depends on a whole lot of factors. Condition is absolutely key – a pristine, numbers-matching car will fetch a whole lot more than one that’s seen better days, or has been heavily modified. Rarity of options (like specific engine and trim combinations) also makes a difference. The overall condition of the car and any modifications will significantly affect the price. Location can also play a role, along with market trends and the current collector car market. Check online resources and classic car price guides for a general idea; but honestly, it’s best to get it appraised by an expert if you're seriously thinking about buying or selling one. You don't want to get a bad deal!

1970 Plymouth Satellite: Specs & Price