Among the Few With This Spec
Mecum Auctions has listed for sale a 1966 Plymouth Satellite, notably equipped with Chrysler’s 426 Hemi V8, widely regarded as one of the most iconic American performance engines ever built. This particular example – one of only 817 produced with the Hemi engine – has undergone a comprehensive restoration and shows just 84 miles on the odometer.
The 426 Hemi first appeared in 1964 as a race-only engine and immediately made headlines after Plymouth achieved a 1-2-3 finish at the Daytona 500, with NASCAR legend Richard Petty taking the checkered flag. The V8’s overwhelming performance proved so disruptive that NASCAR effectively banned the engine the following season, and rival Ford would later develop the Boss 429 to stay competitive.
Serious Muscle Under the Hood
The road-legal version of the engine, known as the Street Hemi, did not arrive until two years later. Introduced for homologation purposes, it was offered in limited numbers across several Chrysler products, including the Dodge Charger and, of course, the Plymouth Satellite.
To make the engine suitable for public roads, Chrysler detuned the 426 for improved durability and drivability, though it still delivered a healthy 425 horsepower. This example retains the classic dual four-barrel carburetor setup and hemispherical cylinder heads, a configuration that allowed for superior airflow and high-RPM breathing. Supporting the powertrain is a suite of heavy-duty suspension and chassis components, paired with an A727 Torqueflite automatic transmission, making it one of 314 Satellite examples equipped with that gearbox.
The listing states that the Satellite was refinished and painted red at Richard Petty Studios, a detail that subtly ties the car back to its racing roots. Externally, the car features 1966-specific Satellite trim details, along with five-spoke road wheels wrapped in redline tires. Inside, the black interior has been restored with a sporty, period-correct treatment, highlighted by front bucket seats and a floor-mounted shifter.
Headed for Six Figures
Despite the odometer reading of fewer than 100 miles, this 1966 Satellite is unlikely to qualify as a true time capsule. Instead, the mileage almost certainly reflects limited use following its nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration.
Estimated to sell for $150,000 to $160,000, the Hemi-powered Satellite is scheduled to cross the block at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction next month. The event is also set to feature several other high-profile lots, including a BMW M1 previously owned by three-time Formula 1 World Champion Niki Lauda.
