1968-1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite and GTX

Steady refinement yields remarkable results. The 1962 Plymouth lineup, initially seen as overstock, evolved significantly. By 1968-1969, their successors, the Plymouth Sport Satellite and GTX, achieved sales exceeding 250,000 units.

Enhanced styling played a role, but the reintroduction of the full-size Plymouth Fury in 1965, with a 119-inch wheelbase, was pivotal. This enabled the 116-inch models (117 for wagons) to thrive in the mid-size category as Belvedere I and II, alongside the bucket-seat Satellite.

In 1966, Plymouth ignited the passion of street racers by offering the legendary 426-cid Hemi V-8 as a standard production option for its mid-size cars, solidifying their dominance in quarter-mile racing.

The following year, the Belvedere GTX debuted, combining luxury with power. This model featured bucket seats, a console, and a standard 375-horsepower wedgehead 440 engine, available as both a convertible and hardtop coupe. However, its boxy styling needed an update to compete with GM and Ford's latest designs.

Chrysler addressed this in 1968 with a complete redesign of the B-body platform for the Belvedere, Satellite, GTX, and Dodge's Coronet and Charger. Plymouth introduced a broader lineup, branding it "The Mid-Size 5."

The lineup began with a basic Belvedere pillared coupe, four-door sedan, and wagon, followed by a two-door hardtop and convertible under the Satellite series, which replaced the Belvedere II.

The Sport Satellite series added a convertible, hardtop coupe, and four-door wagon with upgraded trim. However, the highest performance was reserved for the GTX models and the new no-frills muscle car, the Road Runner, which became a legend in its own right.

The 1968 Plymouth intermediates featured sleeker, more rounded designs with gently curved rear fenders, understated grilles, subtle side creases, sharply tucked rocker panels, and wide rear decks adorned with wedge-shaped taillights.

Despite the smoother B-body design, it was less aerodynamic compared to the 1968 Ford Torino and Mercury Cyclone fastbacks, which excelled on supertracks and frequently claimed victories. However, MoPar continued to dominate drag racing, with legends like Ronnie Sox and Buddy Martin contributing to Chrysler's impressive collection of Super Stock trophies.

Discover detailed engine specifications and additional information about the 1968-1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite and GTX on the following page.

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The 1968-1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite and GTX offered a wide range of engines, from the 225 Slant Six to the legendary 425-horsepower Street Hemi, alongside the GTX's standard 375-horsepower "Super Commando" 440.

Sport Satellites began with a modest 230-horsepower 318 engine and offered optional 383 V-8s delivering 300 or 330 horsepower. All models featured Chrysler's renowned torsion-bar front suspension and optional power front-disc brakes.

In 1968, most "Bs" models featured the optional TorqueFlite automatic transmission instead of the standard three-speed manual. However, GTXs came standard with the TorqueFlite and also provided a four-speed manual transmission at no additional cost.

GTXs continued to boast enhanced features such as a firmer suspension and a robust rear axle equipped with a "Sure-Grip" limited-slip differential. Externally, the 1968 models were distinguished by unique striping, prominent GTX badges, and a performance hood featuring dual dummy air intakes, similar to the Road Runner. Inside, they offered bucket seats, a center console, and faux wood accents.

Despite trailing behind Chevrolet and Ford in sales, Plymouth saw a significant increase in 1968, selling nearly 750,000 units, up by approximately 111,000 from the previous year. Intermediates made up about a third of these sales, with the Satellite leading the pack. Non-wagon Sport Satellites sold around 22,500 units, while the GTX models reached nearly 19,000 in sales.

The 1969 models primarily saw updates in trim and aesthetic details. However, enthusiasts were thrilled by the introduction of a powerful 440 engine equipped with three two-barrel carburetors, aptly named the "440 6-bbl."

Reportedly generating 390 horsepower, potentially more, this engine was a new option for the Road Runner, alongside a functional "Air Grabber" hood and five distinct Performance Axle Packages. The GTX, however, only received the axle packages, and its center console became an extra-cost option.

Despite maintaining impressive performance—achieving 0-60 mph in under 6.5 seconds with the Hemi and automatic, and slightly slower with the 440—the GTX was overshadowed by the more affordable "Beep Beep" car. Sales dropped to 15,000, while the Road Runner surged past 84,000 units. The Sport Satellite also saw improvement, with a new four-door sedan helping 1969 sales reach nearly 29,000.

The once-iconic GTX disappeared two years later, while the Sport Satellite, never particularly distinctive, faded into obscurity among generic family intermediates. Unfortunately, Plymouth allowed its meticulously nurtured 1960s lineup to deteriorate into mediocrity in the 1970s. The rest is history.

For detailed specifications of the 1968-1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite and GTX, proceed to our final section.

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Specifications for the 1968-1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite and GTX

The 1968-1969 Plymouth Sport Satellite and GTX combined impressive power and sleek design in a mid-size package. Below are the detailed specifications for these models.

Specifications

Engines: all overhead valve V-8; Satellite: 318 cubic inches (3.91 x 3.31), 230 horsepower; 383 cubic inches (4.25 x 3.38), 290/330 horsepower; GTX: 440 cubic inches (4.32 x 3.75), 375 horsepower; 426 cubic inches (4.25 x 3.75), 425 horsepower

Transmissions: 3/4-speed manual, 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic

Front Suspension: upper and lower A-arms, longitudinal torsion bars (anti-roll bar included on GTX)

Rear Suspension: live axle supported by semi-elliptic leaf springs

Brakes: drum brakes on both front and rear; front disc brakes available as an option

Wheelbase (inches): 116.0

Weight (pounds): 3,155 to 3,685

Maximum speed (mph): 105 to 140+

Acceleration 0-60 mph (seconds): 6.3 to 10.5

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