1972 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus VIN # 00002 "Pilot Car"! SURVIVOR!

Plymouth Satellite 1972 Description

Up for auction today is something you don't see every day! A huge part of Mopar history for auction here today. A 1972 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus 2 door coupe "Pilot Car"! Serial number 00002! FIRST car built! **. **. One says *****"Show Car" the other "Job Number*****" and codes for the exterior color and black bucket seat interior. Plus other numbers of which I cant't figure out. See photo. Very special tags! Galen Govier was paid and he is in the process of validating more information on this car. I will include this info when I get it in the sale of this car.
I decoded the vin and here is how it breaks down.....R=Plymouth Satellite / Belvedere ...P=Price class "Premium"...23 = 2 door hardtop...G=318 V8...2=1972 Model year...G St Louis Mo assembly plant.
****. *****.
Original Omaha car that was purchased at "Husker Dodge". Husker Dodge was around for many years in Omaha. An Omaha Attorney had a friend in the car business in 1972. This car was sent to the Omaha Auto Auction from corporate headquarters or build plant after they used it for God only Knows! Commercials, Brochures, new car expo, etc. (There is a 1972 Brochure that was produced and it has a car just like mine on the front cover! Could it be my car) ?.... His friend bid on the car for him and he got it. Husker Dodge handled the transaction. He kept it all these years and then parked it in about 1985 behind an auto body repair shop with the "intentions" of "fixing her up" one day. That day never came.
This car, being a Pilot car, was hand assembled from what I gather by workers at the St Louis Mo. Plant. Being the first Satellite build I understand they used parts that were nearby at hand and put this car together with those available parts. It was not an ordered car or a car assembly line workers needed a build sheet to go off of and assemble, so no built sheet was found. It is possible, however, there may be some type of build or broadcast sheet somewhere else in the car I have not looked at yet. I have found however some very interesting things in this car. When pulling up the carpet, I found a manufacturers tag with "J.P. Stevens & Co Inc". Obviously the carpet manufacturer for Chrysler back then. It say "1792 HX8", "1972 B Body" etc. it has a tag attached that states "Pilot"! See pictures. Also, under the gas tank and also under the carpet I found very old masking tape with '"Show car" written on it, Also 2/3's of an envelope that also says "Show Car". Very interesting stuff! All goes with the car.
The car is equipped with Power steering and brakes, Air, power windows,am/fm radio, rare floor mounted Cassette player, 2 tone Sebring Plus paint. Has the bucket seats and a buddy seat. The seats aren't too bad of shape. They are soft but have splits. Headliner needs replaced. Door panels dash all real nice yet. Door jamb spot welds are not evident. This was true for Pilot cars as they were hand built.... a noted Mopar authority told me.
The drivers side floor pan needs replaced. The rest of the floors are solid. The frame rails are good as well as the trunk floor. The sheet metal on the exterior is in need of repair. See pictures. Trunk lid, lower fenders, tops of fenders, small spot on the roof, some around the hood hinges, etc need attention. The passenger door is missing lower hinge but door is attached. I believe this to be the original engine and transmission. a 318 and I believe a 727 Automatic. it is what it is. It's still a huge part of Mopar History. I believe this car should be restored and put up for display and show circuit.
I did get the engine to fire up. I put in a new gas tank and sending unit. You will need to start the car from under the hood as I think the ignition switch is bad? expect an entire drive train rebuild.The tires hold air. It should drive onto a trailer, no promises. All the original hub caps are there. The dash gauges are nice and the radio works.
Overall this is a real good project car for someone with experience. So I'm hoping a self Employed Body man with talent and a passion for Mopars gets this car. It deserves every dime someone puts in it. Many, many dimes!
My dad and I acquired this car as a project. We both have a passion for Mopars. However we lack the knowledge and talent to restore this rare car. With our limited ability we feel someone who can do it right should own it.
The car is located in Omaha, Nebraska. About 2 miles off I 80. It is indoors and I will assist in helping the transport company load it.Does start but quirkey. Transportation costs of the car is the buyers responsibility.
Negative or 0 feedback EBAY members must contact me prior to bidding or I will block you. Bid retractor's...go on to the next car. These auctions cost money. Any questions call me at 402 659 1118 Danny or Bernie
Good luck and I truely think this is a one of one car.