1969 Baldwin-Motion Corvette Phase III GT
Baldwin-Motion is a legendary name as it represents some potent dealer built supercars from the American muscle car era. Invoiced as new and complete cars, these cars came with a warranty, and could be ordered by mail. In their day, companies such as Baldwin-Motion, Yenko and Shleby, were pushing the envelope far beyond where the major manufacturers were willing to go. Not many other companies even attempted a twin turbocharged 454, Baldwin-Motion did.
Joel Rosen was the defining personality of Motion Performance Products which were sold through Baldwin Chevrolet of Long Island. His engine of choice was the L-88 which he installed in several Camaros, Corvettes and Chevelles. What separated Motion Products from its competitors, was not only a guaranteed 1/4 mile time, but radical styling packages which usually included distinctive stripes.
In 1969, Joel stripped down several big block Corvettes to create his Corvette Phase III GT. The Phase III Corvette received a comprehensive tuning program which more than doubled the cost of the base model. For reasons unknown to me, Phase I or Phase II were never offered.
Easily identified by their fixed headlights, only ten of these were lightweight vettes were made, and no two are identical. Custom exterior features included: recessed headlights, functional hood scoops, custom side louvers, slanted rear windows, Dodge fuel fillers, slit taillights, motion traction bars, custom side mirrors and flared wheel wells.
In Detail
type | Professionally Tuned Car |
built at | USA |
engine | LS6 V8 |
fuel feed | 950CFM Holley 3 Barrel Carb |
displacement | 7440 cc / 454.0 in³ |
power | 324.4 kw / 435 bhp |
specific output | 58.47 bhp per litre |
driven wheels | RWD |
Auction Sales History
1969 Baldwin Motion Corvette Phase III – did not sell for $140,000
1969 Baldwin Motion Phase III GT 427 CI Corvette. Unrestored with 46,154 original miles. Numbers matching 427/435 HP engine. Documented by Mr. Joe Rosen. 1 of the only 10 Phase III Corvettes built. Cover car on Feb 2005 Corvette Fever Magazine. Cover car on Chevy Rumble Jan 2005. Factory side exhaust. M21 4-speed transmission. Tilt and telescopic steering column. AM/FM radio. 14 Motion modifications. This is the only Phase III Baldwin Motion with Shelby side scoops. Featured in Marty Schorr’s GT chapter of his upcoming book on the history of Baldwin Motion.
Auction Source: Kissimmee 2014, #WhereTheCarsAre by Mecum