1969 Baldwin-Motion Corvette Phase III GT

"Groooovy- Baby!!"  Introduced opposite Lamborghini’s new Miura at the 1969 New York International Auto Show, Joel Rosen’s prototype Baldwin-Motion Phase III GT Corvette attracted crowds as well as major carmakers.  It had unique styling, fastback rear window and for the first time, room for luggage.  It caught the eye of Corvette Godfather, Zora Arkus-Duntov.  He gave the GT prototype his blessing and told Rosen that he really liked his Corvette, but that GM couldn't do what he did.

Looking back in automotive history, the legendary Baldwin-Motion name represents some potent dealer built supercars of the American muscle car era.  Invoiced as new and complete cars, they came with a warranty, and could be ordered by mail.  Back in the day, companies such as Baldwin-Motion, Yenko and Shelby were pushing the envelope far beyond where the major manufacturers were willing to go.  Not many other companies even attempted a twin turbocharged 454.  However, Baldwin-Motion did.

Joel Rosen was the driving force of Motion Performance Products which were sold through Baldwin Chevrolet of Long Island.  Joel's engine of choice was the L-88 which he jammed into several Camaros, Corvettes and Chevelles.  The thing that separated Motion Products from its competitors was not only a guaranteed 1/4 mile time, but their radical styling packages, which usually included distinctive signature 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, Phase I or Phase II were never offered.

Easily identified by their fixed headlights, only ten of these lightweight Corvettes were made, and no two are identical.  Their 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.

It's easy to say that the Phase III GT was the first real “tuner Corvette”, built almost two decades before Reeves Callaway produced a twin-turbo Corvette.  Rosen’s GT showcased custom body panels including a fastback window conversion, as much horsepower as the customer wanted and a full array of mechanical upgrades.  The use of a fastback window allowed for a large stowage area behind the bucket seats for luggage or golf clubs.  A first for that generation Corvette.

All total, during the years 1969 and 1971, Baldwin-Motion’s Joe Rosen built 12 Phase III Grand Touring Corvettes, all of them powered by potent 427 and 454 big-blocks.  The last built was powered by an aluminum head 500 + horsepower 454.  It was the highest optioned and most expensive of what was called "The Dynamic Dozen."

Today, having one of these rare Supercar 'Vettes can bring in a few bucks come resale.  At a Barrett-Jackson Collector Car auction, one such Baldwin- Motion Corvette hammered down for $226,800.  Not a bad piece of change to put in your pocket!

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