Custom Corvette Built to Baldwin-Motion Phase III GT specs 427ci V8 4 speed

Before Lingenfelter, Callaway, or Roush became household names in the tuning world, Baldwin-Motion was setting the standard for high-performance Chevrolets. Operating out of Long Island in the late 1960s, Joel Rosen partnered with Baldwin Chevrolet to deliver some of the fastest, boldest muscle cars in America, backed by a written quarter-mile guarantee. Among their most striking creations were the Phase III GT Corvettes, combining unmistakable styling cues with tire-shredding big block power. This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette captures that legacy as a catalog-correct Phase III GT tribute, finished in Monaco Orange and restored with authentic Motion Performance parts. Verified by Joel Rosen himself, this Corvette lives up to the Phase III reputation as one of the meanest street machines of its era.

The exterior delivers the full Phase III presence. Monaco Orange paint is accented by Motion graphics, reverse gills, a slanted rear window, bubble taillights, and Motion badging. A LeMans-style fuel cap and Mach 1 mirrors add the right finishing touches, while a Motion hood and side pipes ensure the car looks every bit the part of a street dominator. Rolling stock consists of vintage Ansen Sprint slot mag wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, completing the stance that Motion catalogs promoted. Even small details, like the Motion Supercar Club decal in the rear glass, reinforce the authenticity of this build.

Power comes from a 427 cubic-inch big block V8, bored .030 over and conservatively rated at 550 horsepower. The engine bay is dressed with genuine Motion details, including finned aluminum valve covers and the signature “Fly Eye” air cleaner. At the heart of the build is a period-correct combination of a Holley 750 carburetor, Edelbrock Torker II single-plane intake, and rectangular-port heads. This authentic setup mirrors the textbook recipe Rosen favored for Phase III cars, delivering strong high-RPM horsepower while retaining enough street manners to be driven with confidence. A rolling cam adds to the car's aggressive character, and a Flex-a-lite fiberglass fan aids cooling. Chrome Hooker headers feed into side pipes for the unmistakable Motion soundtrack. A Muncie 4-speed manual transmission keeps the driver fully engaged, and a 3.70 Positraction rear end delivers the power to the pavement. The chassis benefits from power steering and power four-wheel disc brakes, combining authentic performance with confident road manners.

Inside, the car stays true to late-1960s Corvette character with black vinyl bucket seats, factory-style door panels, and a cleanly restored cabin. The stock gauge cluster remains intact, supplemented with a Sun Super Tach II and a Bosch oil pressure gauge that give the cockpit an authentic period racer feel. A Hurst shifter with aluminum T-handle sits in the factory console, paired with a four-speed pattern plate that hints at the muscle underneath. A RetroSound head unit blends seamlessly with the dash, maintaining the correct look while offering modern audio capability and auxiliary input. Details like the Motion-style switchgear under the dash and the cleanly finished rear cargo area show the same level of care found throughout the restoration.

This Corvette's provenance elevates it even further. Originally delivered to Norton Chevrolet in Philadelphia, it was discovered in 2016 and treated to a frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration, consuming more than 1,500 hours across 18 months. The build is fully documented with receipts and an extensive photo album. Upon completion, Joel Rosen personally certified that authentic Motion parts were used, placing the car in the top tier of catalog builds. Recognition has followed, including feature coverage in Vette Vues, Vette Magazine, and MACAN, along with multiple Celebrity Choice Awards at Corvettes at Carlisle.

In summary, “Beauty” represents the very best of the Baldwin-Motion legacy. With a 550-horsepower 427, catalog-correct Motion components, power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, and Rosen's own certification, it delivers the look, sound, and performance that made Motion Corvettes legendary. Fully documented and nationally recognized, it stands as a museum-quality tribute that will command attention at any show or event while honoring one of the most iconic names in Corvette history.

Key Highlights

* Baldwin-Motion Phase III GT tribute
* Certified by Joel Rosen
* 1.5 year frame-off restoration
* Authentic Motion body parts
* 550hp 427ci big block V8
* Muncie 4-speed manual transmission
* Independent rear end with 3.70 gearing
* Positraction differential
* 15" polished Ansen Sprint slot mag wheels
* Edelbrock Torker II intake manifold
* Holley 750 4-barrel carburetor
* Motion "Fly Eye" air cleaner
* Chrome Hooker headers
* Power four-wheel disc brakes
* Power steering
* RetroSound head unit with AM/FM/Aux