The listing for this 1969 Baldwin Motion Chevrolet Corvette Phase III GT calls the car “incredibly rare and significant,” and it’s not hyperbole. The high-performance Motion Performance cars were built in partnership with Baldwin Chevrolet on Long Island for just a few years, 1967 to 1974.
If you wanted 500 horsepower in a Corvette, Camaro, Nova or Chevelle back then—and you had the money—Motion Performance was your one-stop shop. Hundreds of cars were built (beginning with an L-88 stuffed into a Camaro), and the most valuable Phase III models came with a guarantee that they would “turn at least 120 miles per hour in 11.50 seconds or better” with an approved driver on a sanctioned strip.
That rear end is special to the Phase Three Corvettes.
Marty Schorr, who co-founded Motion Performance with Joel Rosen and wrote a book on the subject, says that this listing is indeed for an authentic Phase III GT, one of just 12 built (some sources say only 10). “It’s the only candy gold one,” Schorr said, “and it’s the only car built with Shelby Mustang side scoops on the sail panel. I liked them, but nobody else did so only this car got them.”
Schorr said that eight of the 12 cars are known (the listing says six), but the others are either no longer with us or waiting to be found in a barn somewhere. This Corvette was missing for many years, but turned up in time to be auctioned for $231,000 at the Barrett Jackson sale in Scottsdale circa 2005.
The car is described as “in its original color configuration, and as equipped since its earliest days.” That means it has its original nose with recessed and exposed headlights (the covers were only for Europe), fastback rear window, flared fenders, unique taillights, quick-fill fuel cap, and more.
The Phase III Corvette retains its original 427 motor, candy gold paint and unique Motion Performance body treatment.
No two of the Phase III Corvettes (stars at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago) were alike. This one (with 46,160 miles and the original 427 engine) came equipped with, among other things, an Edelbrock intake manifold, Holley carburetor, Muncie M21 four-speed transmission and Mickey Thompson tires. Harder to find, if the restorer needs them, will be unique Motion parts, including decals, custom body parts, valve covers, traction bars and slotted wheels. But even some of those things are available.
Outside exhaust was part of the original specifications.
The mileage sounds low, if original, but Schorr says it’s actually rather high for “a high-performance crazy car.” It’s uncertain if the Corvette was ever raced. Five hundred horsepower was a lot in 1969, but Schorr—who was editor of Cars Magazine in that time period—notes that it’s not so impressive now. The Corvette Z06 produces 650 horsepower.
“I hope somebody buys it and restores it,” said Schorr, who believes the car will need some work, probably including a repaint, to regain its former glory.
See 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Cars and Trucks for sale on eBay.
