For the first time ever, 3 of the 12 GTs built between 1969 and 1971,
one for each year, were in the same place at the same time!
Joel “Mr. Motion” Rosen, the most prolific builder-marketer of modified new big-block Chevys (Baldwin-Motion) during the Supercar Sixties & Seventies, was reunited with his iconic cars, like three Baldwin-Motion Phase III GT Corvettes, at the MOTION MADNESS Reunion at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago. The last time Rosen saw one of the GTs, Adam Tuckman’s ’71 Corvette, was when he delivered it to the original purchaser, Dr. Harry Rollings (Savannah, GA) in 1971! It was the last built and the most expensive at $16, 283. HOT ROD Magazine LIVE's Dennis Pittsenbarger with Adam, below, right, spent a lot of time with the GTs and interviewed Joel Rosen inside Tuckman's GT!
Tuckman’s white ‘71 GT was displayed at MCACN 2010 with Dan McMichael’s yellow ’70 GT (formerly owned by Joel Rosen) and a red ’69 GT (the only one fitted with a Dodge Challenger gas filler) owned by Team MCD. The ’70 and ’71 GTs were restored by John Waleck, Artisan Coach Works, Hopatcong, NJ and the ’69 GT by Kevin Mackay, Corvette Repair, Valley Stream, NY.
“Some 18 years before Reeves Callaway built his first Twin-Turbo Corvette, in a garage on Long Island, NY, a young man named Joel Rosen was putting the finishing touches on a (Phase III GT) Corvette that would delight Zora Arkus-Duntov and leave an indelible mark--however brief--in the pages of Corvette history,” said author, editor and photojournalist, Paul Zazarine, in an article titled "Total Motivation" in June 1993 Corvette Fever.
No two Phase III GT Corvettes were alike. Three different outside exhaust systems were offered - 1965-1967 Corvette with aluminum covers, massive 1969 Corvette finned and polished off-road pipes and chromed header/side exhausts. Some early GTs showcased stylish faired-in Plexiglas headlamp covers that were later dropped due to motor vehicle regulations.
Space and labor constraints at Motion severely limited Phase III GT conversions. Approximately 12 GTs were built from 1969 thru 1971. Rather than sacrifice quality and negatively impact the momentum of his prosperous specialty car program, Rosen restricted GT-specific advertising and promotions, allowing the GT to phase itself out in 1971. It was followed by the Motion Maco Shark and Manta Ray custom Corvettes.
Rosen’s solution to the Corvette’s interior space limitations required major plastic surgery including replacement of the stock backlight, above, photo. He pulled the small, upright rear window, positioned a custom oversize fastback window and gutted the area behind the seats. Once finished and the space carpeted, the prototype GT boasted enough stowage for golf clubs or luggage for two. Visibility was greatly improved as well. He designed replacement front and rear body panels and fender flares to further enhance the look and exclusivity of this uniquely American GT, and created engine options up to 500 horsepower. His goal was to produce a GT that would make a statement and deliver a pulse-quickening driving experience.
Rosen planned on keeping the last Phase III GT but it was not to be. Unfortunately, the last 1971 GT ended up being a customer-ordered car. The program was over and, while he did realize his dream, he did not end up with his dream car. For that he would have to wait some 20 years when he found a 1970 GT that Baldwin Chevrolet had originally shipped to a customer in California! After Rosen had John Waleck restore it, it was the subject of magazine cover stories, featured at major shows, and was later sold to Baldwin-Motion collector, Dan McMichael who brought it, above, to Chicago for MOTION MADNESS .
Of all the Baldwin-Motion cars built, the GT was Mr. Motion’s favorite. “I really designed the GT for myself. The rear stowage area was big enough so that my wife, Judith, and I could go cruising with one of our big dogs. Seeing the three together at MCACN was an emotional experience,” said Rosen, left,.
Photos by Motion memorabilia collector, Daniel Schutzbank.Check out Daniel's website: http://www.mbcgarage.com/
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