Customized in 1973 using components ordered from the Motion mail order catalog, this restored big-block Corvette runs as good as it looks.
'Catalog' Corvette in action. Photo ©2007 Creative Reflections Photography.
Like so many Corvette enthusiasts in the late-1960s, Joe Robinson dreamed of owning a Baldwin-Motion Phase III Stingray. When Baldwin-Motion announced its first super Corvette in 1968, the Ben Salem, PA native contacted Joel Rosen to get a catalog and talk about pricing, financing, etc. Reality reared its ugly head and Robinson finally conceded that if he wanted to own a new Corvette, it would have to be stock!
In June 1968, Robinson purchased a big-block 427 Corvette coupe from Matt Slapp Chevrolet in nearby Philadelphia. A serious street racer, Robinson prepped the big-block and enjoyed great success in and around the Philly area. He and his Corvette were very well known at all the local street racing haunts.
Brawny big-block has trademark MOTION goodies.
In 1973 Robinson considered either trading his ’68 Corvette in on a new model or modifying his car for more power and head-turning appeal. Since he had always dreamed of owning a Baldwin-Motion Corvette, he decided to modify his Corvette using both dress-up and power parts as featured on Phase III and Phase III GT Corvettes. He found everything he needed in the Motion Performance Parts catalog.
After talking with Joel Rosen, Robinson purchased a basic Phase III GT Kit consisting of a front end with tunneled headlamps, Shark louvers and flared fenders. Also included were a scooped hood, rear fender flares and a polished alloy LeMans fuel filler. Robinson also went for chromed outside header-exhausts, Motion-branded finned aluminum valve covers, Holley three-barrel carburetor, special high-rise manifold and polished Ansen alloy wheels. To keep costs down, he did not order Rosen’s signature GT rear window conversion. A local body shop handled the transformation, above, right.
Robinson continued to use his head-turning Corvette for daily transportation and racing and, in 1976 with 32,000 miles on its odometer, sold it to Gregory George. The new owner put just 4,000 miles on the slick Stingray and in 1978 parked it in his driveway and never drove it again. It languished for 25 years, exposed to the elements. Jamie Jarvis, Jonesboro, AR found it looking like a refugee from a junkyard. Best part of all, it was for sale!
What Jarvis found looked like a Baldwin-Motion Corvette badly in need of a total restoration. According to its owner, the original engine and transmission had been replaced years ago. Fortunately for Jarvis its original 427 big-block powertrain, complete with Motion upgrades, was also sitting in the driveway. He wasted no time making it his!
Jarvis purchased the car, original engine and transmission and spare parts in 2003 and immediately started on the restoration. He showed and raced his slick red Stingray one year later at the Yenko Sportscar Club Supercar Reunion in St. Louis .
Showcar with street cred! Photo ©2007 Creative Reflections Photography.
Jamie Jarvis is rightfully proud of his “Mail Order” Motion Corvette, which he found rotting away and brought back to life. Unlike so many owners of cloned rare specialty vehicles, Jarvis honestly represents his beautifully restored, Motion-ized Corvette. And, he has the paper trail to document his Corvette from Day One.
Last year Jamie sold his Motion “Catalog” Corvette to collector Dino Andreatos in Fairfax, VA. Dino also owns the one-off Motion Moray Eel Corvette.
For more information about the Baldwin-Motion heritage, please visit, www.OfficialBaldwinMotion.com