Rare Phase III GT conversion turned a stock Corvette into a show-stopping,
strip-scorching sports car with grand touring functionality!
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 as much of a crowd as did major carmakers! Its unique styling and fastback rear window plus, for the first time, room for luggage, especially appealed to Corvette Godfather, Zora Arkus-Duntov. He was there to introduce the new 1969 Corvette, gave the GT prototype his blessing and told Rosen, “I really like your Corvette, Joel. Unfortunately, we cannot do what you do.”
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.
Between 1969 and 1971, Baldwin-Motion’s Joe Rosen built 12 Phase III Grand Touring Corvettes, all powered by potent 427 and 454 big-blocks. The last built, powered by an aluminum-head 500-plus horsepower 454, was the highest-optioned and most expensive of the dynamic dozen.
Adam Tuckman purchased this ultra-rare 1971 Corvette from the original owner’s family in 2008. John Waleck, Artisan Coach Works, Hopatcong, NJ, restored the GT for Tuckman to exactly how it looked and ran when Dr. Harry Rollings, Savannah, GA, took delivery in Baldwin, NY on June 3, 1971. Gary “The Local Brush” Kupfer originally striped and trimmed Dr. Rollings’ GT in 1971 and applied the finishing touches (black Phase III stripes) in 2010.
After taking delivery of his brand new GT Corvette, Dr. Rollings broke it in driving back home! The cost in 1971: $16,283.00!
Dr. Rollings used his GT Corvette for making house calls and for towing his SCCA Jaguar racecars. When he passed away it went to one of his daughters who later sold it to Adam. Of all the GTs known, it is the most original, most documented and highest-optioned. Its blueprinted aluminum head 454, right, runs on 105-octane fuel and transmits torque via a modified M40 Turbo Hydromatic and Hone overdrive to a 4.88 Posi rear. When the OD is engaged, final drive ratio is 3.42.
Tuckman’s Phase III GT Corvette will be shown to the public for the first time at the Motion Reunion at the MUSCLE CAR & CORVETTE NATIONALS (MCACN) in Chicago, IL on November 20-21. It’s also the cover story in the November issue of VETTE magazine. Check it out.
For the complete story and photo coverage of Adam Tuckman’s rare Phase III GT Corvette, please visit, http://www.corvettereport.com/the-last-baldwin-motion-phase-iii-gt-corvette/
For more details about MCACN 2010, please visit, http://musclecarandcorvettenationals.blogspot.com/