This car is 1 of 3 verified Phase III Baldwin-Motion Chevelles. It is one of the finest examples in existence and was featured on the cover of Musclecar Review in April, 2012. It won “Best Muscle Car” at the 2016 Greenwich Concours.
On loan from: Phil Mitchell, Sumner, WA
Engine, etc.: 454 cu. in. V-8; approx. 500 base horsepower; 3-barrel Holley 950 carburetor; 3-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission with overdrive; 4.11 rear end; independent coil spring front and live axle coil spring rear suspension; power front disc brakes, drum rear brakes
During the muscle car era when powerful engines and quarter mile times were all important, several dealers were well known. Other smaller speed shops were also in the “race” to build better cars. One was Joel Rosen’s Motion Performance in New York, NY. In partnership with the Baldwin Chevrolet dealership the “Baldwin-Motion” cars were custom ordered. The most radical and expensive were the Phase III versions that came with a money-back quarter-mile performance guarantee.
The cars were exceptional due to the years of experience and technical knowledge Mr. Rosen acquired during his racing career. Results of his work could be proven and tested on one of the first engine dynometers in an east coast shop. The fame of his shop spread around the globe.
The original owner of this car documented Mr. Rosen’s work and its ownership history was traced back to the 1980s though the drivetrain was missing.
The full restoration was done by Artisan Coach Works in Hopatcong, NJ. Mr. Rosen assisted in the research and assisted in the restoration.
Baldwin Chevrolet/Motion Performance was one of several Chevy dealers that made performance-oriented versions of various cars including Chevelles, Camaros, Corvettes, and Chevy II’s. Motion Performance started in 1966 and two years later was the number two producer of specialty performance vehicles.