Retro Tuner C3: Ultra Rare Phase III GT Corvette

The only thing that’s missing here is an orange Hot Wheels racing track …

Check out this old school tuner ‘Vette bouncing around the inter webs — a crazy mash-up that marries American muscle and European styling. In a fetching shade of metallic gold with black bumble bee stinger accents, we’re diggin’ this customized 1969 Corvette.

Don’t be fooled by the styling cues that might be found on a Opel GT. If you strip away the European styling and accoutrements you’ll find a brutal C3 lurking beneath.

The car was modified and assembled at the infamous Baldwin-Motion Performance facility in Long Island, New York — the company that wrote the book on tuner shops. They specialized in taking run-of-the-mill Corvettes and turning up the volume up to “11.”

In fact all Baldwin-Motion cars came with a money-back guarantee that specified all Phase III Supercars would turn at least 120 mph in 11.50 seconds or better with an M/P-approved driver on a AHRA or NHRA-sanctioned drag strip. They were completely steetable, reliable machines that would run these times “off the street.”

With just 10 produced, this particular Phase III GT is the only one to feature Shelby GT side scoops in the rear B- pillar — making it an ultra-rare example.

If you squint, it could be an Opel GT.

Motion reworked the entire front end, adding exposed headlights, flared fenders and a functional hood scoop. Additionally, they ditched the sugar-scoop rear window and replaced it with a fastback pane. Pontiac-eque taillights were added along with Motions’s signature slotted wheels.

No replacement for displacement

Already a potent beast, the original 427i was outfitted with Motion Performance valve covers, Edelbrock intake manifold, and Holley carburetor. It was topped off with a fly eye, air-filter that increased output to 435 hp. The running gear was massaged with Baldwin-Motion tweaks to ensure it could handle all the power.

We love it, but some might think the styling changes are like painting a mustache on the Mona Lisa.  What do you think??

Was the GT badging cannibalized from a Pontiac GTO or a Vega?

About the author

Justen Spencer

Justen is a Ford modular motor fanatic with seven years of professional drag racing experience, and multiple championship seasons in NMCA West and PSCA. Originally from Las Vegas, he is the proud owner of four Mustangs, one that sees regular track time. When not racing, Justen can be found in the garage maintaining his championship-winning car.
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