Baldwin Chevrolet and Motion Performance

[SuperCars]

Madmike is correct, in that Baldwin Chevrolet=Baldwin Auto Company. The name on the GM build sheet on my 69 Baldwin Motion Chevelle: is Baldwin Auto Company Inc, Merrick & Central, Baldwin NY. I believe Joe C is correct, as confirmed by Joel that it was 72-73 when they went out, but the name was kept registered through 1980.

My personal opinion on Motion Cars, is that any Motion whether it be Chevy, Pontiac, or any other Manufacturer, as well as any car from any dealership other than Baldwin, are enhanced by virtue that they were built by Joel At Motion Performance. Not because they happened to originate from Baldwin per say. I won't deny that Baldwin had the notoriety and is more recognized in valuation though. But any car that is documented through Motion Invioces, and Joel is of great value no matter where that car originated from.

A similar example is with Dick Harrell cars. Harrell cars came from other dealers besides Gibb Chevrolet, such as Bill Allen Chev, Branine Chev, and from Courtesy Chevrolet; but all Harrell cars are valuable because Harrell built them, not necessarily by where the car originated from.

Bottom line is, when it comes to Motion cars, no matter where the car originated; Motion Performance & Joel Rosen is the "Legend", and a living Legend at that. Really special is that he is alive and well, and is going to be at the next Supercar Reunion.

[Chevy454]

Excellent post, Kevin...my thoughts exactly!

It's the end product (Motion) that counts.

[JoeC]

Joel may have still used the name Baldwin Motion for a short time after Baldwin Chevy closed. It still was valid in a way because Motion Performance was still located on Sunrise Highway in Baldwin LI NY. I have an article by Marty Schorr that was writen after 1973 that still called them Baldwin Motion cars but most of the ads use the name Motion Perfromance after 1973. As far as Dan's question on the post 1973 cars not sold by real car dealership. I would guess that it may not have been a problem. What may have happened was Joel took a deposit on the new car then purchased it in the new owner's name from whatever source was available. Then the car was modified at the Motion shop as if it was repair or custom work such as a race car, show car, or export car. This is just a guess as I have not checked into it.