'57 racer Pod '68

**440+6** · 12-10-2009 14:08

Originally Posted by timetravel

here's the full story guys.............

Thats great Nick,one of my earliest car memories (about '66)is of a Mustang belonging to a USAF serviceman who lived 3 doors down from us,who probably also worked at RAF Ruslip like the '57 owner as we were only just down the A40 from there.

So, did the '57 ever get the 'phase III' Motion performance 427 ?
If so who would have though the first Big Block 55-57 in the UK would have been in the late '60's !
So the next question is did the '57 go back to the States or stay here ?
Reg, JC (R?)289D

**30psi** · 12-10-2009 15:42

Cool pics. Cool story.

Was the Phase III the L88 engine then?

**timetravel** · 12-10-2009 15:53

Originally Posted by 440+6

So, did the '57 ever get the 'phase III' Motion performance 427 ?
If so who would have though the first Big Block 55-57 in the UK would have been in the late '60's !
So the next question is did the '57 go back to the States or stay here ?
Reg, JC (R?)289D

This pic was posted a few years back on the NSRA Forum by Alex Scxcpanski and shows him standing by Joe's '57 in '69 and it's got it's black paint job but I can only find it entered for one meet in '69 and that was the Big Go and the programme lists the engine size as 7001cc which I think is 427 in inches so it did get a Rat fitted. I'm guessing Joe went back to the States that year and took the 57 with him unless anyone knows otherwise.....

**Stitch** · 12-10-2009 16:18

Originally Posted by 30psi

Cool pics. Cool story.

Was the Phase III the L88 engine then?

The L88 was a factory Corvette option rated at 430hp , the Baldwin Motion Phase III was rated at 500+hp , quote from Joel Rosen....

"We think so much of our Phase III Supercars that we guaranty they will turn at least 120 mph in 11.50 seconds or better with an M/P-approved driver on an AHRA or NHRA-sanctioned drag strip. Phase III Supercars are completely streetable, reliable machines that will run these times off the street."

Originally Posted by timetravel

This pic was posted a few years back on the NSRA Forum by Alex Scxcpanski and shows him standing by Joe's '57 in '69 and it's got it's black paint job but I can only find it entered for one meet in '69 and that was the Big Go and the programme lists the engine size as 7001cc which I think is 427 in inches so it did get a Rat fitted. I'm guessing Joe went back to the States that year and took the 57 with him unless anyone knows otherwise.....

Another fabulous picture Nick

**Plumpcars** · 12-10-2009 17:54

Great thread!

**440+6** · 12-10-2009 20:07

Thanks Nick, what a great story/bit of history which we probably wouldn't have found out about with out you

**Steve 5-6-7** · 12-10-2009 20:11

Top thread , thanks !!!!!!!!

**30psi** · 12-10-2009 20:21

Originally Posted by Stitch

The L88 was a factory Corvette option rated at 430hp , the Baldwin Motion Phase III was rated at 500+hp , quote from Joel Rosen....

Ah I understand the phase 3 now. The L88 was stupidly rated at 430hp even though it was alot more than the 435hp option. Reputed to be 500+bhp

**Plumpcars** · 12-10-2009 20:24

There's a new book out on Motion Performance. I have one on order so looking forward to that.

**Plumpcars** · 12-10-2009 20:29

Originally Posted by 30psi

Ah I understand the phase 3 now. The L88 was stupidly rated at 430hp even though it was alot more than the 435hp option. Reputed to be 500+bhp

That was done to stop average Joe public from buying the L88 and going for the 435HP instead. The serious buyers knew the score but local flash kid with money would walk into a showroom and just order the highest hp rated Vette, the 435 horse. Although still a hot machine it was reasonably owner friendly. The factory really wanted L88's to go to true enthusiasts.
I 'only' have a 435hp but I'm not complaining!