Rare 1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray Gt Sells for $80k at Mecum Auction: a One-of-a-kind Custom Piece of Corvette History Signed by Mr. Motion Himself
Today we are looking back at a 1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT that sold at the Mecum Kissimmee auction in 2022 for $80,000.
For the connoisseur of Corvette culture, the 1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT is a rare opportunity not to be missed. One of just three built in 1973 and the only one known to survive, it boasts a 425 HP dyno-tested engine and additional performance enhancements, including an Edelbrock intake, MSD ignition, headers, dual exhaust, and automatic transmission. Not only is this Corvette a true powerhouse, but it comes with a letter of authenticity signed by “Mr. Motion” himself, Joel Rosen, as well as a signed center console and T-Top. What’s more, this vehicle has been featured on various TV shows and in books, making it a unique piece of automotive history.
Joel Rosen’s lifelong appreciation of Corvettes led him to build three unique Manta Ray models in 1973. Remarkably, the red and black Ray is the only one left in existence. Before launching his successful Motion tuning business, Rosen was already a fan of the iconic ’58 fuelie and was the proud recipient of the first split-window ’63 coupe to be sold in the New York Metro area. His tuning business blossomed, and he eventually produced a small batch of enhanced third-generation Corvettes with extraordinary performance capabilities to match their striking style.
Inspired by the 1973 Corvette show car, Rosen’s Manta Ray featured a sleek, streamlined silhouette with exaggeratedly flared fenders and a steeply raked spoiler. Instead of adopting the Corvette’s classic hidden headlight style, Rosen gave the Manta Ray the molded-in headlight design that he had already incorporated into his Phase III GTs.
Under the hood of the Manta Ray lies a modified 350 CI V-8 paired with an automatic transmission. This powertrain boasts an Edelbrock intake manifold, MSD ignition, and headers with dual exhausts, and it is dyno-tested at 425 HP. The iconic triangular Edelbrock air cleaner and Motion valve covers signal to all that this is not your average small block.
For the interior of the Manta Ray, Joel “Mr. Motion” Rosen made some minor alterations, like adding a Nardi steering wheel and covering the upholstery in luxurious leather. You can see Rosen’s signature on both the center console and the driver-side T-top, making it a one-of-a-kind custom Corvette. It has gained much attention in the past, being featured in many books and TV shows, and the sale includes a letter of authenticity signed by Rosen himself.
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT Features
VIN / SERIAL 1Z37J3S407168
- 1 of 3 built in 1973 and the only example known to exist today
- 425 HP dyno-tested engine
- Edelbrock intake
- MSD ignition
- Headers and dual exhaust
- Automatic transmission
- Power brakes
- Letter of authenticity signed by “Mr. Motion” himself, Joel Rosen
- Center console and T-Top signed by Rosen
- Built by Motion Performance
- Rare opportunity to own a true piece of automotive history
- Featured on various TV shows and in books



























Source: Mecum Auctions
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