Rare 1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT Sells for $80k: the Only One Left in Existence!

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
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT - Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT – Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT is 1 of 3 built in 1973 and the only example is known to exist today - Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT is 1 of 3 built in 1973 and the only example is known to exist today – Photo Credit Mecum Auction
With its enhanced 350 cubic-inch smallblock V-8 producing an incredible 475 horsepower, the red and black Corvette Motion Manta-Ray GT is a dream car for any enthusiast. This powerful machine is complemented by a Turbo 400 Hyrdo-Matic transmission that delivers exceptional performance.
With its enhanced 350 cubic-inch smallblock V-8 producing an incredible 475 horsepower, the red and black Corvette Motion Manta-Ray GT is a dream car for any enthusiast. This powerful machine is complemented by a Turbo 400 Hyrdo-Matic transmission that delivers exceptional performance.
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT - Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT – Photo Credit Mecum Auction
This special model has been customized with 14 unique body modifications, an eye-catching paint job, Hooker Headers and side pipes, alluring wheels, a modern air conditioning system, and power windows for added convenience.
This special model has been customized with 14 unique body modifications, an eye-catching paint job, Hooker Headers and side pipes, alluring wheels, a modern air conditioning system, and power windows for added convenience.
This C3 Corvette has been extensively customized, boasting a newly designed front fascia with round headlights, a set of custom wheels, and striking side exhausts. A ducktail spoiler completes the look, while the cherry on top is a custom “Coca Cola” red paint job, contrasting beautifully with the black interior.
This C3 Corvette has been extensively customized, boasting a newly designed front fascia with round headlights, a set of custom wheels, and striking side exhausts. A ducktail spoiler completes the look, while the cherry on top is a custom “Coca Cola” red paint job, contrasting beautifully with the black interior.
The iconic Corvette proudly displays its signature custom bodywork and Motion performance touches, giving it a bold and distinctive appearance. Showcasing a ravishing red paint job with complimentary black interior and exterior accents, this sleek vehicle exudes a regal elegance. Sitting proudly on the center console is the emblem of car designer extraordinaire, Joel Rosen.
The iconic Corvette proudly displays its signature custom bodywork and Motion performance touches, giving it a bold and distinctive appearance. Showcasing a ravishing red paint job with complimentary black interior and exterior accents, this sleek vehicle exudes a regal elegance. Sitting proudly on the center console is the emblem of car designer extraordinaire, Joel Rosen.
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT - Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT – Photo Credit Mecum Auction
Authenticity abounds in this unique Corvette. Joel “Mr. Motion” Rosen – the famed drag-racer and hot-rodder of the 70s – has issued an Authenticity letter, and even signed the center console and T-tops. This is an exciting opportunity for Corvette enthusiasts.
Authenticity abounds in this unique Corvette. Joel “Mr. Motion” Rosen – the famed drag-racer and hot-rodder of the 70s – has issued an Authenticity letter, and even signed the center console and T-tops. This is an exciting opportunity for Corvette enthusiasts.
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT - Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT – Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT - Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT – Photo Credit Mecum Auction
Authenticity of this car is guaranteed by the legendary Joel Rosen of Motion Performance, whose signatures are present on the center console and T-tops. Dave McLellan, the renowned Corvette Chief Engineer, has also contributed by signing the T-tops.
Authenticity of this car is guaranteed by the legendary Joel Rosen of Motion Performance, whose signatures are present on the center console and T-tops. Dave McLellan, the renowned Corvette Chief Engineer, has also contributed by signing the T-tops.
Its muscular engine has been modified with a 350 CI 4V package, granting it a robust 425 hp - 75 hp more than the factory-issued model. This phenomenal power is matched to a formidable Turbo 400 Hydra-Matic transmission.
Its muscular engine has been modified with a 350 CI 4V package, granting it a robust 425 hp – 75 hp more than the factory-issued model. This phenomenal power is matched to a formidable Turbo 400 Hydra-Matic transmission.
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Founded over a half century ago, Motion Performance established itself as an iconic aftermarket leader, pioneering the GT program in 1969 as one of the earliest American aftermarket firms.
Founded over a half century ago, Motion Performance established itself as an iconic aftermarket leader, pioneering the GT program in 1969 as one of the earliest American aftermarket firms.
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT - Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT – Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT - Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT – Photo Credit Mecum Auction
For the true Corvette enthusiast, nothing can compare to the uniqueness of the one and only 1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT known to exist.
For the true Corvette enthusiast, nothing can compare to the uniqueness of the one and only 1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT known to exist.
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT - Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT – Photo Credit Mecum Auction
The 1973 Manta Ray GT Corvette stands out in vibrant red and black, making an iconic style statement with custom wheels, a ducktail spoiler, and signature side exhausts. This vehicle is no ordinary bolt-on, as most of its bodywork is specially crafted to give it that distinct Manta Ray GT look.
The 1973 Manta Ray GT Corvette stands out in vibrant red and black, making an iconic style statement with custom wheels, a ducktail spoiler, and signature side exhausts. This vehicle is no ordinary bolt-on, as most of its bodywork is specially crafted to give it that distinct Manta Ray GT look.
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT - Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT – Photo Credit Mecum Auction
The iconic Manta Ray GT is an integral piece of the Baldwin-Motion legacy - the company who offered hot-rodded performance cars to eager customers direct from the dealership.
The iconic Manta Ray GT is an integral piece of the Baldwin-Motion legacy – the company who offered hot-rodded performance cars to eager customers direct from the dealership.
The Mecum Auction listing notes, “A rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history, this one-of-a-kind Motion Corvette is ready to be the centerpiece of a new collection.”
The Mecum Auction listing notes, “A rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history, this one-of-a-kind Motion Corvette is ready to be the centerpiece of a new collection.”
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT - Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT – Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT - Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT – Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT - Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT – Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT - Photo Credit Mecum Auction
1973 Corvette Motion Manta Ray GT – Photo Credit Mecum Auction

Source: Mecum Auctions

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