The story of the ONLY 1969 Baldwin Motion Camaro LS7

Gary and Peter sit down and talk about the Classic car restoration of the 1969 Baldwin Motion Camaro SS with LS-7 454 engine. Looking back at Dream Car Garage's first restoration car with Peter Klutt in 2000!
Real 1969 LS-7 454 Baldwin Motion Chevrolet Camaro SS
few muscle cars will provide quite the cache amongst die hard gear heads like a Baldwin Motion creation so often invokes. Baldwin Motion Camaros have caught the attention of all collectors over the years and hold a special mystique, after all it has been said that "a Baldwin Motion 454 Camaro is all about trolling for trouble."
Invoice # 2783 from Baldwin Auto Company Inc. on June 29 1970 saw a new 1969 Camaro in Daytona Yellow sold to a very lucky Ray Dotterer of Lamar, Pa. Using a factory SS 396 Camaro as the starting point this Camaro was the recipient of many tasty Baldwin Motion upgrade options. This process began with shoehorning a LS-7 454 with correct block casting code of 3963512 under the hood. The LS-7 454 being fitted with desirable Winters Foundry aluminum heads and Winters Foundry dual plane aluminum intake manifold. The Motion performance options ordered from new go on from there including:
AM radio, Style trim group and Rally Wheels round out the options on the copy of the original Baldwin Auto Co. bill of sale. After the $3.00 NY state inspection fee and $10.00 transit fee Mr. Dotterer concluded the deal for this Yellow Motion Camaro with salesman "Mr. Bean" for $6193.00. Of interest is Baldwin Motion's very down to business warranty statement at the bottom of the invoice: "this is a race car - No warranty on powertrain."
Look no further than the subtle "454" badging and that famous ducted hood and what lurks in the engine compartment is pure aggression. Thanks to Motion performance you could gladly view and hear something GM did not want its customers partaking in. Owing to those oh so lovely tubular headers the noise the LS-7 454 distributes will have you constantly blipping the throttle just to get a further taste of the auditory thrashing again and again. The engine bay presents so well thanks to the exacting restoration this 'Motion Camaro has been treated to. Look down and the inner fenders look better than when they were brand new, the bright finned valve covers sparkle and that luminous trademark orange block states its intentions. Gaze lower into the front suspension to see every nut and bolt used looks better than the day it left the factory. Correct hoses, belts and lines with all the markings and codes, all topped by the imposing Holley 850 with its gorgeous mechanical linkage remind you that this engine is special. It's a race motor, legal for the road.
That same painstaking restoration put equal effort into the Chassis and body. The undercarriage of this Camaro is quite simply a time warp to when it was brand new. That beautiful code 76 Daytona Yellow is the perfect color for such a wild street terror machine. The depth and shine of this paintwork would be welcomed and fawned over at any show. The bright work, including door handles, mirrors and window surrounds all have a wonderful deep reflection. The black race stripe and correct Goodyear Polyglas tires complete a faithfully original look and rounds out an exterior effort that anybody could recognize as "expensive" . Moving inside, the all black Vinyl interior suits the aggressive feel of the car very well and shows fabulously. Sit down, grab that famous Hurst T bar shifter and with its short throw get ready to feel what Baldwin Motion means with its "performance money back guarantee" . The mostly standard Camaro Super Sports interior (not overly equipped, in order to keep weight to a minimum) has just a few welcome, from Motion Performance, additions. The Sun Super Tach II as well as mid dash mounted voltmeter, oil pressure and oil temperature gauges were part of the original Baldwin Motion specification. Their presence vital to operating a Camaro that is ultimately a device intended only to go down the road as fast as the driver dares. With this kind of unbridled performance available with the stab of the throttle, the willpower of the driver will often give up far before the car's limit has been tested.
With real Baldwin Motion Camaros being a rarity on the market, ownership change is seldom. They have a storied reputation and a diehard following. Collectors who have them just have to keep them. Motion performance was famous for gaudy hood scoops and chrome side exhaust, but when Ray Dotterer ordered this car in 1970 he wanted the biggest, baddest sleeper. Equipped with the never available in a production car LS7 and with more power than the famed ZL1, this is arguable the most desirable 69 Camaro on the planet.
#Camaro #BaldwinMotion #LS #Chevrolet #Chevy #MuscleCars #Restoration #LS7 #LS6 #ClassicCars

[@P51]

I don't know anything about Peter from a personal perspective, but he seems to be the most LEGIT classic car seller/restorer/collector with a media presence. I always enjoy his insights on classic cars. Dream Car garage was always a MUST WATCH event for me. Thank you Gary for having your old man on! Your rating is a perfect 10.

[@thegarykluttpodcast]

He has so many stories and old footage it would be a crime not to go through it and make sure it's on KZbin for everyone!

[@P51]

@@thegarykluttpodcast 100% agree

[@rotaxtwin]

I taped the show on good ol' VHS back in the day. Peter was such a personality and so knowledgeable, his son is also such a natural with so many of his traits.

[@forterierocks]

Good race driver as well.

[@theweavers8091]

My dad was second owner of this car in Lock Haven PA. He bought it from Andy Dotterer. He raced it at Beaver Springs and can tell you more about it in the early days. He can verify, he knows the vin number for this car. We have pictures of it.

[@bigdaddy3927]

You guys are the 💣 Thanks for putting these out for us to enjoy! ~🇺🇸🇨🇦💪🏼☮️~

[@thegarykluttpodcast]

Hey we appreciate it!

[@shanebrbich5698]

Wow😀.........Tom! Haven’t seen clips of the big fella for years😀 RIP Big Fella. Such a presence on the screen. 👍🇦🇺

[@02dburns]

Love it Gary! More of these stories with Special Cars. Congrats

[@thegarykluttpodcast]

You got it! stay tuned

[@carpentry9289]

I think I have a unicorn. I have a 1971 ZL1 LS7 454 with zero original miles on block and snowflake heads. I may put this in my 1981 Camaro Z28? Change my mind.

[@msh6865]

I've owned big block Chevy cars all my life. 396's and 454's. Most were stock or slightly hotter. My dentist owns a '69 Nova SS with a crate LS7 engine. All big blocks are fun but, the LS7 is a whole 'nother beast. They sound nasty and have the guts to back up the sound. Easily a 575 hp motor that was not street friendly, meaning no A/C and a real handful in front of a manual gear box. A real animal, especially in the 70's and 80's.

[@forterierocks]

Was such a great show, miss Tom RIP 🙏

[@joshuagibson2520]

I aint nobody, but I dont think that car should have been restored. Restoration was extremely popular back then. Ut was all the rage. Knowing what I know today I'd prefer to have it untouched.

[@shigsugiyama984]

I was lucky enough to see in person this Baldwin car at their showroom. It is all that and more to see in person.

[@tommyChevelle]

I own a LS7-454 its in my 70 chevelle SS, I bought the Ls7 2 years ago in its original crate unopened . they never came with aluminum heads from GM motion probably put those on. they come with Rectangle port 990s ,suffix code on the block is XCH the crank is a 5140 Forged Steel came with the same cam as ZL1-427 9181 , ill upload videos of the car soon if anyones interested. its got the Ls7 with 454 RPM air gap 1050 dominator carb ,pro billet MSD ignition ,open 2 1/4 pro comp hooker headers, Manual forward pattern TH400 3800 stall Locked 12 bolt with 4:11s . and 275/60/15 Mickey Thompson's . i go to car shows in Toronto once and a while if anyone wants to see it in person.

[@carpentry9289]

I’m not far from Toronto I would like to discuss my ZL1 454 LS7 with Zero original miles.

[@JoeGagan]

what a legacy. I enjoyed Tom and Peter for years. it's wonderful to see how Peter built his success with such grace. This guy Gary is very cool too he gets it!

[@stacyhazelwood4033]

Great show. And, that is from a Ford guy.

[@esteysgarage3949]

miss the old show and tom

[@thegarykluttpodcast]

Me too

[@jerrywhaley6397]

Many decades ago I remember seeing a 68 Hurst Oldsmobile that was done by Baldwin Motion claiming all the documentation was there like the Camaro. That's got to be just as rare as that Camaro.

[@michaelmorgado]

I actually remember those episodes… There’s too much history with that Camaro and LMC, you can’t sell it!

[@Yann396]

The LS7 was not an aluminium heads engine. It was available to anybody over the counter and the heads where 990 cast iron. Badass engine and Camaro for sure!!

[@chrisfinamore6364]

It was an aluminum head when originally designed. It was going to be the successor to the L-88. Later when the motor was dropped from planning it became a iron block and head motor sold through gm parts. There was also a LJ6 and LJ7 that were tripower 454s. Also dropped from planning.

[@Yann396]

@@chrisfinamore6364 so, as I said, it was not an aluminium head engine from the factory.

[@dacrd]

Would have been nice to leave this car a survivor.

[@hbuzgon9557]

How much is this car worth in 2000 and in 2023 dollars.... 200K - 500K+

[@grovepeate3316]

Bass Chevrolet in Wantagh L.I. off of Sunrise Hyway the biggest drag strip from Lynbrook to Massapequa had some really fast cars also.My fried bought a 63 split window that had 90/ 10 shocks, 340 HP 327 engine with fuelie heads and a Daytona high rise manifold under a special Hollie carburetor used on the Daytona race cars and a aluminum radiator.The dealer raced it at Islip dragway but they put him in a gas class so he ended up selling it to my buddy as a stock 340.Now from what I remember from Joel Rosen he built and tuned those cars after they were bought.They did not come from the factory through a dealership.I do not remember a Baldwin Auto Dealer.Only "Motion Performance".

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

Oh, how I miss Olio Motore! I'm glad you kept the "do you need a car like this? On your channel.👍

[@thegarykluttpodcast]

What do you think... post a montage of Olio Matore skits?

[@grandudetonesnob7107]

@@thegarykluttpodcast that would be quite enjoyable!

[@steveguenthner6697]

Great job! Please keep them coming.

[@thegarykluttpodcast]

you got it

[@teamracing6]

Good point at the end by Peter. Not only is this a rare car and have it's own well documented history, its part of Peter's history too.

[@bluesman7475]

What about LS -7's in generation 2 camaros? I remember seeing Baldwin Motion advertisements for them as a teen. Yes, I am that old!

[@petemcfeet28]

You have to love a car so well equipped that folks that are steeped deeply in the culture of ultra rare cars do not believe that they exist. Folklore. I think stories like this are very cool and the history and documentation of how they came to be and are still is a great tale to tell. What I find just as intriguing now is the disappearance of so many small block cars. The low optioned small small blocks and how they have all but left us as they have been used up to become tributes to the more muscular cars of their days, in SS, Shelby, RT (fake) versions or have been resto-modded into something near unrecognizable to the pure, simple cars that they started out as. I would love a story about a factory 3 speed, 283 car that was lovingly restored to its original glory and rolling off the assembly floor perfection done out of pure love for what it was originally. You know, someone that spends the money that they know they will NEVER get back (well, at least not until the collectors figure out they are the true rare cars as they increasingly disappear to become something they never were or simply a parts car). Someone that throws money out of pure love and the desire to achieve perfection in a car that will never be worth what was spent to get it there. I drove an absolutely perfect 1965 Mustang Fastback that was restored to exact factory specifications back in 1990. I doubt that would ever happen again because it was a 6 cylinder. By now, it's been parted out, scrapped, had a V8 dropped into it or resto-modded. And that is a little sad because it was a perfect car as it was. Perfect for someone at least. Now, you can't find one that isn't sub par. Cheers.

[@markelliott585]

Greetings from Colorado, boys! Hail fellows. Well met! What a story. I found you guys in late spring 2023 as I was preparing mentally and chasing the internet through the new Endurance season, what Le Mans' 100th might mean and how the gods were making crazy sounds around WHAT? FerRARI? Anyway. Le Mans, with the Klutt boys who were participating in a new-fangled, first ever soon-to-be-anniversary of beating the heck out of old LeMans cars was cool. But I thought you guys were just ....what...super rich collectors trying to be the Canadian Jay Leno's Garage? I profoundly apologize and offer large compliments for a coupla things. Like what a great family Peter and his two sons who're his business partners and help Peter prove the adage, "Find something to do for work that you absolutely love and you'll never work a day in your life." I could wax prolifically about how I 'get' all the cool things that make Legendary what it is today. But at age 69.5 and having watched Gary and Peter talking about their shared huge passion for cars while actually documenting the incredible FUN the have together today as well as just what Gary and Tom got up to in late/early '00 century area just playing with what the HECK they could do with by putting CARS on this INtranet machine. And talking about cars, building cars and racing cars...And then talking about cars some more-MILLER TIME! Thank you boys. From the bottom of my heart, I offer my profound wish for fair winds and following seas for your friends and families.

[@bgh70]

This car would be awesome at the Super Car Reunion. Please consider bringing it.

[@frankkeel8410]

In CT Hartford area i use to shop for Corvettes, in the late 70's.When there was no storage building's for rental i used go see a lot of special cars in peoples garages.My primary car hunt for was the split window coup,and once i had a guy want to sell me a 65 large tank vette. Twenty grand was his price . As compairson my loaded 75 side piped roadster i sold for 12 grand that same year. That was my second mistake besides my tri powered 65 goat. Even in late 70 cars were beat and as far as the prices no good buys. And remember the news papers and a few car magazinrs besides Vettes Vues was your only resource .

[@herbiederby3394]

WOW one of two LS7 Baldwin motion ...I'll say that a legendary car keeper....it would be nice to find the other one.... 🙂👍🙏

[@299charles]

My Dad had a Chovel 396 the first pay check after buying it he went and put cheeta slicks on it…..

[@billwelter4101]

LS7 was introduced for the 1970 model year, how did it get into a new 69 Camaro ?

[@bigroller8233]

Another car also with a Can-Am engine it I wish Dream Car Garage had done an episode on was the Bob Tasca Super Boss 429.

[@billdowhower335]

What was Tom's last name? What was cause of his death and age?, seemed pretty young I always liked Tom, rest in peace.

[@herbiederby3394]

I remember that episode it was on the speed channel.... 🙂👍🙏

[@anthonycano9497]

Love the history, restoration, and the hype . These cars are hardly ever seen, let alone own!

[@hbuzgon9557]

I love the behind the scenes of the classic car show.... Excellent Overview...

[@royrauch9775]

I worked at Motion from 1968-1970. Did work on most of the 3 barrel carbs with jetting depending on what cam was in it. I can't remember the original price of the cars but don't remember Joel ever selling a Camaro for over $10,000.00! An original surviver sold this year at a BJ auction for $525,000.00! What an investment but back then 10 grand was a years pay for most of us working guys. Still have a group of the MOTION PLAQUES I used to put on the valve covers and fenders. Lots of memories. Joel would go out with each car done on Sunrise Hwy. And do a quarter mile pass or close to it and all the guys stood in front of the shop watching him.

[@clintxxxracerx9435]

The son is the Dad’s twin 20 yrs ago. This is so cool. Remember me of my pops and I for the last 50 years. I lost him two years ago and this brought back some amazing memories. Spend EVERY MOMENT WITH THE ONES YOU LIVE GUYS! Thanks for this! Clint

[@HungryHusker]

Keep up the great work. Thanks

[@johnleonardjr4010]

Baldwin Motion, Nicky, Fred Gibb and Dana and Yenko all of these cars are special.

[@alcastillo4901]

I Always love that show Dream Car garage. They built some nice cars on that show. That's One sweet Camaro.

[@carguy0000]

Hello Peter and Gary , a friend of mine has a c2 Corvette and wants to add a passenger side door mirror, i had heard this was a dealer add on , would you have any info on this ? -- Love your show --

[@legendarymotorcar]

Hey appreciate you watching!! fire us an email

[@danecromwell987]

Outstanding video miss the old shows!!!

[@usonumabeach300]

It's maddening how quiet the dad gets randomly, lol. Sweet car, wish I could afford to have someone of your caliber and passion restore my baby. Glad i stumbled on to this channel, I remember watching the original show when I was in high school and just after graduating. Stopped watching TV when I joined the Marines after 9/11. My very first car when I was 15 was a 67 2 dr sedan skylark with a 340 my dad got off a cousin of mine for $300, I didn't treat it well (15, go figure). While I was in MOS school for diesel truck maintenance in 02 at the age of 19, I bought a 70 skylark coupe with the buick 350 2bl and th350. Spun a rod bearing a couple years later and started buying up the stuff to convert it to a stage 1 455. Had it built by a guy, wasn't finished til 2012. It's been sitting in my dad's backyard for 7 years, every time I look at it I get wistful, lol. Between games like Gran Turismo and TV shows like MDCG, I'd become an avid car lover (and that's one of the 3 reasons i went into motor t as a marine), and have been a Buick lover since I've been driving. Also pretty fond of some Pontiacs, but there's more Buicks that just do it for me: 53 Skylark, 67 Wildcat, the GNX, the w body grand sport (04 gs was the best car I've ever owned, got rear-ended and totalled, used the money from that to finish the skylark's transplant). Really should have listened to my dad and restored the paint first, but I have to say, it's the best sounding car in the world IMO, sounds like a Tyrannosaurus in heat.

[@legendarymotorcar]

Hey thanks for the great comment!!! got the microphone fixed now

[@brucebryan3710]

ty..great video.....thank u for sharing

[@jamesryan4261]

Is there a streaming platform or way to watch the old episodes of DCG? Amazon says unavailable

[@thegarykluttpodcast]

I believe a few seasons are on Apple TV. But lots of content on the Legendary KZbin channel

[@joelrose2174]

Rapha :)

[@Duececoupe]

Awesome video! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻😎

[@donshotrodgarage1717]

I personally think the significance of that car to Legendary Motors makes it Not For Sale, for life! Such a cool story and all the paperwork with the original car and drivetrain is priceless! I bet with some open headers and slicks that car would get into the 10s! I enjoy the video guys👍

[@TheFlashpoint69]

Great content

[@adamhoffman3687]

Does your dad regret restoring an original car like that looking back?

[@thegarykluttpodcast]

good question! I wonder if today he would have tried to steer him differently or not?

[@adamhoffman3687]

@@thegarykluttpodcast I remember watching that when I was 17 or 18 and at that time people didn't appreciate original cars as much. Everything had to be shiny. Lol

[@rdh5961]

What a great video. Such a cool cat and I really appreciate the story

[@thegarykluttpodcast]

I appreciate it! stay tuned for the next episode

[@ianthomas4109]

That was awesome, thanks for doing this episode!

[@legendarymotorcar]

Our pleasure!!

[@ZondaF355]

This is an epic story and I really enjoy this format coming from a long time Legendary Motorcar fan. I would love to hear more stories about some exotic stuff, F40, F50, Porsche GT1 etc. Awesome and thank you for sharing

[@windronner1]

I grew up summers on the south shore. And Mr Motion was hi praise for hi performance on Long Island. And further out east was Griffith(?) Ford of the famous small block V8 TVR!! Saturday night’s on the ‘Lights’ on Sunrise Highway were never the same again. LoL

[@10Bones01]

When the right people are a part of the right industry/company it shows. I've got Legendary Motorcar playing behind me at work to motivate me. Cheers Guys~

[@jakepayton]

super cool keep em coming!

[@imdeplorable2241]

I've seen photos and read a little about the Baldwin/Motion cars but, THIS was the most informative of them all. Thank you so much. Excellent, excellent video. 👏 👍

[@joshuagibson2520]

Peter is cool as fuck. I watched him back then. Hes one of the few car guys I have respect for. Truly a hands on salt of the earth everyman. Has the hands on knowledge and skill as well as being a good driver.

[@jimduffy2923]

you guys should reach out to Junior at mighty MO MEDIA he does not have a hole lot of stuff of his dad because Thersa has most of it junior and his sister kelly and Kerry donot have alot things give him a copy of all you videos i think he wood love have a copy of what you have if you not already have done great content

[@rotaxtwin]

Pulling that ET driving it so gently sells it right there. Can Am Camaro... who knew?

[@tedshantz6193]

miss that show

[@TheUsmc0802]

Where did the long form videos go? Let’s get some new content.

[@jasonhastings5538]

It had to be yellow!!!😍😍😍😍

[@jakebob5101]

If this is the one I am thinking of I find it hard to believe it was 45 minutes from where I live in Pennsylvania.

[@theweavers8091]

It was in Lock Haven PA

[@challenger0126]

Get show

[@ralphgregory7616]

VERY cool 😎