Building the Baldwin-Motion SuperSpeedster
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This is how the SuperSpeedster started ñ a 1969 Camaro convertible with a relatively solid body. All that was needed was the shell. Virtually nothing else from a stock Camaro would be used in the SuperSpeedster. |
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The 540 Motion engine sits back 13 inches in the
SuperSpeedster. One of the first things Phil did was to place
a mock up engine/transmission in the car and begin his initial measurements. |
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Phil prefers a backbone chassis for Motion's Super series that ties the frame and body together. Cross members connect the body to the frame and provide additional rigidity. |
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The left rear quarter has been cut away, the mounting locations for the IRS have been determined and the components hung for final measurements. |
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The rear tubs are roughed in and tack welded for placement. When finished, the tubs measure 24 inches from wheel lip to inboard end. |
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Phil integrated some of his own ideas. One was to widen the front fenders so they are as wide as the rear quarters to give the body more front to rear symmetric balance. |
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Since there's virtually no bright work on the flanks, Phil extended the wind split that whips over the wheel opening and into the door and raised it ½ inch. |
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The SuperSpeedster is tailored not only to the customer's list of options and accessories; it's also ergonomically crafted to his physical specifications. Motion President Joel Ehrenpreis and Phil worked with Steve White, who purchased the SuperSpeedster to determine where Steve wanted the shifter, steering wheel placement and pedal locations. These measurements will be factored into the SuperSpeedster's final interior dimensions. |
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At this point, the SuperSpeedster unique shape is emerging. The tubs are in place, the fenders and quarters are flared and the front end fitted. Even at this point, Phil was still in the process of changing the SuperSpeedster's rear deck design. |
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The door handles and locks were shaved and a huge duct cut into the SuperSpeedster's quarter panel for brake cooling. This duct is similar to what appeared on the SuperCoupe. |
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The framing for the headrests and the headrest supports are installed. Another of Phil's creations is this addition to the console that will be part of the audio system. |
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Phil designed the interior to resemble the classic 1963 Sting Ray cockpit. The position of the pedals and placement of the shifter are now set, predicated on the driver placement measurements previously made. |
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"BUILD" - page 1 | page 2 | page 3
SEMA 2006 PHOTOS | SUPERSPEEDSTER SPECIFICATIONS
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