Domestic performance enthusiasts got a topping-up of Corvette and muscle car exposure last weekend at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago, IL. The second edition of the Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals brought together more than 500 cars and 200 vendors, in addition to special highlights, such as Chicago icons Nickey Chicago and Mr. Norm, the Corvette Central Triple Diamond Display and Competition and the Shelby Snakepit.

Additional features include a big all automotive swap meet, a variety of specialty automotive vendors, the ‘Automotive Authors Row’, a car corral area offering collector cars for sale and a charity auction that benefits the Rescue 1, Fire Safety For Kids program.

Among the many pristine examples on display was the last Baldwin-Motion Corvette built by Joel Rosen at Motion Performance in Baldwin, NY. The 500-hp, 1971 Baldwin-Motion Phase III GT Corvette is one of just twelve built between 1969 and 1971. Purchased two years ago from the original owner, the car was restored to its original 1971 condition and made its public debut at the show.

To the delight of Baldwin-Motion enthusiasts, as well as Rosen who attended the event, two more of his creations were at the show. A yellow 1970 GT and a red 1969 were displayed on either side of the white Phase III GT. Rosen commented, “Seeing the three together at MCACN was an emotional experience.”

Fans of almost any kind of muscle or pony car from the grand era were bound to find their dream car at the event and quite likely more than just one.

The show featured a number of special displays, including the ‘Class of 1970 40th Anniversary Display,’ the only two known 1970 Stage II Buick GS factory racers, as well as the ‘Cars OF HURST Performance’ featuring twenty-five documented Hurst Performance vehicles, along with Linda Vaughan and Jack “Doc” Watson.

The Supercars Showcase displayed only authentic dealer-built Supercars from Yenko, Gibb and others, while a “Salute to the 1969 Chevelle” gathered twelve unique 1969 Chevelles including SS, L78, L89, coupes, hardtops and convertible versions. Other special gatherings included Mopar Alley, presented by The Chicagoland Mopar Club, the “AMC-YA” Group featuring significant American Motors cars and the History of the Pontiac GTO, 1964-2006, presented by the Cruisin’ Tigers GTO Club.