Preserved after years of meticulous work, the personal Chevrolet Corvette of Zora Arkus-Duntov, the “Father of the Corvette,” is now a jewel displayed by the National Corvette Museum. This man is an absolutely crucial figure in the history of the American sports car, responsible for some of its greatest moments.
A C3 Rich in History and Unique Features
Zora Arkus-Duntov purchased this new Corvette C3 in 1974, just one year before leaving General Motors. Equipped with a 454 engine and a three-speed automatic transmission, it features power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, and aluminum wheels. While it was initially silver, it was repainted green before sporting its current two-tone blue livery. It also bears personal touches, such as the hand-painted initials “ZAD” on the doors.
A Preservation Effort, Not a Restoration
The museum’s Collections and Preservation department undertook a colossal project to stabilize the car in its current state. Rather than a classic restoration, the body was separated from the chassis to clean, stabilize, and preserve every small component in minute detail. Extreme care was taken to retain all the character and soul of the vehicle, such as the leather armrest worn by Zora’s own left arm.
Unique and Fascinating Technical Details
A close examination reveals unique details. The wheels mounted on the car were only prototypes at the time and did not become available to the public until 1976. There is also a Holley control mounted on the console that allows switching the fuel mixture between rich and lean. Surprisingly, this is the one and only Corvette that Zora Arkus-Duntov ever owned.
A Centerpiece for Eternity
After driving it for years, Zora sold the car in 1989. It was later donated to the National Corvette Museum in his honor after his death in 1996. The Corvette will be the centerpiece of the museum’s new Corvette Hall of Fame exhibition gallery. It is the first in a series of in-depth preservation projects aimed at preserving the greatest Corvettes for future generations.