The man known as the Godfather of the Corvette, Zora Arkus-Duntov, was the legendary engineer who fought to transform Chevrolet’s sports car from a stylish cruiser into a world-class performance machine.

In a career defined by countless test mules and race cars, he only ever personally owned one Corvette. Now, after decades hidden from the public eye, that very car is undergoing a complete restoration at the National Corvette Museum (NCM), with plans for a public debut.

The Personal Car of Zora Arkus-Duntov

The car at the center of this project is a 1974 C3 Stingray, a significant model in its own right. It’s equipped with the legendary 454-cubic-inch LS4 Big Block V8, making it a true muscle machine from the era.

The 1974 model year was the last time this beast of an engine was available in the Corvette, marking the end of the big-block generation for the C3. Zora drove this four-speed car as his personal vehicle for years before selling it to a private owner in 1989. After his passing, the car was generously donated to the National Corvette Museum in Kentucky in 1996, securing its place in history.

Restoring the Car, Preserving the Story

Like any classic car that has seen plenty of road time, the passage of time has taken its toll on this car. To bring it back to its original condition, the NCM has undertaken an ambitious restoration project.

The museum’s philosophy is clear: “When you restore the car, you also preserve the story.” To fund this work, the NCM has launched a year-end giving campaign, asking for donations so that future generations of enthusiasts can appreciate the invaluable history of Zora Arkus-Duntov and his personal car.

The Legend’s Debut

The public will soon have its first chance to see the finished car in all its glory. The NCM has announced that Zora’s fully restored 1974 Corvette will make its official debut at the museum’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, which takes place from August 28th to 30th, 2025.

The museum expects this unveiling to be a major highlight of the event for Corvette fans from around the world. When the NCM finally pulls the covers off, the car will be more than just a beautifully restored classic. It will be a direct, tangible link to the man who gave the Corvette its soul, ready to tell its unique story for the first time in decades.