Restoring & Preserving Zora Arkus-Duntov’s Corvette: See It Up Close at Our 2025 Michelin Bash
The National Corvette Museum is proud to preserve Corvette history, and one of the most significant vehicles in our collection is currently undergoing a full preservation & restoration—Zora Arkus-Duntov’s personally owned 1974 Corvette. This is the only Corvette Zora ever purchased for himself, and during the Michelin NCM Bash (April 24-26, 2025), attendees will have the rare opportunity to see it up close as part of an Artifact Pitstop.
A Corvette Fit for the “Godfather of Corvette”
As the man who shaped Corvette into the world-class sports car it is today, Zora Arkus-Duntov spent years behind the wheel of prototype Corvettes during his time at General Motors. But upon his retirement in 1975, he finally bought his own—a fully loaded 1974 Corvette Stingray. Originally finished in Dark Green, Zora later had it repainted in a two-tone blue scheme, adding his initials—ZAD—to each door. It came equipped with a 454 cubic-inch big block engine and prototype wheels that wouldn’t become a production option until 1976.
Zora regularly drove this Corvette to enthusiast events before selling it in 1989. Following his passing in 1996, the car was generously donated to the Museum in his honor, where it has remained a tribute to his legacy.
The Preservation Process
The Museum’s Vehicle Preservation and Maintenance team is conducting a body-off preservation and restoration to ensure this historic Corvette is here for future generations. So far, the frame has been stripped to bare metal, treated with an anti-rust sealant, and the front and rear suspension have been restored. The engine has been rebuilt and is ready for reinstallation.
During Bash 2025, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at this preservation and hear directly from Vehicle Preservation Supervisor Dan Garrett and our team about the work being done to bring Zora’s Corvette back to life.
See It for Yourself at the 2025 Michelin Bash
Join us April 24-26, 2025, at the National Corvette Museum to witness Corvette history in the making. This Artifact Pitstop will be a must-see for any Corvette enthusiast, offering a rare chance to get up close with a car that belonged to the man who helped define America’s Sports Car.
