Zora Arkus-Duntov’s 1974 Corvette Now On Display At NCM: Photos
August 28, 2025 4:48 pm
The National Corvette Museum is now housing a truly exception slice of sports car history, offering visitors a chance to get up close with Zora Arkus-Duntov’s personal 1974 Corvette Stingray
ZAD’s personal Vette is part of the Museum’s latest 31st Anniversary Celebration, and is considered one of the most significant artifacts to ever wear the Crossed Flags badge. Now, this unique C3 can be found in the newly reimagined Corvette Hall of Fame exhibit.
Known as the “Godfather of the Corvette,” Zora Arkus-Duntov was the visionary engineer who helped transform the Corvette from a stylish cruiser into a bona fide performance machine. Despite his deep involvement with the brand over several decades, this 1974 C3 was the only Vette that the engineer personally owned, purchasing it brand new just one year before retiring in 1975.
Under the hood, this C3 features a 454-cubic-inch V8 engine rated at 270 horsepower, mated to an automatic transmission. It also includes factory air conditioning, power steering and brakes, and aluminum wheels. Originally finished in silver, the car underwent multiple color changes over the years, first to green, and then to the current custom two-tone blue. The unique livery is completed by Zora’s initials, “ZAD,” hand-painted on each door.
Rather than restoring the car, the Museum’s Collections and Preservation team undertook a multi-year preservation effort aimed at honoring the car’s original condition and Zora’s personal touch. The body was carefully separated from the chassis to access the undercarriage and suspension, and all of the components were cleaned and reassembled. The museum points out that the driver’s side leather armrest was intentionally left untouched, worn down from years of use by Zora himself.
This Corvette now serves as the centerpiece of the redesigned Hall of Fame gallery, which debuts for the Museum’s anniversary celebration. The updated exhibit focuses on immersive storytelling to honor Corvette legends, including various racers, designers, and engineers.
