If you’re Corvette-obsessed like us, you’ve been following this Zora story for months. CorvSport first broke the news of the restoration in early March, and now that the National Corvette Museum has revealed the official exhibit, this story is taking the internet by storm, with multiple publications and countless enthusiasts jumping into the fray. I’ve lost count of how many articles have been published, and my social media feeds have been nuts–The Corvette brand is as vibrant as ever! This is an exciting time for the NCM, as this standalone, permanent exhibit is part of their 31st Anniversary celebration kickoff. Today’s feature, along with the majority of CorvSport’s digital content, is FREE and not behind a paywall. When any pop-ups appear, please click to dismiss them and continue enjoying the article.
I’m still amazed when reminded that the legendary father (or grandfather, depending on who you ask) of our iconic Corvette only personally owned ONE Corvette. Yes, the man who is credited with compelling GM to shoehorn the first V8 into the Corvette in 1955 and reviving the brand as a true sports car technically owned only one Corvette.
What’s Inside Today’s NCM Coverage
- Get to Know “The Only One”
- A Gallery of The More Compelling Restoration Photos
- Facebook Fun: Join Other Enthusiasts on NCM’s Reveal Post
- The Full Photo Gallery From The Reveal Post
- Read The Full Reveal Article From The NCM
- Ground Zero: Featured Restoration Video From The NCM
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1) Get to Know “The Only One”
The story surrounding this iconic 1974 Stingray is as interesting as the man himself, and the long and arduous project of restoring Zora’s only Corvette has finally been completed. As the NCM noted in their recent Facebook post, “Everything is preserved exactly the way Zora left it.” Zora acquired this piece of Corvette history after his retirement in 1975, and it’s reported that he drove the Stingray for years before selling her in 1989. After his passing in 1996, it was donated to the National Corvette Museum in his honor.
Let’s get to know Zora’s 1974 Stingray better:
- Reported to be a “fully-loaded” Stingray and is equipped with the 454ci big block.
- It had prototype wheels that didn’t see production until 1976.
- Initially finished in Dark Green, Zora later commissioned the custom two-tone paint, which included his initials lettered on the doors.
- During the extensive restoration, the frame was stripped to bare metal, rust was cut out, and fresh metal was welded in. The frame was then coated with anti-rust sealant.
- The suspension was completely restored.
- The 454ci big block was removed, rebuilt, and meticulously reinstalled for the big reveal.
2) A Gallery of The More Compelling Restoration Photos
3) Facebook Fun: Join Other Enthusiasts on NCM’s Reveal Post
If you like to mingle with the Corvette community, here is a perfect opportunity! The National Corvette Museum’s Facebook page is public and free to join; however, a Facebook profile is required (and also free). Don’t miss out on what 286,000+ followers are already enjoying–click on the “f” or anywhere on the post to engage.
♦ The NCM posts:
“It’s official: Zora Arkus-Duntov’s personal 1974 Corvette is now on display at the National Corvette Museum. After years of meticulous preservation work by our Vehicle Preservation team, Zora’s Corvette has officially joined the exhibit floor in the Skydome. Everything is preserved exactly the way Zora left it.
Just in time for our 31st Anniversary celebration, this historic car now stands as a tribute to the man who helped shape the soul of America’s Sports Car. Read how the journey came together in The Drive’s latest article.”
4) The Full Photo Gallery From The Reveal Post
5) Read The Full Reveal Article From The NCM
This article in section 5 is fully credited and authored by the National Corvette Museum.
Zora Arkus-Duntov’s Only Corvette, Fully Preserved, to Debut at National Corvette Museum’s 31st Anniversary
After a meticulous, multi-year preservation effort, the only Corvette ever owned by Zora Arkus-Duntov—the legendary “Godfather of the Corvette”—will make its public debut during the National Corvette Museum’s 31st Anniversary Celebration, August 28–30, 2025.
Zora’s personal 1974 custom two-tone blue Corvette Stingray, a retirement gift from Chevrolet, has been preserved with precision by the Museum’s Collections and Preservation team. The body was carefully separated from the chassis, allowing complete access to the frame, suspension, and underbody. Each component was documented, cleaned, stabilized, and reinstalled to ensure its authenticity. Even the creased leather armrest on the driver’s side—worn from years of Zora’s elbow resting as he drove—was intentionally left untouched.
“This car represents Corvette history in its purest form,” said Robert Maxhimer, Director of Curatorial Affairs and Education at the National Corvette Museum. “Preserving Zora’s personal Corvette is the first of many in-depth preservation projects that will ensure our collection lasts for generations.”
Zora Arkus-Duntov, inducted into the Corvette Hall of Fame in 1998, played a pivotal role in elevating the Corvette into a world-class performance vehicle. His personal 1974 Corvette Stingray features a 454 big block engine, automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering and brakes, and aluminum wheels.
Originally silver, then later painted green, the car eventually received its iconic custom two-tone blue livery when Zora asked a friend for a new paint job. The final result, including his initials “ZAD” on the doors, was a surprise—but one Zora appreciated. His wife, Elfi, marked the occasion with a painting of Zora standing beside the car. A decal reading “Zora Arkus-Duntov Engineering Center” remains on the rear deck, serving as a subtle tribute to his legacy.
The preservation will be the centerpiece of a reimagined Corvette Hall of Fame exhibition, launching during the Anniversary weekend. Attendees will enjoy exclusive insights into the restoration process through expert-led sessions featuring the Museum’s new generation of preservation professionals.
The National Corvette Museum’s 31st Anniversary Celebration takes place August 28–30, 2025, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. For tickets, lodging, and a full schedule of events, click the button below.
6) Ground Zero: Featured Restoration Video From The NCM
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