The National Corvette Museum has restored Zora Arkus-Duntov’s personal C3 Stingray, honoring the man who shaped the Corvette’s legacy.
The National Corvette Museum has completed a special restoration project unlike any other, bringing new life to the only Corvette ever owned by Zora Arkus-Duntov, the man widely credited with transforming Chevrolet’s fiberglass two-seater into an American performance icon.
Arkus-Duntov, often referred to as the “Father of the Corvette,” owned just one example of the car he helped shape into history: a third-generation Stingray powered by a 454-cubic-inch V8. That car, one of the most significant in Corvette lore, now sits proudly on display at the museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
But this wasn’t a conventional frame-off restoration. Instead, the museum focused on a careful preservation effort, ensuring the car retained as much originality as possible while presenting it in a condition that honors Arkus-Duntov’s role in Corvette history. Specialists worked to stabilize aging components, freshen finishes, and safeguard the car’s authenticity without erasing its unique patina.
The C3 Stingray represents a pivotal moment in Corvette history. Under Arkus-Duntov’s guidance, the model line had already established itself as a true sports car capable of competing on the world stage. His engineering influence and relentless advocacy inside General Motors transformed what began in 1953 as a stylish roadster into a machine with real racing pedigree and global respect.
The museum’s decision to restore his personal Corvette ensures that visitors will not only see the car itself but also connect to the man behind it. For enthusiasts, the Stingray stands as both a piece of automotive history and a tribute to Arkus-Duntov’s legacy of innovation.
By preserving Zora’s car, the National Corvette Museum has secured a tangible link to the figure who turned the Corvette into a world-class sports car.
