Zora Arkus-Duntov: The Father of the Corvette

After studying engineering in Europe and working for various brands, Zora joined General Motors in 1953, right as the Corvette made its debut. Though he wasn’t part of its initial design, Zora was so captivated by the Corvette that he sent GM a memo with suggestions on how to improve it, leading to his hiring. Under his guidance, the Corvette evolved from a fledgling concept into a true performance icon.

Zora’s major contributions included introducing the V8 engine, enhancing the suspension, and adding a manual transmission—all of which greatly elevated the Corvette’s performance. His innovations made the Corvette not only faster and more powerful but also appealing to sports car enthusiasts with luxury features like power windows and vibrant color options.

Zora’s ultimate dream was to design a mid-engine Corvette for better handling, but technical limitations prevented it during his time at GM. He retired in 1975, but his vision lived on, culminating in the 2020 mid-engine C8 Corvette. Zora is remembered as the man who transformed the Corvette into a legend, with a lasting impact on both performance and design.

Win this 2025 Corvette ZR1 with the
ZTK Performance Package plus $30,000!

The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum is offering their biggest giveaway ever…a new 2025 Corvette ZR1 with ZTK and $30,000 CASH to pay the winners taxes. The ZR1 Coupe will be ordered in Competition Yellow and it will have the ZTK Performance Package which also includes the large rear wing, dive planes, and other aerodynamic components.  Your donation helps a great organization to continue sharing the excitement and history of Sprint Car racing.

You can get tickets for just $25 and Thundering Thursday subscribers can get 20% Bonus Entries. The winner will be drawn in August 2025 so start collecting your tickets today by Clicking Here.

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Every entry will receive a limited-edition Corvette Mike Keychain.
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This Week’s Owner’s Corner

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Troy@CorvetteMike.Com

John C’s 1960

I bought my 60 corvette in 2006 for 26K on E bay. I did a frame up restoration on it which I did 80% of the work myself taking it apart and putting it back together on weekends. It’s only driven on weekends because it’s a People Magnet. I just can’t keep them away. 

John C. (member of corvettes limited San Gabriel Ca.)

Fall Specials

2019 ZR1 Convertible
Highly Sought-After 7-Speed Manual
1-of-8 Equipped Like This One!

Black with Black interior, 7-Speed Manual, 3ZR – low miles!

This 1-of-8 2019 Corvette ZR1 3ZR represents the pinnacle of Corvette engineering and the final front-engine design. Combining power, luxury, and cutting-edge performance, it’s a true masterpiece.

Key features include:

3ZR Competition Seats for comfort and support
ZR1 Chrome Wheels and striking Red Brake Calipers
Chrome Badge Package for added sophistication

Powered by a 755-hp supercharged V8, this ZR1 delivers thrilling performance with precision handling and premium interior features. Own a piece of Corvette history with this rare gem!

Priced At: $225,000

2019 Z06 Convertible
7-Speed Manual and Only 2,922 Miles!

Black with Kalahari Interior and Soft Top

If you’re looking for a 2019 Corvette that stands out, this one-owner model with just 2,922 miles is a perfect choice. The Black exterior and Kalahari interior with a soft top create a stunning look that turns heads.

This rare Z06, with a 7-speed manual transmission and chrome wheels, represents only 0.1% of total production in this color combo.

Key Options:
2LZ Preferred Equipment Group
Chrome Aluminum Wheels & Badge Package
Performance Air Intake
Red Brake Calipers
Z06 Under Hood Cover
Battery Protection Package

Special Price: $92,500

2014 Jaguar F-Type-S Convertible

Very Sharp Example In A Rare Color And Only 14,480 Miles!

Firesand Orange Metallic Jaguar with Black Interior
Only 14,480 Miles!
305/495hp Supercharged V8

This remarkable example has only 14,480 miles on the odometer and is in excellent condition, showcasing one of the most eye-catching colors we’ve ever seen—Firesand Orange Metallic—perfectly complementing the sporty character of this Jaguar.

Key Features and Options Include:
Climate Pack: Heated seats and steering wheel for ultimate comfort
Black Pack: Enhanced black exterior trim for a sleek look
Premium Pack V8 S: Includes garage door opener, wind deflector, and lockable interior storage
Vision Pack V8 S: Features adaptive and intelligent front lighting, front sensors, rear parking camera, and blind spot monitor
Meridian Premium Audio Sound System: For an unparalleled listening experience
Performance Pack V8 S: Offers performance seats, configurable dynamic mode, red brake calipers, flat-bottomed steering wheel, and selectable active exhaust
20″ Black Cyclone Wheels: Adds a bold touch to the overall aesthetic
This extraordinary Jaguar F-Type is where luxury meets performance in perfect harmony

Special Price: $49,900

Searching for your dream car? We’re here to help.

Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll scour the country (and our database)
to find just what you’re looking for.

Email Troy@CorvetteMike.com with the subject “Dream Car” and we’ll get to searching for you.
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Comic of the Week

Some Random Thoughts

Why do we call them “cookies” when they spend most of their time baking?

I wonder if clouds ever look down at us and say, “That one looks like an idiot!”

Do vegetarians eat animal crackers, or is that considered betrayal?

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The Leader of the Pack for over 42 years (est. 1982), Corvette Mike has earned a reputation of unsurpassed integrity and expertise while becoming one of the world’s leading sports car dealers. Dealing with Corvettes, American Muscle cars, Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, and more, Corvette Mike is your one-stop for your collection and sports car needs!

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