Zora-Arkus Duntov means as much to the world of the Corvette as any man that has ever lived. Duntov was not only a pioneer in his thinking and his innovations, but he was also a man who lived on the edge in both his personal and business life.
Born in Belgium, he grew up in Leningrad. He was educated in Berlin and spent many of his early years torn between various countries at war. When World War II broke out he decided to join the French Air Force and then he later on had to plan for the escape of his family from the stranglehold of the Nazi regime.
After there successful flight from danger, Duntov packed up his family and brought them all to the United States where he set up shop as Ardum Mechanical. His company, which would end up employing 300, was one that built and supplied various war munitions. After the war though, Duntov changed gears.
Utilizing his high analytical mind, Duntov began working with engines and soon developed a cylinder head conversion for the Ford Flathead V-8. This quickly became a favorite of hot rodders everywhere and this saw GM take note and hire the brilliant mind.
In 1953 when Duntov officially joined GM he went to work right away on the new darling of the fleet; the Corvette. Duntov would put his talents to work and would eventually help shape the Corvette into the muscle car that it is today.
Duntov understood that the Corvette was a true work of art that simply needed some prodding to become something spectacular. He started slowly first with the suspension. Then he did some aerodynamic work to the Vette, then the implementation of the V-8, and even a later influence in the fuel injection and independent rear suspension.
It wasn’t long before the racing Corvette that seeped Duntov’s touches was seen finishing alongside some of the European darlings such as Porsche, Mercedes, and Jaguar at places like Pebble Beach and Sebring. Before too long, the Corvette was not just famous here in the sates, but worldwide as well.
Even though Duntov’s primary influences came from the European cars, he still got it when it came to designing an all American icon. His prowess as an engineer was world famous and he shared many a conversation with the likes of Carroll Shelby, Dr. Ferry Porsche, Ettori Bugatti, Luigi Chinetti, and Sydney Allard. Though it was always Duntov who showed the greatest of poise and humility when meeting with these legends, they would say that they were the ones in awe of Duntov.
Until his death in 1996 Duntov truly lived the American Dream. Really when you think about it, he helped create a big part of the American dream as his influences will forever be ringing true in every Corvette that is ever made.
In 1998 Duntov was deservingly inducted into the Corvette Hall of Fame where he will forever be remembered and immortalized. Though the induction came two years too late for him to enjoy it, you can’t help but think that he is looking down from a high with a big smile on his face watching every Corvette that rolls off the assembly line.
