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Bowling Green Honors Corvette Legend Zora Arkus-Duntov

A classic 1974 Corvette displayed at the National Corvette Museum

News Summary

The National Corvette Museum announces a preservation project to honor Zora Arkus-Duntov, the Godfather of Corvette. A special 1974 Corvette will be restored to celebrate his legacy. The restoration will be unveiled during the 28th annual Michelin NCM Bash in April 2025. Additionally, the Bowling Green Assembly Plant will temporarily suspend operations for updates in preparation for the 2026 model year, while management sees changes with the retirement of key figures. Fans can begin ordering the new models on April 13, 2025, amidst excitement for future enhancements.

Bowling Green: A Tribute to a Legend

Exciting times are ahead for car lovers, especially for fans of the iconic Corvette! There’s big news that the National Corvette Museum is kicking off a special preservation project to honor a legendary figure in Corvette history—Zora Arkus-Duntov, famously known as the Godfather of Corvette. Zora transformed the Corvette from a simple sports car into the unforgettable high-performance vehicle that enthusiasts adore today.

Did you know that Arkus-Duntov only ever owned one personal Corvette? That’s right, it was a stunning 1974 model that now holds a special place in the museum’s preservation project. The talented museum staff is on a mission to restore this Corvette to its original pristine condition, ensuring that Zora’s legacy lives on in style.

The Heart of the Corvette

Dan Garrett, the vehicle collection supervisor at the museum, is thrilled to work on restoring this remarkable piece of automotive history. It symbolizes Zora’s incredible contributions to the Corvette brand, and bringing it back to its former glory is an honor for the entire team. Once the restoration is complete, this beautiful Corvette will take center stage at the 28th annual Michelin NCM Bash event planned for April 2025.

Mark Your Calendars!

While the excitement builds, fans of the Corvette can register for the Michelin Bash, which will occur from April 24-26, 2025. This annual event is one for the books, packed with unique artifacts and presentations from the museum’s dedicated collections team. It’s a delightful opportunity for car enthusiasts and casual fans alike to immerse themselves in Corvette culture while celebrating its storied past.

Production Updates at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant

Bowling Green Assembly plant, the only site producing Corvettes, will be temporarily suspending its operations for four weeks. This suspension is part of essential inventory control measures and preparations for upcoming updates for the much-anticipated 2026 model year.

The first shutdown is set to start on February 24, followed by additional halts on March 17, March 24, and May 19. This decision aligns with various factors, such as preparing for employee retirements and equipping new hires with the necessary skills to meet future demands.

What’s Next for the Corvette?

As excitement builds for the 2026 model year, there’s rampant speculation about a potential new Grand Sport model, which is expected to bridge the gap between the Stingray and the E-Ray. Enthusiasts are hungry for details, and this new addition could further enhance the Corvette lineup.

During the upcoming shutdown, expect significant changes to the production line, including reconfigurations and updates aimed at implementing new components. With ongoing adjustments, the plant is poised for a bright future.

Shifting Gears in Management

Harlan Charles, the Corvette Product Marketing Manager, and Kirk Bennion, the Exterior Design Manager, are stepping down from their positions. While this may raise eyebrows, change can often lead to exciting new directions for a brand.

Order Yours Soon!

2026 Chevy Corvette starting on April 13, 2025. Production is expected to restart on June 2, 2025, so be ready to get your hands on the latest and greatest from the Corvette stable!

Whether you’re a die-hard Corvette fan or a newbie, there’s never been a better time to get involved. With the ongoing restoration project and the anticipation of new models, the world of Corvette is buzzing with excitement. Keep your eyes on Bowling Green—there’s a lot in store!

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Bowling Green Honors Corvette Legend Zora Arkus-Duntov

STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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