The Father of the Corvette: Zora Arkus-Duntov's Legacy
Zora Arkus-Duntov was an engineer and race car driver who is most notably known as the father of the Corvette. Working at General Motors for less than two years, he transformed the docile 'Vette into a fire-breathing sports car that quickly gained attention from racing enthusiasts. Duntov's work not only improved the performance of the Corvette but also solidified its place in automotive history.
Duntov's Transformation of the Corvette
In his short time at GM, Duntov focused on improving the Corvette's performance and making it more competitive in the world of sports car racing. He worked tirelessly to enhance the vehicle's engine, suspension, and braking systems, resulting in a significant increase in power and handling capabilities. This transformation from a docile to a fire-breathing sports car made the Corvette a desirable option for racing enthusiasts.
The Arrival of Carroll Shelby
However, Duntov's success was soon threatened by the arrival of Carroll Shelby, a notorious race car driver and entrepreneur. Shelby, who had recently introduced his Cobra sports car, began competing against Duntov's Stingray in various racing events. The Cobra proved to be a formidable opponent, and its superior performance left Duntov feeling frustrated and defeated.
A Secret Project is Born
In response to the Cobra's dominance on the track, Duntov decided to take matters into his own hands. He embarked on a secret project, building a version of the Corvette that would surpass the Cobra in performance and capability. This new car was designed to be a more agile and powerful rival to the Cobra, with the ultimate goal of beating Shelby's Cobra in competition.
The Birth of the Grand Sport
Duntov's secret project eventually became known as the Grand Sport, a Corvette model that was designed specifically for racing. The Grand Sport was created in response to the growing popularity of the Cobra and other high-performance sports cars on the market. With its advanced engine, improved suspension, and enhanced braking capabilities, the Grand Sport was poised to take on the best drivers and machines in the world of motorsports.
A Bumper-to-Bumper Showdown
The stage was set for a fierce showdown between Duntov's Corvette Grand Sport and Shelby's Cobra. The two vehicles were pitted against each other in a high-stakes competition, with the winner earning bragging rights as the fastest and most powerful sports car on the market. The tension was palpable as the two drivers prepared to face off on the track.
Supporting Sponsors: CuriosityStream
As we take a closer look at this remarkable story, we want to extend our gratitude to our supporting sponsor, CuriosityStream. This innovative streaming service offers an incredible selection of documentaries and non-fictional titles, including exclusive originals. With over 2,400 titles available for just $2.99 per month, CuriosityStream is the perfect destination for anyone with a passion for learning about science, history, technology, and more.
Sign up today at CuriosityStream.com/Bumper2Bumper and use the promo code Bumper2Bumper to receive your first month of premium service absolutely free! This limited-time offer is exclusive to our viewers and can't be missed. Don't wait – sign up now and experience the world of CuriosityStream for yourself.
The Impact of Factory Racing
In 1957, the AMA adopted a resolution that marked a significant shift in the world of factory racing. The agreement between car manufacturers, which would no longer advertise their cars' performance capabilities, was an attempt to prioritize safety features over speed and competition. However, as we've seen in Duntov's story, this agreement lasted only for two seconds before being broken.
The Consequences of Racing
Racing has long been a driving force behind automotive innovation, with car manufacturers creating high-performance vehicles that appeal to enthusiasts and drivers alike. However, the dangers associated with racing have never been more evident than during the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans disaster. The tragedy resulted in the loss of 79 lives and served as a wake-up call for the racing community.
The Birth of Safety Regulations
In response to this devastating incident, the AMA adopted stricter safety regulations for factory-backed auto racing. These new guidelines aimed to reduce the risk of injury or death on the track by implementing performance limitations and enforced safety protocols. Although these regulations were intended to promote a safer and more responsible racing culture, they also posed significant challenges for car manufacturers.
The Resurgence of Factory Racing
Despite the efforts to regulate factory-backed auto racing, many enthusiasts continued to push the boundaries of speed and competition. In 1962, Ford made the bold decision to abandon its agreement with the AMA, opting instead to fund its own racing team. This marked a significant shift in the world of motorsports, as car manufacturers once again began to compete aggressively for dominance on the track.
The Legacy of Zora Arkus-Duntov
Zora Arkus-Duntov's story serves as a testament to his innovative spirit and determination. As the father of the Corvette, he left an indelible mark on automotive history. His work on the Grand Sport model paved the way for future generations of sports car enthusiasts and engineers. Today, Duntov's legacy continues to inspire those who share his passion for speed, performance, and innovation.
The Automotive World: A Complex Ecosystem
The world of automotive racing is a complex ecosystem where manufacturers, drivers, and enthusiasts come together to create high-performance machines that push the boundaries of what is possible. As we look back on Duntov's story, it becomes clear that this relationship between car companies, drivers, and technology is constantly evolving.
The Evolution of Performance Cars
Throughout the history of automotive racing, performance cars have been designed with one goal in mind: to deliver the ultimate driving experience. From the early days of factory-backed auto racing to the present day, manufacturers have continually pushed the boundaries of speed, handling, and innovation. The story of Duntov and the Corvette Grand Sport is just one chapter in this ongoing narrative.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of Zora Arkus-Duntov's legacy, it becomes clear that his impact on the world of automotive racing has been profound. His work on the Corvette and the development of the Grand Sport model continue to inspire enthusiasts and engineers today.
WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: en(engine revving)- Zora Arkus-Duntov,an engineer, a race car driver.Most importantly, thefather of the Corvette.In less than two years working at GM,he transformed the docile 'Vetteinto a fire-breathing sports carthat's the talk of the town.Things are going great.And then some guy namedCarroll Shelby shows upand start racing his Cobraagainst Zora's new Stingray.And it's better.Much better.So what's a Duntov to do?Well, he goes off and buildsa version of his beloved'Vette to beat the Cobra.A car built in secret, hiddenfrom the executives at GM.Destined for the crusher.Today, I'm gonna tell youthat story, and it's a doozy.We're going bumper to bumperon the Corvette Grand Sport.This car shouldn't even be here!(lush rock music)Shout out to CuriosityStreamfor sponsoringthis episode of Bumper To Bumper.CuriosityStream is a new streaming serviceperfect for anyone withan insatiable thirstfor documentaries, non-fictional titles,and exclusive originals.They have over 2,400 titles to choose fromfor only $2.99 a month.That's less than a big ole' burritothat you can get at a gas station.Which is what I eat whenI watch my favorite show.Space Probes.The best part?You, our Donut fam, getthe first month for freeif you sign up atCuriosityStream.com/Bumper2Bumperand use the promo code Bumper2Bumper.Support our sponsorsbecause they support us.Thanks again, CuriosityStream.Now,back to the show.America is known for three things.You got your big old sodas,you got your pepperoni pizzas,and you got your auto racing.But in 1957, factory-backed auto racingwas taken away from us.Kind of.Unlike today, there were nosafety regulations enforcedor performance limitationson new automobiles.It was an all out free-for-allfor car manufacturersin building the fastestproduction cars money could buy.But the tides, they werechanging in the 50s.Partially due to the most disastrous racein the history of racing.The 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans.- 79 men, women, and childrenare dead or dying in the worst disasterin mega-racing history.So, in 1957, the AMA adopted a resolution.An agreement between the car companiesthat they would all stopadvertising the performance of their cars,and focus (sighs) on safety features.But the real meat andpotatoes of this resolutionwas that they would all stop fundingtheir factory race teams.But racing is fun and it drives sales!People buy cars that win.So this gentleman'sagreement lasted two seconds.1962, Ford said "Frig it."I'm done with this AMA deal."And Chrysler followed soon after.Coincidentally, '62 would also be the yearthat a little boy fromTexas named Carroll Shelbywould sick his (imitates snake)Cobra on the competition!Now after seeing Shelby'snew car out on the track,Corvette Chief Engineer andsavior Zora Arkus-Duntovgot a little nervous.You see, Zora had a red hotdesire to go win Le Mansin the GT class with his 'Vette.But his plump, overweightChevy was no matchfor the Cobra. (imitates snake)And here's where it gets tricky.At the time, GM was theautomobile manufacturerin the United States,with 53% of all auto sales in Americacoming from the Michigan brand.But there's these things inAmerica called antitrust laws.Basically, if GM's sales continue to grow,the government would assumethat they were reaching a monopoly statusand would have to split the company up.So because of this, GM couldn'topenly develop a race carto battle the Cobra.But Zora Arkus-Duntov was frigging smart.And a little sneaky.So he came up with the ideaof building 125 lightweightCorvettes as production cars.So Zora went to the generalmanager of Cheverolet,Bunkie Knudsen, sweet, sweet, Bunkie,and pitched him the idea.And Bunkie agreed tohelp out and offered upsome unofficial assistance and a budgetto develop and build thisnew, secret Corvette.Project codename Lightweight.Zora knew that if hewanted to beat the Cobrain his 3,200 pound fatty 'Vette,it needed to be put on a Duntov diet.So starting with the frame,a new ladder-type, alltubular frame was built.They cut it off at the rear axleand used thin-walled, largerdiameter tubing to save wieghtwhile maintaining strength.They tackled the body next.All of the panels were made of hand-laid,paper-thin fiberglass thatwere significantly lighter.Anything that was steel gotswapped out for aluminum.The door handles were froma 1950s Chevy pickup becausethey were made from aluminumand easily accessible.Zora even had them shaved downand recessed into the doorfor better aerodynamics.Pop-up up and down headlights are awesome,but Zora's 'Vette needed to save weight.So he ditched the heavymotors that operated themand molded the headlighthousings into the nose.If you look at the shape ofthe nose of the Grand Sport,it's essentially a wing.And this cause the car to want to liftat speeds overs 140 miles per hour,which sounds terrifying!To prevent the car fromliterally taking off,engineers needed to removeair from underneath it.So they just startedcutting holes in the body.The hood got gills that helpedkeep the front end down at high speeds.But they didn't stop at the hood.They went crazy and cutslots in the side fenders,rear quarter panels,and read bumper to forcemore air out from under the car.Not only did these finshelp to improve the car's performance,they helped the beefy Corvettelose even more weight.That's 60s engineering baby!- Yeah, baby!This car was built for FIA GT races,which require the wheels and tireto lie within the bodywork.So special fenders were designedto hang over the larger wheels.The fenders weren't designedjust to satisfy the rules though.Their shape was engineeredto force more airaway from the belly of the beast.This car was pretty much anairplane wing in disguiseand kept wanting to go fly.Like an eagle to the sea.Fly like an eagle, let my spirit carry me.I want to fly!Into the future.Time keeps on slipping,slipping, slipping.It used the air flowing overthe car to their advantageand put large scoops onthe rear quarter panelsto catch air and sendit to cool the brakes.They even mounted a differential coolerdirectly on the rear deckto reduce the temp of the diff oil.A typical '63 has a split rear window,but that's more weight.That was ditched.They were replaced withplexiglass instead.Then they reduced the weight even moreby using magnesium wheels.The Duntov diet was starting to work.A stock '63 'Vette weighedin at around 3,200 pounds.But the Grand Sport?1,900, that's 1,300 pounds less.That is 9.84 mes.I weigh 132 pounds.Now cutting all that weightdoesn't do you any goodif you don't have a race motor to move it.While waiting for an engine to be built,a modified productionL84 fuel-injected 327was put in the Grand Sport.They took the car down to Sebringto do some initialtesting, and it did good.Good enough that the big wig GM executivesheard about the car all the way on the 104and sent Duntov a message to shut it down.And he did.Well,I mean, at least that's what he told them.- I lied.Not only was he told to haltall the work on the cars,but he was told to destroy them.Send them to the crusher!Get them off the planet!So Zora did what any good father would do.Like the father of Moses, Superman,and the Penguin from Batman Returns,he sent three of them down the riverfor someone else to raise them.Someone by the name of John Mecom.Oh, and he also hid the othertwo in a secret storage areaat Chevrolet's research center.Before Zora sent threeGrand Sports down to Texas,he loaned chassis 003 and 004to two private tier racersto get some racing feedback.Chicago Chevy dealer Dick Doane got 003,and Grady Davis from Gulf Oil got 004.They put the new Grand Sportthrough its paces at SCCA racesbecause the car wasn'tconsidered a production cardue to only five of them being built.They had to race in the modified class.The car had mixed results.But after some modificationsand improvements,Davis, with Dick Thompson at the wheel,took the 004 Grand Sportto an overall victoryat the 1963 SCCANationals at Watkins Glen.Boom diggity, this Cobra-killing mongoosewas starting to prove it's worth.Side note: Dick Thompson gotthe nickname The Flying Dentistbecause he was a dentist.He liked winning racesand filling cavities.After finding out about the carsbeing raced around thecountry at SCCA events,GM ordered them to be sent back to Zora,and again, to stop working on themand not race them.But Duntov was notoriouslyhard at hearing.So he took the cars 003 and004 and an un-raced 005 car,and modified them even moreto reflect what they learned on the track.All those vents and holes cut in the carthat we talked about before,those were implemented.Wider 9.5 inch wheelsand tires were put on.And it increased grip from .9 G to 1.1 G.They continued to work on the motorthat would power the Cobra killer.That motor was the 377.A 6.2 liter, all aluminum, small-block V8with four 58 millimeterWeber -- carburetors,and a special aluminum cross ram manifold.It made a claimed 550 hrsprs at 6400 RPM.Enough power to scootthe Lightweight Corvetteto the top step of the podium.(engines revving)Now that Duntov had a complete race car,it was time to test it against the Cobra.From '54 to '66, the Bahamas hostedthe Nassau Trophy Race.Mecom entered all three GrandSports in the 1963 race.The Grand Sports were almost10 seconds a lap quickerthan the competition.They were faster than Cobras, but alsofaster than the Ferrari GTOs.Duntov was quoted as saying"Even though we designedthe Grand Sports quickly"and they lacked proper development,"Nassau proved they were more than equal"not only to the Cobras,but the Ferrari GTOs."(funky bass music)The Grand Sport was much more bare-bonesthan the one that I amcurrently sitting in.Duntov had to installproduction-looking interior because,well, it had to be a production car.But it was all for looks.The Grand Sport team hadto save weight everywhere.So the interior got slimmed too.The doors were stripped of the hardwareand the windows, again,were made of plexiglass,held in place with a velcro strap.A small, lightweight knob was usedto open the door from the inside.And a small, baby finger-sizedindentation in the panelwas used for the door handle.It had simple seats, adash, and thin carpet.It was a race car in disguise.(funky bass music)After the Grand Sportsproved their worth in Nassau,Duntov went to work on gettingchassis 001 and 002 ready for Daytona.He cut the roofs offand made them roadstersto improve aerodynamics andimplemented a lot of the changesthat helped the coupes be sosuccessful in the Nassau race.But again, GM got word thatZora was still racing the carsand five weeks after Nassau,GM laid down the law.Dude, if you continue to race this car,you are going to getthis company split up.Seriously, Zora, please stopracing these (bleep) cars!I mean it this time, dude!Stop!GM had the cars shippedback and pulled the motors.The five Grand Sportswould get shuffled aroundat the various privatetier teams in the 60s,eventually being pushed aside,as GM failed to provide factory supportwhile the Cobra continue to evolveand regain its supremacy.If you're curious, what superrare care like this goes for,in 2009, chassis number twowas the only Grand Sportoffered in public sale.The bidding got up to $4.9 million,but still wasn't enough to bring homethe Lightweight Cobra Killer.But lucky for you, you don'tneed that kind of moneyto get yourself a good Grand Sport.You only need 200 grand.And we have Superformanceto thank for that.(car starts)(laughs)(engine revving)(laughs)I feel like one of those guys in the 60s!Just, open-faced helmet, Igot a bandana around my face!I'm just going door to door with Shelbys!(coughs) That a wrap?The car we have hereis not one of the original Grand Sports.This is a GM licensed Superformance car.It's not a kit car, it's not a replica.It's an official continuation carbrought back to life by Superformance.Built to the exact specificationsof the original '63 Grand Sport,based on spec drawings by Zora himself.The Superformance Grand Sport keepsthe original style steering wheel,seat belts, pedals, shifter,and handbrake lever.It has updates like Wilwood brakes,17 inch wheels in the front,18 inch wheels in the back.But the original chassislayout and suspensionis 100% period correct.The motor, well, youcan get anything really.From a 350 horsepower ZZ4 small-blockto the all aluminum supercharged LS9.And if you want to go old-school,you can get a modern versionof the infamous, all aluminum 377.This GS rocks a 650 hrspr LT4.The same motor found in the C7 Z06and the sixth gen Camaro ZL1.The Grand Sport, a race carthat was never supposed to be built,constructed within the dark recessesof Chevrolet's research center.The Lightweight Corvette wasdesigned to beat the Cobra,and it did.GM said no, but ZoraArkus-Duntov didn't listen.While he didn't get hischance to win Le Mans,Zora proved his point.He could build a carthat could not onlycompete against the best,but would beat them.It was a short-lived success,but a success nonetheless.(engine revving)Big thanks to Superformancefor loaning us this car,and big, big thanks to thePetersen Automotive Museumfor letting us shoot here.You like this story?You want to learn more about Zora?He's a really great guy,that Petersen is hostinga Zora tribute weekendon July 27th and 28th.I'll probably be here.Say what's up.And then there's a linkin the description belowto get all the information on that.You want to learn more about Corvettes,check out this episode ofmy other show, Up To Speed.You want to know more about going fast,check out this episodeof my son Nolan's show.You like me shirt?Merch is back in stock.You can get it at DonutMedia.com.Sign up for the email listto be the first to know about new dropsand get 10% off of your first order.Follow me on Instagram andTwitter @jamespumphrey.Follow Donut on Instagramand Twitter @donutmedia.I love you.
