Description

The Chevrolet Corvette Convertible Duntov Turbo is one of the more rare and fascinating footnotes in Corvette history, tied to the legacy of Zora Arkus-Duntov, the legendary engineer often referred to as the “Father of the Corvette.”

This specific model isn’t a mass-produced Corvette variant but rather a custom-built or limited-edition concept developed in the spirit of performance experimentation. Duntov had always pushed the Corvette beyond its limits, and turbocharging was one of the performance frontiers explored during the late C3 era.

The Duntov Turbo Corvette was equipped with a turbocharged version of the 5.7-liter (350 cubic inch) V8 engine. The forced induction system significantly increased power and torque, giving the car a much more aggressive performance profile than standard naturally aspirated models of the time. Some builds reportedly reached well over 300 horsepower—an impressive figure for the late 1970s or early 1980s, when emissions regulations were choking output across the industry.

These turbocharged convertibles typically featured unique badging, upgraded suspension, and specially tuned components to handle the extra power. They were not factory GM offerings in most cases, but were often developed in collaboration with or inspired by Duntov’s engineering influence, sometimes through specialty builders or limited-edition production runs authorized by third parties.

The styling remained true to the C3 Corvette, with its sweeping fenders, low-slung profile, and long hood. However, the presence of a turbo system might bring subtle changes like hood scoops, special wheels, or reinforced drivetrain parts to manage the increased output.

Today, a Duntov Turbo Corvette Convertible is a prized collector’s item due to its rarity, performance enhancements, and historical association with one of the Corvette’s most iconic figures. It represents the bold spirit of experimentation that has always been at the heart of the Corvette story.