Duntov Turbo Corvette: Early Turbo Legend, Specs, Price & Legacy

Bottom Line Up Front

The Duntov Turbo Corvette is a 1970s‑era C3 that beat the Callaway twin‑turbo to the finish line, offering a turbo‑charged V8, modest fuel mileage, and a price that still feels wild today.

Design & Looks

Zora Arkus‑Duntov took a stock 1971 C3 and added a turbo package without changing the classic fastback silhouette. The car kept the iconic split‑window roof and sharp fender lines, so it still looks like a genuine Corvette at first glance. The only visual clues to its turbo heart are the small air‑intake scoop on the front bumper and a discreet intercooler vent behind the driver’s side wheel.

• Original C3 body, no major body‑kit changes
• Turbo inlet scoop on the front bumper
• Intercooler vent on the rear‑side fender
• Subtle badge reading “Turbo” on the rear deck

Performance & Mileage

Duntov’s team fitted a 5.7‑liter small‑block V8 with a single Garrett turbocharger. The result was roughly 300 hp at 5,800 rpm and a torque peak of 380 lb‑ft. While the power made the C3 feel like a modern supercar, the fuel economy stayed in the 15‑20 mpg range—typical for a muscle car of that era.

Price & Rivals

When it rolled out, the Duntov Turbo Corvette cost about $12,500, placing it in the same ballpark as a brand‑new C3 but with a turbo twist that few competitors offered. The closest rival was the 1977 Callaway Turbo‑C3, which debuted a few years later and carried a price tag north of $14,000. Both cars aimed at buyers who wanted more punch without leaving the Chevrolet dealership.

• Original price: ~$12,500 (1974)
• Competed with early Callaway turbo models
• Offered factory‑like reliability thanks to Duntov’s engineering
• Today, a well‑preserved example can fetch six‑figure sums at auction

FAQ

• What is the mileage of the Duntov Turbo Corvette? Expect around 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
• Is the Duntov Turbo Corvette worth buying today? For collectors, its rarity and pioneering turbo technology make it highly desirable, though it requires careful maintenance.
• How does the Duntov Turbo compare to the Callaway twin‑turbo? Duntov’s single‑turbo setup predates Callaway’s twin‑turbo, delivering similar power at a lower price, but Callaway later refined the twin‑turbo concept for even higher output.

What do you think about Zora Arkus‑Duntov’s turbo experiment? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: Read Official News