With very few notable exceptions, it’s the original version of famous and successful products that set the tone and offer the inspiration for their successors (and sometimes, rivals as well). This applies to most objects, from modern electronic devices like Apple’s iPhone, to cars like the first generation BMW M3 E30.
If you’re wondering about the exceptions, one car that immediately comes to mind is the Corvette. Yes, the first version of the Corvette (1953–1962) was and remains a beautiful roadster that opened the way for America’s most successful and longest running sports car nameplate, but it’s the C2 Corvette Sting Ray that created the myth and through which the template was formed for all of its successors to this day.
You can see the C2’s genes in the seventh generation of the Corvette over and under the skin, and even in its name, which pays tribute to the 1962–1967 model.
For many, the C2 is best looking Corvette ever, but if you have doubts, do check this video from Drive that takes a look at Brian Hobaugh’s muscled up 1965 Corvette Sting Ray.
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