What makes a car special is in the eye of the beholder, but for the second-generation Corvette, it’s a little bit more than that. After all, this is the Sting Ray generation we’re talking about, and with it came a sleek speed-inspired design, the only split-window model to date, and the famed big block 427 powerplant. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Check out the second chapter of the “Corvette Generations” video tour above to see everything that makes the C2 a noteworthy Corvette. 

The 1959 Stingray racer influenced the design of the C2 Corvettes, but it was the stingray fish that inspired the design cues in the beginning.

Last week we brought you the first video in the “Corvette Generations” series where Corvette Product Manager Harlan Charles discussed the features and history of the Corvette C1. This week, we bring you the second video, dedicated solely to the seemingly most famous and talked about Corvette generation, the C2.

Popular for many reasons, the C2 brought about many innovative features to the Chevrolet lineup, the first being that iconic split window design of the 1963 model. Notable for the split-window design itself and being the only model year to come with this feature, the 1963 Corvette is one of the most highly sought after Corvettes ever built.

Of course, this split window design went along nicely with the new Sting Ray body style, a curious shape that was inspired by a deep sea fishing trip GM Vice President of Design Bill Mitchell took in Florida. While fishing, Mitchell was inspired by the shape of the stingray fish when it moved through the water and used that idea to help design the 1959 race car that was then in turn used to influence the C2 body style.

427 is now a magical number to performance Chevys thanks in part to the C2 Corvette.

Along with the new body style for the C2 generation came the sport coupe model added to the line-up, as well as the big block engine that made its appearance in the Corvette in 1965. The big block then transitioned into the famous and beloved 427 engine in 1966.

Although the C2 “Sting Ray” generation ended in 1967, just five model years after it began, to make way for the C3, these iconic Corvettes remain favorites of car enthusiasts and highly recognizable even to non-Corvette savvy individuals. What do you think sets the C2 Corvette apart from the rest?