C2 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray: The origin of species

With Corvette bringing back the Stingray name, we take look back at the C2 -- astronauts' ride of choice and the original Sting Ray.

In design terms, it was a big departure from the C1.

The 327 engine in this bad boy was in fact the smallest offered on the C2.

The hood on this car, though, comes from a 427.

The sticker proudly boasts 350 horsepower.

The original Stingray was in fact called the Sting Ray.

This 'Vette is in great condition for its age.

You're unlikely to forget what car you're in but just in case there are reminders in the cabin.

The wheel on the C2 felt right for this kind of car but it couldn't be further removed from what modern sports cars have.

The vertical radio was a signature touch.

Made in 'Murica.

We were lucky enough to have a manual transmission.

That hood snout wasn't originally on this car: it was taken from a 427.

The look of the C2 is the true origin of the design language that continues to this day in the C7.

Although arguably the Coupe is the more attractive version of the C2, the convertible strikes an imposing stance.

The C2 was the first Corvette to be adopted by NASA astronauts as their unofficial company cars.

The relationship with NASA lasted though both orginal versions of the Ray, C2 and C3.

It's humbling to sit in a cockpit that was the chosen Earth transportation of the first Americans in space.

This car has been really well looked after and still drove like a dream.

Unlike American muscle cars, the Corvette was always designed for handling.