When I first became 'motorised', inititally on two wheels in the mid/late 60's seeing an American car was unusual......if you did see one It would probably be a Ford, a Fairlane, Galaxie or Thunderbird. These were all sold here 'new' by a few Ford dealers like Gates of Woodford. A Corvette of any year would never be seen.......it was only when we would drive in to Londons west end that you may see the odd C3 later in the late 60's/early 70's. There were a few C3's that would visit Santa Pod, even compete on the strip. To me a chrome bumper C3 back then was the most beautiful and adventurously styled car I had ever seen, far more so than the E Type's, Aston Martins, Iso's, and other exotics frequenting Londons more exclusive area's......AND the Corvette was produced by an 'ordinary' USA manufacturer using 'ordinary' mechanical parts!
The C3's unique styling, the pointed front without a noticeable 'grille', raised front fenders, kicked-up tail and the total lack of any of the usual odd bits of gaudy chrome that normally were seen on American cars. It looked 20 years ahead of its time. I still think it looks 'ageless' (along with a very limited number of other cars.......like perhaps the Elan Plus 2?)
And now? - I love the fact that it has zero modern driving 'attributes' - you literally drive it by the seat of your pants - its a fairly crude ride, certainly by todays standards, but you feel everything that going-on beneath you - no ABS, no traction control (OK, so it has a great LSD) - minimal creature comforts - its noisy - its hot in summer - its just 'you' and the car - a raw and visceral experience - that wonderful close ratio 'box that allows you to wind it up in each gear..........or short-shift from 1st to 3rd, even 1st to 4th. OK, so mine has more hp and more torque than most of 'todays' ill named Supercars but a similar experience is still to be had with less powerful Vettes.