Now produced for more than 65 years, Chevrolet’s Corvette has not only firmly cemented its place as “America’s sports car,” it has also earned enough of a legacy to have plenty of milestone anniversaries to celebrate. And this year is no different, with the third-generation ‘Vette celebrating its golden jubilee in 2018.

Heavily based on the Bill Mitchell-designed Mako Shark II (just as the previous-gen was based on the Larry Shinoda-penned Mako Shark I), the ’68 Corvette kept the previous model’s overall proportions—and literally its chassis underneath—while introducing an entirely new design that was as fresh as it was polarizing to some ‘Vette enthusiasts. Despite what collectors may think today, the third-gen Corvette proved an enormous hit.

The classic Stingray gets its anniversary tribute.