Sixty-year anniversary of Targa Cabrio debut: Stuttgart celebrates with a protectively embellished event
The world of automobiles has seen its fair share of iconic designs, but few have left an indelible mark quite like the Targa concept. Originating from the Italian word for "shield," this design element has graced some of the most legendary sports cars in history.
In the 1960s, the Porsche 911 Targa became the ultimate racer, triumphing in the Targa Florio race more times than any other major sports car brand. The Porsche 911 Targa, presented as the world's first series-production safety cabriolet in the mid-1960s, featured fixed, body-integrated roll bars and a rear window. These design elements wrote design history and characterized the open four-cylinder type Porsche 912. The term "Targa" later became a permanent feature of the 911 family, as well as the 914, 924, and 944 models.
The Targa concept also inspired the Ferrari Dino 246 GTS, a two-seater sports car that featured the T-Bar design in the 1960s. Meanwhile, the Stuttgart-based coachbuilder Baur successfully produced the open-air version of the BMW 2002 from 1971 to 1975 and later introduced Topcabriolet versions of the 3 Series (E21 and E30).
The Toyota Sports 800, introduced in spring 1965, was a groundbreaking sports car from Japan. It offered protection against injury in rollover accidents and made a global impact as the first production sports car from the country. The Sports 800's unexpected popularity in the late 1970s led to fast sports cars with Targa or T-Bar roofs becoming common.
Classic, bezel-free soft-top cars like the Alfa Spider, MG B, and VW Beetle were pushed into a niche, while new luxury roadsters like the Mercedes SL (R 107) opted for expensive rollover-resistant windscreen frames or massive "Targa" skeletons. Honda countered the Nissan 100 NX with its two-seater CRX del Sol. The Nissan 100 NX, sold from 1990 to 1995, became a favorite among young people due to its removable roof.
The Nissan ZX Fairlady, once the world's best-selling sports car, also featured a removable T-Roof. The Triumph Stag, a luxury roadster, opted for a massive "Targa" skeleton in its design. The Targa trend flourished in the 1960s, seen in various sports cars like the Fiat X1/9, Matra 530, Opel Kadett Aero, and V8 Corvette. Toyota demonstrated with the MR2 in two generations how well the T-Bar and Targa ideas combine with mid-engine driving fun.
Even in the realm of hypercars, the influence of the Targa concept remains strong. Cars like the Bugatti Veyron Sport and Koenigsegg Jesko showcase the enduring impact of this design element. The Targa concept continues to inspire modern cars, such as the ultra-lightweight Lotus Elise and Tesla Roadster, with windshield-free driving and the omission of heavy body reinforcements.
In conclusion, the Targa concept has left an indelible mark on the automotive world, shaping some of the most iconic sports cars and inspiring modern designs. From the Porsche 911 Targa to the Toyota Sports 800, the Targa concept has proven its versatility and enduring appeal.
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