With the release of Porsche’s best-ever Targa, the new GTS version, we celebrate highlights from the history of the semi-convertible.
Historically there was one main problem with convertible sports cars: they tended to be a bit bendy after the roof was chopped off.
The loss of structural stiffness meant that lots of extra (heavy) bracing was always needed for the chassis, which damaged the car’s dynamics. The ideal halfway house was a car with a removable roof panel, but that maintained an element of a fixed top to improve handling and reduce the need for extra weight.
Several manufacturers tried these ‘Targa’ designs, taking their names from the famous Italian Targa Florio race, or perhaps from the Porsche model that was the most successful of them all. But almost all Targas were brilliant open-top sports cars – and the design is still going strong.
Porsche 911 Targa
The car synonymous with the Targa name is the 911 – the Targa name is even trademarked by Porsche. The name is as old as England’s only football World Cup win, but it has recently roared back to prominence with a slick new electric folding roof design. It’s an incredible fusion of style and substance.
Lotus Elise
The Lotus is Spartan next to the Porsche, and as for most Targa-top cars it’s a manual exercise to remove and re-fit the roof panel. But it’s famously light, wonderfully involving and frighteningly fast in the right hands. The looks are as fresh as ever, too, and only a slightly-quiffy reliability and build quality record stands against it.
Honda NSX-T
A breathtaking Japanese Ferrari botherer with ultra-advanced technologies was the perfect partner for an open-air experience. It maintained lateral bracing above the engine bay but did away with a roof so that the lucky occupants could better hear the incredible high-revving engine. Sadly, it was built for Japan and North America only.
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
If cars were lined up in order of prettiness, the 4C Spider would be breathing the free air at the front of the queue. Purists might argue that an Italian Spider is not the same as a Targa, but they are the same in all but name. A removable roof panel opens up a billion miles of headroom while the carbon chassis construction keeps things rigid – and light.
Toyota MR2 T-Bar
Toyota tried an interesting idea with its 1990s MR2. By linking the lateral bracing behind the two seats – common to all Targa-type cars – with a thin longitudinal brace that met the top of the windscreen frame, the company could achieve near-coupé rigidity along with convertible appeal. Two squarish roof panels could be removed and stowed.
Ford Mustang Cobra
Like Honda and Toyota, Ford sidestepped Porsche’s Targa trademark by just using the initial T. In 1977 the American firm introduced a T-top option for the Mustang Cobra Fastback, where two glass panels would pop out of a bracing arrangement eventually mirrored by Toyota’s MR2. A big V8 engine, open air above you – what’s not to like?