A Targa top is a type of car roof design that serves as a midpoint between hardtops and convertibles, taking on traits and features from both and combining them into one design.
Targa tops have removable roof panels that allow drivers to experience open-air driving without compromising their safety. Their roofs have a sturdy central bar that reinforces structural integrity and improves safety.
There are many reasons why Targa tops are popular drivers all around the world. This is because they provide pleasant open-air driving experiences, better visibility, versatility, a unique aesthetic, and structural rigidity.
One of the biggest reasons why people use Targa tops (or any convertible) is because they want to enjoy the sensation of the wind as they drive. Feeling the open air as you drive is one of the most satisfying feelings of driving a convertible.
With a Targa top, you can remove the roof to give you a better view of your surroundings. You’ll have a much easier time seeing other vehicles and taking in gorgeous views without frames and panels in the way.
Another pro of using a Targa top is that the panels can easily be removed to help you switch between open and closed roofs. This allows you to easily personalize your vehicle and tailor it to your needs and preferences. You can enjoy open-air driving experiences on cool and windy days and seal the roof when it gets too sunny or starts to rain.
Targa tops differentiate your vehicle from other convertibles and coupes thanks to their distinctive looks. They’re an excellent choice for drivers who want to stand out from the crowd and opt for a more unique look.
One advantage that Targa tops have over regular convertibles is how they provide better rigidity and safety, protecting the driver and their passengers. This is because Targa tops maintain the central roof bar, reinforcing its structure.
The origins of the Targa top can be traced back to the 1966 Porsche 911 Targa, one of the first vehicles to feature a removable roof panel with a fixed roll bar. Though this isn’t the first known instance of this design being used in a vehicle, it was popularized by the Porsche Targa, which drew its name from the open-road Targa Florio open-road race in Sicily.
Porsche wasn’t actually the first car manufacturer to feature this roof design. That honor belongs to the 1957 Fiat 1200 Wonderful, a limited-production Fiat model that predates the Targa by nine years.
Whether or not Porsche merely imitated the Fiat design remains a mystery. The Targa top emerged as a safer alternative to address safety concerns and reduce the incidence of rollover accidents among convertibles in the 1960s and the 1970s.
From then on, the Targa top design evolved and featured innovative new technology throughout the decades. New designs featuring retractable glass roofs emerged in the mid-90s with the release of the 1966 Porsche 993 Targa, allowing for larger openings and improved convenience.
Though the Targa top has been around since the 1960s, there’s no denying that its unique design is still appealing to this day. But which cars with Targa tops are worth keeping an eye on?
As the first and only vehicle to bear the Targa name, it’s only right for the Porsche 911 Targa to be on the list. The vehicle has undergone numerous variations over the years, with the first rocking a removable hardtop before evolving into a sliding glass roof panel.
As the decades passed, the 911 Targa has evolved into the opulent vehicle it is today, attracting drivers with a design that expertly combines high performance with elements of luxury.
Another vehicle worth keeping an eye on is the Acura NSX-T, a lightweight vehicle with a Targa top that’s been described as one of Japan’s greatest sports cars of all time. The NSX-T rocks a sleek and eye-catching appearance, boasting some serious performance all the while. It successfully combines precision engineering with open-air driving for a pleasant driving experience.
The Lotus Elise is another lightweight sports car that rocks a Targa top. The Elise is renowned for its precise handling and drivability, making it truly feel like a race car. It’s a popular pick amongst drivers who are fond of minimalist, distraction-free interiors coupled with serious performance benchmarks.
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