Porsche Targa
Porsche
Photo: Ermell / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Porsche Targa: The Iconic Roll-Hoop 911 Body Style
The Targa is a distinctive 911 body style defined by its signature roll-hoop and removable roof, offering open-air motoring with extra security.
Porsche introduced the Targa in 1965 as a response to fears that US regulators might ban full convertibles. The solution was a fixed, stylized stainless-steel roll bar with a removable roof panel ahead of it, creating a semi-open body that combined fresh-air driving with added rollover protection. The name came from the Targa Florio road race Porsche had conquered.
Early Targas used a removable roof and, initially, a zip-out plastic rear window, later replaced by a fixed glass wraparound. The distinctive silver hoop became an instantly recognizable Porsche signature across multiple 911 generations.
Modern Targa models revived the classic look with an elaborate automated roof mechanism that stows the roof panel behind the seats at the touch of a button, while retaining the iconic hoop and wraparound rear glass. The Targa remains a stylish middle ground between the 911 coupe and the full Cabriolet.
Frequently asked questions about Porsche Targa
What is a Porsche Targa?
The Targa is a 911 body style with a fixed roll-hoop and a removable roof panel, offering open-air driving with extra security.
Why was the Targa created?
Porsche introduced the Targa in 1965 partly over concerns that US regulators might ban full convertibles, adding a built-in roll bar.
Where does the Targa name come from?
The name comes from the Targa Florio, the famous Sicilian road race in which Porsche enjoyed great success.
How does the modern Targa roof work?
Modern Targas use an automated mechanism that stows the roof panel behind the seats at the touch of a button.
Is the Targa a convertible?
The Targa is a semi-open body style, sitting between the fully closed 911 coupe and the full Cabriolet convertible.