Send an answer to a topic: Coupe VS Convertible : the Targa Saga
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dsl
I'm not casting a vote, but way back when I was a newbie picked up the theme that 911 Targa was considered a coupe to be consistent with 1980s Ferraris (eg 348) which as normal coupes, targas (which we called coupes) and full convertibles. And the 911 had a full cabrio alternative from 1983, so that's where the lines had been drawn.
But with 911 Targa, it gets fuzzy as the first 2-3 years in 1960s had removable floppy rear window, which then became fixed glass 1969+. And then there was the 2001-05 Targa which had a new format (in effect a sunroof, plus an opening rear hatch).
Stags have H-top frame, accompanied by a removable hardtop. XJS SC is a weird one - with fixed rear side windows but floppy roof and rear window - if anything its format is most like an early 2CV, which can be (and probably has been) argued in several different directions.
But with 911 Targa, it gets fuzzy as the first 2-3 years in 1960s had removable floppy rear window, which then became fixed glass 1969+. And then there was the 2001-05 Targa which had a new format (in effect a sunroof, plus an opening rear hatch).
Stags have H-top frame, accompanied by a removable hardtop. XJS SC is a weird one - with fixed rear side windows but floppy roof and rear window - if anything its format is most like an early 2CV, which can be (and probably has been) argued in several different directions.
night cub
I didn't know that. Then I guess I would consider that a convertible? Same with the Mazda RF, it seems that the rear window folds up with the roof to open up.
Now we know why there is confusion!
Now we know why there is confusion!
Baube
Del Sol's rear window can be slided down but yeah, i'd agree with your classification
night cub
I consider ones with a fixed rear window to be a coupe. So the Del Sol, Corvette C4, late Porsche 911 and cars like the X1/9 and Porsche 914.
Targas with a drop rear window or detachable rear window I would consider to be a convertible, so early Porsche 911 and Lancia Zagato/Beta Spider, as well as the Triumph Stag and versions of the Jaguar XJS that have the targa top.
T-Tops are always coupes.
That's just my take on how they should be classified.
Targas with a drop rear window or detachable rear window I would consider to be a convertible, so early Porsche 911 and Lancia Zagato/Beta Spider, as well as the Triumph Stag and versions of the Jaguar XJS that have the targa top.
T-Tops are always coupes.
That's just my take on how they should be classified.
Baube
For the other ones, I'd say that t-top is maybe not convertible enough (to be discussed)
Its the way i see Targa roof ones too, just that unlike the T-top you remove only a single panel that covers the whole area instead of two smaller ones with a top portion in the middle .
Maybe its just me..
48bux
I was wondering the same question about the Fiat X1/9..most are listed as a coupé and some as a convertibile. I agree with the Del Sol being more convertible, and about the 911 Targa to avoid confusion, not sure on the MX5 RF..
antp
To me the Porsche Targa should be listed as convertible, as it exists as non-Targa version too, which is then the coupé.
For the other ones, I'd say that t-top is maybe not convertible enough (to be discussed), but for me the others with removable roof like the Del Sol could be listed as convertible.
For the other ones, I'd say that t-top is maybe not convertible enough (to be discussed), but for me the others with removable roof like the Del Sol could be listed as convertible.
Baube
I'm just curious. I don't remember if i did asked this before ( if so forgive my goldfish-like memory about the answer ) but i saw that some cars, like the Honda ( Civic ) Del Sol and the Mazda MX-5 RF for example were listed as convertible ( except a few units for the Del Sol ) while some others like the NSX-T and the Corvette ( C4 & up ) were listed as coupe ( and it s even worse with the Porsche 911 Targa, its about 50-50 )
Shouldn't all of them being coupes since they share the same concept ( a removable Targa roof panel ) ?
Shouldn't all of them being coupes since they share the same concept ( a removable Targa roof panel ) ?