The Iconic Targa Roll Bar: A 60-Year Legacy of Style and Safety

Sixty years ago, Porsche introduced a revolutionary concept that would define open-top driving for decades: the Targa roll bar. Debuting on the 911 Targa in 1965, this distinctive feature was born from a blend of technological foresight, stylistic innovation, and a clever response to evolving safety regulations in the United States.

The Genesis of an Icon

The idea for an open-top version of the Porsche 901 (later the 911) emerged early in its development. Porsche, along with coachbuilders Reutter and Karmann, explored various concepts, including a traditional soft top, a minimalist roadster, and a convertible with a fixed roll bar. The latter proved the most technologically sound, even if initially put on hold.

• Technological Foresight: The roll bar was conceived as a safety feature.

• Stylistic Innovation: It became a distinctive design hallmark.

• Market Responsiveness: It addressed new US safety regulations for convertibles.

A Solution for Safety and Freedom

When stricter regulations for open-top vehicles were introduced in the US in the mid-1960s, Porsche revisited its roll bar concept. The resulting 911 Targa, unveiled at the IAA in Frankfurt in 1965, offered a unique combination of open-air exhilaration and coupe-like safety. Its design featured a brushed stainless steel bar, a removable roof section over the front seats, and a flexible rear windshield that could be unzipped.

Porsche marketed the Targa with the slogan: “Now there’s a vehicle that combines the freedom of the convertible with the safety of a coupe.” The name "Targa" itself was inspired by the legendary Targa Florio road race in Sicily, a venue where Porsche had achieved numerous victories.

Evolution of the Targa Concept

The Targa's innovative principle influenced subsequent models like the 914 and the Carrera GT, and even inspired other manufacturers. While the initial flexible rear windshield was replaced by a fixed panoramic glass panel in 1969, the core concept of a fixed roll bar with a removable roof persisted through the first three generations of the 911.

A significant design shift occurred with the 993 generation in 1995, which featured a glass roof with longitudinal supports instead of a transverse bar, bringing it closer to the coupe aesthetic while retaining its Targa identity.

A Modern Comeback

In 2014, the seventh generation 911 (991) saw the triumphant return of the classic Targa silhouette. This iteration featured a wraparound rear windshield and a roll bar that paid homage to the original 1965 design. The modern interpretation incorporated a fully electric roof system, allowing the expansive glass pane and roll bar to retract seamlessly behind the rear seats, showcasing a breathtaking blend of classic design and contemporary technology.