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Formerly Steve Wilkinson, I have a question for you?
I read your book. It was good light reading.
I own a coupe but wonder why you take jabs at targa's? I was hoping somewhere in the book you would address this. |
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Drew, I am reading "Gold Plated-" right now too. (Kudos to my dad for buying it for me) I was wondering the same thing and decided to see if anyone else asked him about this, and just found this thread.
So I second the thought Steve: WTF?? By the way- FANTASTIC reading so far Wilkinson, great job!
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-Rickeolis- 1986 Corvette |
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I'm not Formerly Steve, but I'll take a guess at his response:
Targas are less structurally sound than coupes and exhibit more chassis flex and cowl shake. Targas are noisier than coupes; wind noise, squeaks, rattles, etc. Targas are prone to leak, causing all sorts of rust problems. Targas forfeit the classic 911 roof line and side window profile. Targas are basically a styling exercise that yield no positive benefits, unless you just like the way they look.
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Deceased: Black '88 Carrera Coupe, Steve Wong and Russell Berry chips, Dansk premuffler, custom MK GT3-style muffler, Magnecores. Al Reed 7 & 8 X 16 Fuchs. Full Elephant Racing suspension, 21/28 T-bars, Turbo tierods, bump steer kit, Bilstein Sports, BK strut bar. Ruf bumpers, 935 mirrors, Carrera 3.0 tail, DasSport bar. '11 BMW 328iX, '18 Nissan Frontier 4X4, '92 Acura NSX. |
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Well, I was just trying to rattle some cages. It was meant sort of tongue in cheek, though I truly do think Targas are an incredibly ugly misinterpretation of the classic 911 shape. And Wavey's comments are on the mark, though he's being more serious and knowledgeable than I ever intended to be. Frankly, I think of Targas as gold-chain cars. Oh, jeez, there I go rattling cages again...
Stephan
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Stephan Wilkinson '83 911SC Gold-Plated Porsche '04 replacement Boxster |
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Oh well, Steve the books great.
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Rick " too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want to impress people they don't like" Will Smith |
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I just finished your book recently as well and I confess...I own a Targa! Love the top down driving, hate the wind noise and the pain I've recently gone through dealing with the seals. Guess I'm off to Big K for some Big Gold Chains. Ciao Baby...
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They're Girly Man cars!
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1992 964 C4 Coupe (black/black) 1982 911SC Coupe (lt blue met/black) 1965 Mustang Fastback (black/black) |
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Well, they are also abit cheeper to buy and it is quite nice to drive with the roof off.
I do think the coupes are better looking.
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Magnus 911 Silver Targa -77, 3.2 -84 with custom ITBs and EFI. 911T Coupe -69, 3.6, G50, "RSR", track day. 924 -79 Rat Rod EFI/Turbo 375whp@1.85bar. 931 -79 under total restoration. |
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Deceased: Black '88 Carrera Coupe, Steve Wong and Russell Berry chips, Dansk premuffler, custom MK GT3-style muffler, Magnecores. Al Reed 7 & 8 X 16 Fuchs. Full Elephant Racing suspension, 21/28 T-bars, Turbo tierods, bump steer kit, Bilstein Sports, BK strut bar. Ruf bumpers, 935 mirrors, Carrera 3.0 tail, DasSport bar. '11 BMW 328iX, '18 Nissan Frontier 4X4, '92 Acura NSX. |
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It's just Targa-envy... pure and simple
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77 911S Targa (current car) 87 924S (my previous car) |
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Former Options Trader !!!
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I just finished the book myself and sort of enjoyed it. I thanked my wife for getting it for me. I bought the targa for one plain and simple reason, my wife wanted a targa. I had owned around 7 or 8 other 911's and never a targa before. I totally enjoy the top off driving. I don’t own a single gold chain, and I agree it’s not a classic look. Its just fun to drive with the top off especially in the evening. Should I bad mouth people just because they own SC's and not Carreras? (Just kidding)… I think it’s a lame jab at people who are all basically in the same category of enjoying these fine cars. I can see taking a jab at a crop of 996 owners, but if you’re pre 1999 then we’ve all got a lot more in common then not, fake Rolex aside.
And what’s with the jab about getting info off these BBS’s? I’ve enjoyed learning a lot off these boards when I have asked a serious question. Just like anything else on the web you have to take it with a grain of salt. I am sure all the people I talk to in the stock market room are not nearly as rich and good looking as they say they are. This board has been a fun place to learn more about my cars and meet other people that share that interest. I don’t see a reason to knock these places in a book.
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Current:88 Guards Red Coupe, 89 Coupe Track Rat, 76 Caddy Eldo Convert. 2015 Aprilia Tuono Wrecked 1987 Targa Guards Red, 2003 Ducati ST4S Sold 1987 Granite Green Targa, 993's, 93 RSA, other 964 coupes, 89 911 Turbo Ruf mods, 90 e30 M3, 07 BMW R1200S STOLEN 94 Speedster |
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Using the term "less structurally sound" is going overboard a bit, they do flex. They are also heavier to make up for the lack of roof. I also think all sorts of rust problems is a huge misnomer. I've got none on my '84, and there certainly are enough coupes out there with rust. Pre '76 were potential rust farms in all the Porsche models.
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Ed Hughes 2015 981 Cayman GTS 6 speed,Racing Yellow Past:1984 911 Targa (Ruby), 1995 993C2 (Sapphire), 1991 928S4 |
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I don't think they're even very much heavier. The soft window targa is supposed to be the same weight as a contemporary coupe. Does anyone have weight numbers on the later cars, without simply adding the weight of the rear window (as this may not be valid for later cars)
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Andy |
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What's so bad about gold chains?
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Oh, oh, targa vs coupe, things can get ugly. I never understood the targa, nor would I ever buy one. I do trust the opinions of many targa owners on this board and don't think alienating them because you don't like the look of their car is needed. At least that is my opinion. Isn't it time for a cab owner to chime in?
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Gon fix it with me hammer
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the CGT is a Targa...
'nough said.
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Stijn Vandamme EX911STARGA73EX92477EX94484EX944S8890MPHPINBALLMACHINEAKAEX987C2007 BIMDIESELBMW116D2019 |
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I'm glad Porsche made Targas. They make great parts cars for Coupes
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big AL '77 911 |
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