One of the most iconic sports car manufacturers, Porsche, has a rich history of producing legendary models that have enthralled car enthusiasts for decades. Known for their sleek designs, outstanding performance, and mechanical prowess, Porsche sports cars have earned a dedicated fanbase worldwide. One such model, the Porsche 912, has stirred debates among classic car aficionados regarding its available body styles. In this article, we delve into the question, “Was the Porsche 912 available in both coupe and convertible body styles?”
Introduced in 1965, the Porsche 912 was positioned as a more affordable alternative to the prestigious Porsche 911. It shared a similar appearance to the 911 but had a few differences under the hood. The main distinction was the engine, as the 912 featured a four-cylinder engine instead of the 911’s six-cylinder. Despite this difference, the Porsche 912 still delivered an exhilarating driving experience.
To address the question about body styles, the Porsche 912 was initially released only as a coupe. Porsche enthusiasts eagerly embraced its classic coupe design, appreciating its timeless aesthetics and performance capabilities. However, demand for a convertible variant persisted, leading Porsche to explore the possibility of offering a Porsche 912 convertible.
In 1968, Porsche enthusiasts’ hopes were realized when the Porsche 912 Soft-Window Targa was introduced. The Soft-Window Targa was a unique variant that combined features of both a coupe and convertible. It featured a removable roof panel and a foldable rear window, providing an exhilarating open-air driving experience. The soft window could easily be unzipped and detached, transforming the car into a semi-convertible.
Though not a fully convertible model, the Porsche 912 Soft-Window Targa allowed drivers to bask in the thrill of open-top driving without sacrificing the structural rigidity and safety of a fixed-roof sports car. The Soft-Window Targa was a popular choice for Porsche enthusiasts who craved wind-in-hair driving experiences while benefiting from the 912’s exceptional handling and performance.
In 1969, the Porsche 911 Targa was launched, ultimately leading to the discontinuation of the Porsche 912 Soft-Window Targa. With the availability of a fully convertible Porsche model within the 911 lineup, the need for a semi-convertible 912 variant diminished. Consequently, the original Porsche 912 returned to being offered solely as a coupe until production ended in 1969.
To summarize, the Porsche 912 was initially introduced solely as a coupe, delighting car enthusiasts with its striking design and impressive performance. However, a semi-convertible variant, known as the Porsche 912 Soft-Window Targa, was introduced in 1968 to satiate the demand for an open-top driving experience. This model combined the best of both worlds, featuring a removable roof panel and foldable rear window. Despite the Soft-Window Targa’s popularity, it was ultimately discontinued when a fully convertible option became available in the Porsche 911 lineup.