In the 1960’s and 1970’s there was a lingering fear that the U.S. Department of Transportation would ban the sale of convertible automobiles due to concerns about occupant safety during rollover accidents. German automaker Porsche decided to proactively create a category of vehicles that incorporates the topless freedom of convertibles with the safety of hard-top cars. The result was the Targa, which features a removable roof section.

The Porsche 911 was built as a bigger, faster, and more comfortable replacement for its predecessor (the 356). Little did Porsche know they would be creating an icon that has endured nearly 60 years, with more than a million units sold. The 911 is a previous winner of prestigious auto races including the 24 Hours of Daytona and 24 Hours of LeMans. Off the track, the 911 was named to lists such as Top Sports Cars of the 1970’s, 100 Coolest Cars, and #5 on the list of Car of the Century.

This 911 hits the quarter-mile in just over 15 seconds, touching 91 mph in the process. Its top-end speed of 137 mph is a perfect example of what happens when you pair a lighter vehicle with a powerful engine. The engine’s location at the rear of the car adds weight to the rear wheels, creating the traction needed to stick to the road and provide the type of handling and control every driver likes to see.

Inside the 911, gauges and controls are large and prominently displayed against the all-black dash. Unlike many of today’s cars with a thick center console dividing the left and right seats, the stick shift sits naked on the floor. One job, no nonsense. With its engine mounted at the back of the car, the 911’s trunk is located in the front. Non-Porsche owners may have trouble getting used to this configuration. The back seat is built for small children or perhaps a duffle bag. Anyone who finds himself/herself relegated to the rear will enjoy the claustrophobia-soothing relief that comes with the Targa top removed.