Blast from the past 2 - Porsche Targa

A few weeks ago, in my write up of the Verdict test of the Porsche Targa 4S I was harping on about the Targa version of the original 911 with its shiny rollover bar (I think it's stainless steel) and pop-out roof panel.

Here's one I saw at this year's Techno Classica in Essen; these shots show the roof arrangement in some detail (click for larger pictures). Much as I like the modern Targa, I'm not sure its sliding glass roof and opening rear window are a great leap forward compared with the original - which, with its seventies glamour, I also prefer to the full convertible version of the 911.

Blast from the past 1 - Volkswagen 'Fridolin'

The Volkswagen Fridolin was produced in comparatively small numbers between 1963 and 1973 for the postal services of Germany and Switzerland.

It was a bit of a mish-mash, using parts from several other Volkswagen models of the time. The engine and gearbox came from the Beetle, the floor-pan from the Karmann Ghia sports car and much of the bodywork was borrowed from the original VW van. The headlights came from the VW Type 3 saloon/coupe.

Snapped this particularly fine example on VW's stand at this year's Techno Classica classic car show in Essen last month.

I don't think anyone has ever worked out why it gained the nickname Fridolin (a German man's name).