[image c. Richard Binder]

The recent "Targa Mania!" article by Don Fluckinger predicts that the Sheaffer Targa, though now under-rated, is destined to become the next big collector's classic. What are your thoughts on that?

Ever since reading this article, I have been thinking about the Targa. Specifically, I have been thinking why it is that I dislike this pen. All the ingredients are there: Sheaffer is my favourite American pen manufacturer, and the Targa model combines the glorious inlaid nib with a flat-top design -- two of the best elements in pendom. Given my tastes, I should be all over this pen, but I am not. In the article, Fluckinger cites the CC filler as a possible factor that turns off collectors, but for me this is not an issue and I happily own other CC pens. So what is it?

After giving it some thought, I realise that, at the visual level, I find that the different elements of the Targa's design do not go together harmoniously and create a sense of dissonance. Although each design element is good on its own, the combination lacks unity and elegance. The inlaid nib looks great on the Imperials, but clashes with the Targa's flat-top design. There seems to be almost a competition between the rhombus shape of the nib, the slim rectangular form of the clip, and blunt sudden stop of the flat-top. The nib also seems too large for the width of the barrel (even on the full-size Targas), as well as somehow "overdressed" for the rest of the pen. On the other hand, the hollowed-out plain-Jane clip looks too "cheap" for the rest of the pen. The combination of all this, at least to me, seems awkward.

Having said all that, I must confess that I've gone and bought a Targa several days ago. It is the model No. 679, "Tulle," pictured below. I collect the Lady Imperials in the tulle pattern, so when I saw this not-so-common Targa, it was my chance to try it. Mr. Savas Ulugtekin gave me a good deal on it, so it seemed destiny that I acquire this pen. Now, the more I look at the images and anticipate its arrival, the more it grows on me -- at least the Tulle version.



So what do you think? Is the Sheaffer Targa destined to become a collector's classic, similar to the fate of the Parker 51?
Share your opinions regarding this pen.

They do have their charms...

David, how rare/common would you say the Tulle model is?

Dunno. Have not done much research on Targas. As part of collection purchases, they sometimes just... happen

-d

I've got two bog standard stainless steel Targas, one of which I've had for many years, and they both write superbly. If my only desire as a fountain pen user was to have a pen which wrote perfectly, I'd never need to buy another fountain pen......... I quite fancy one of the snazzier ones though......

I'm a big Sheaffer fan but always used to dislike the Targa. I think for me, it was the overall aesthetic of the pen that reminded me of the late 70s and early 80s. Now that the fashion from those years seems to be cool again (shudder), it may be that the pen also appeals to people more than before.

I changed my mind after finding a great deal on a black matte targa at an antique store, which I bought only because I love the inlaid nib so much. It grew on me. When I realized the plastic of the nib unit was cracked, Sheaffer replaced it for me (don't know if they would still do that).

A few months ago I got the 676s feather pattern (slim model) at an amazing price on ebay: http://www.sheaffertarga.com/finishes/bras...esandlaque.html. Now, I just need the get the vintage pattern! I am in love with that pattern!

The Targa reminds me too much of a tube with a nib stuck in it.

The "Flat Top" end looks too much like an afterthought and doesn't flow smoothly with the cap.

Add the fact that they are too skinny for my taste and I have never had the desire to own one.

I like the Targa. It's not my favorite pen, but it's a style that appeals to me -- partly because of what it represents. It was conceived as a tribute to Italy's great Targa Florio road race, and the pen's styling was, to an extent, influenced by the styling of cars associated with the race, especially where they had what's known as a Targa Stripe, a broad swathe of bright metal across the roof where the roll bar is. The best known of these, perhaps, is the early Porsche Targa, which looks like this (image linked from Motor Trend Magazine's site):



There are many collectors who don't like the Parker "51". Some of them dislike it because its nib is tiny and mostly invisible; I consider this a valid aesthetic choice, but it overlooks the technological excellence of the pen. It's the same with the Targa. You may think the Inlaid Nib™ looks out of place on the straight-lined body, but you can't argue that the Targa is a crappy pen. It's not; it's a superb pen, arguably the best pen Sheaffer has made since the PFM. Another reason I think Don is right is that there are so many colors and finish variations -- and there's also the Slim Targa, with even more finishes. I have only a few Targas, but even in my small sampling there is a tremendous variety:

Targa 1001


Targa 1001xg, first version


Targa 1007


Targa 1086


Targa 675


Targa 1019 (rare)


Targa 1000s

Heh, I did not know those details about the road race.

Neither did I know that "Inlaid Nib" is a trademarked term. If the trademark is specifically for the Sheaffer nib, then what term is used for nibs such as the Waterman Carene, as well as some of the Pilot & Sailor nibs, which I considered to be "inlaid" as well?

One thing I am curious about now, is what exactly makes the Targa such a good writer, if it is a simple CC pen, with the same nib as many other Sheaffer models? I guess I will find out in a couple of days, when I receive my No. 679 Tulle. It will be interesting to compare it to my Lady Sheaffer Skripsert, which has the exact same pattern and (I believe?) the same inlaid nib.


The No. 1019 model (I believe this is called "Vintage"?), anybody know how much that goes for?..

dunno. thnk i have a BP set lying around in that finish, but not a Targa.

d

Bleh, ballpoints : ) Can't use those things; I have nerve problems with my hands.

The Medici Diamond (No. 683) is nice as well. Would be wicked cool to have that and the Imperial Sovereign in the same pattern.

Hi All,

This topic's title aptly captures my own Targa experience: one also characterized by ambivalence (over time, at least).

When the Targa was introduced - apologies, I know I've mentioned this before - it left me cold. It seemed, as others have said, like a simple tube...lacking emotional appeal and charm. I was not attracted then (and I am only tepidly attracted now) to most all-metal pens. And the boring cartridge/converter system certainly didn't exert a lot of fascination.

Now, decades later, I have come to respect and admire the Targa. Where I once saw starkness, I now see a sort of architectural purity. Instead of being put off by its all-metal construction, I am intrigued by its diversity of finishes. And as for the cartridge/converter system...well, there are hundreds of fearfully expensive pens nowadays that make no apology for that compromise.

I also see in the Targa, looking back, an interesting connection to Sheaffer tradition. The pure flattop styling evokes the classic early Sheaffer profile; and the jewel-like finishes recall Sheaffer's jeweler origins.

I've definitely warmed to the Targa, but that phenomenon is not a matter of aesthetics alone. I've written with (and own) a fair number of Targas, and it is very hard to argue with their superlative writing performance. It's perfectly fair to ask why the Targa should be a better writer than any other cartridge/converter Inlaid Nib-equipped pen; and it's also fair, I think, to answer that there is something about the pen's combination of attributes - nib, length, width, balance, weight, hand-feel - that makes it a very satisfying writer. That is a very personal reaction, of course, and I can well understand why some people respond differently.

Returning to the original post, I can certainly envision an ongoing escalation in collector interest (and prices) among the Targas, with the most uncommon models rising to elevated price strata. In fact, I was more-or-less under the impression that there was general agreement that that escalation has already commenced. Most of the debates I've seen about the "next great Sheaffer collectible" seem to center on slightly later pens like the Connaisseur...another model with excellent collectibility credentials (to my mind, at least).

Anyway...just a few rambling thoughts. I was encouraged to hear that Sheaffer (sorry, BIC) was toying with the notion of reviving the Targa, and somewhat discouraged to hear that that plan may have run off the rails.

Cheers,

Jon

PS QM2, your Lady Sheaffer should have a version of the Triumph nib rather than the Inlaid Nib, so the writing experience will likely be different (although good, I hope, in each case). As for nomenclature: if Sheaffer had trademarked "wraparound nib" instead of "Triumph," we would be searching for alternative ways to describe other conical or semi-conical designs (like the Waterman Liaison, etc.). Because Sheaffer went directly to a descriptive trademark for the Inlaid Nib (such descriptive trademarks are always weaker than "coined" marks, but that's another story), we do have a problem, I reckon, figuring out what to call all those other similar designs.

I think the Targa is a cool pen.... and I say that despite the fact that I normally dislike skinny pens. Here's what I like about the Targa:

-- the nib is fantastic;
-- the metalwork is quite good;
-- the pen is quite rugged, making it useful on weekends;
-- the pen closes with a smooth-but-secure feeling that rivals an ST Dupont Orpheo;
-- the range of finishes is huge; and
-- the price (both at the time of manufacture and today) is very reasonable.

There are only two things I dislike about the Targa:

-- the skinny shape; and
-- the squeeze converter.

Targas have been more popular in recent times and it's only natural that there should be some degree of back lash, people who don't like them posting their thoughts. There was a similar thing quite a few years ago about the Parker 51.

For me the Targa is the perfect size. I wonder if any of those who say it's too skinny have the slim version. Or maybe they just like a fatter pen. It's all a matter of taste and how it feels to you.

As for the design, I think it's perfect. Elegant. The inlaid nib is gorgeous. I don't have a feel that it's wrong to have one end flat and the other end (the nib) tapered. I like the heft of the pen, for me, neither too heavy nor too light. When I pull it out of my pocket I don't feel it's ostentatious either, just a very nice looking pen. With all those designs, there's something for everyone. The lelaque finishes are gem like... to me...

I like the idea that there are something over 150 varieties... At all price ranges, from very affordable to 'oh mamma." It gives collectors and endless stock from which to choose.

All of my Targas have written like a dream... plus they hold up well to being stubbed and the like. About 1/3 of my collection has been Binderized.

Of course with all pens. ALL pens that come accross this forum it just depends on what works for you. I've seen pens listed as a person's "Holy Grail" of pens that I wouldn't have in my collection. It's just what does and doesn't work for you.

And finally as for whether the Targas will be the next classic. I think that debate is over. It already is.
Of course, consider the source, me, a die hard Targa fan.

It's all fun...
skyp

I really, really dislike the inlaid nib. I find it almost... unattractive.

Esthetically, I do find some of the styles of the Targa attractive and interesting. But using a skinny pen cramps my hand,
so they're out for me.

John

I love the inlaid nib but I think the section is too narrow for the body (something that drives me nuts about a lot of "kit pens") and too long, as well. The PFM has a similar inlaid nib, but its section is shorter and there isn't that "dropoff" as you go from barrel to section. Of course, this is all 100% personal choice (the pen is a great writer irregardless of section width or length)...

Those nibs are not inlaid, they are inset.

The unique feature of Sheaffer's Inlaid Nib (U.S. Patent Nº D188,265 and Nº D188,266) is that it is inseparably bonded to the shell. Sheaffer makes the shell assembly by manufacturing the nib to its finished state, placing it in a mold cavity, and injection molding the shell around it. It's literally impossible to separate the two parts without damage to one or both of them.

The nibs on the Carène and some Pilot, Sailor, Platinum, Montblanc, and other pens, by contrast, are assembled (set) into the shell after it is molded. Some, but not all, of these nibs are attached with an adhesive or sealant; but they can all still be separated from their respective shells. Sheaffer also made an inset nib, the Stylpoint, which appears on various Skripsert models and the Imperial I.

I have replaced the squeeze converter with Sheaffer piston converters in both Targas I own. No problem fitting the converter in.

Nice discussion.

I am glad I hit a nerve with my article.

I think that many collectors felt a lot of the same things about the 51 in the 1970s when they were literally a dime a dozen: Weird nib, too common, inelegant, too modern, couldn't possibly stand up to the Patrician or Duofold, etc.

I think times change.

I think that a new generation growing up on fountain pens will find these in the wild more readily than 51s, Duofolds or the others we found when we first started collecting (Skylines, Vacs, Duofolds, 51s) and if that's your frame of reference, they will be like 51s were to you and me.

Just my opinion--I could be completely off base but that's the great part about discussions like these, they're so subjective and no one can be definitively proven wrong or right until 10-20 years from now.

I've thought about that, but, believe it or not, my zeal for keeping the pens authentic has motivated me to buy replacement squeeze converters whenever I have purchased a Targa that was missing its original converter.

By the way, all but one of my Targas is the regular size, not the "Slim" version.

I dislike inlaid nibs, which means I don't like a lot of Sheaffer's lines.

I also dislike the "hey, I'm a tube" blandness of the Targa body. I'm generally ambivalent about flattops -- sometimes I like them, sometimes I don't.

The nice thing about the tulle pattern is that the diamond shapes of the pattern echo the shape of the nib, especially given that the nib and section are black and gold.

So, QM2, I like your particular Targa (not enough to buy one, especially with all that black and gold), but in general I dislike them.

Oh, what a great observation. I had not realised this explicitly, but that explains why both the Tulle and the Medici Diamond patterns appeal to me.

Here are some images of the Tulle pattern with the nib exposed:



[c. penantique.com]

My favorite is the feather pattern, but it still doesn't get me past the fact that it's mostly black and gold.

I do love the tulle pattern, though; I have a vintage Sheaffer with the pattern.

Man, I love the Targas. One of Sheaffer's best modern pens. I like the consistently smooth nibs (even the x-fine ones are smooth), the sturdy clip that graps your shirt pocket, and the snap cap. Really well-made.

One criticism: on a few pens I've had, the cap seems to scratch the section. What I do is roll some 2000 grit sand paper around a pencil, and smooth the inner cap edge a bit.

What suprises me is that at least two of you say this pen is too skinny. Really large pens have been the fashion for many years now, and I guess that's why a few of us think the pen is skinny. I always thought the regular Targa was a large pen!

For me, anyway, the Targa is quite comfortable for writing.

Thanks for the discussion,
Don

I think they're great user pens -- for other people. I don't happen to like 51s either.

I should add that my prejudice about inlaid nibs is purely visual -- I just don't like the look. I've never tried writing with one. There are a few pens Sheaffer makes that have an inlaid nib that I'd probably buy despite my dislike of the look.

As an example, this is a pen that's on my wish list:


I definitely prefer the lines of the Valor.

Targas are well designed and exceptionally well made. Inlaid nibs are good writers with exceptional smoothness and consistent ink flow. Pens are well balanced.

If that doesn't qualify Targas as classic, I don't know what does.

Strictly as a matter of personal opinion, I also find the design appealing.

I've had a Sheaffer Targa for three decades. It's appeal doesn't diminish and in fact, a Targa grows in its attractiveness while at the same time, so many other products are thrown away like a Bic pen.

In the UK the classic size Targa was never considered a skinny pen while it was in production.The pens it would be competing against now would be the likes of Cross Apogee,Sheaffer Legacy or Valor,Visconti Van Gogh etc...So maybe in todays market place it would be consider too slim for many customers tastes.

I don't know if Sheaffer are still considering re-introducing the Targa into Sheaffers line up .But if they are a wider version may have to be made to make it a sucess and could the Targa carry this off?
I wouldn't mind a spiral black pen in a oversize version of the targa.

I see; so it is not just a difference in terminology. This is very good to know. So if the actual nib part (the metal) on an inlaid nib cracks, bends, or loses iridium, the whole thing goes into service with it. I am guessing that makes these nibs more difficult to work on, and in some cases, impossible to repair?

Count me among those who dislike the Targa's visual appearance. Not fond of the inlaid nib either.

[/quote]
I see; so it is not just a difference in terminology. This is very good to know. So if the actual nib part (the metal) on an inlaid nib cracks, bends, or loses iridium, the whole thing goes into service with it. I am guessing that makes these nibs more difficult to work on, and in some cases, impossible to repair?
[/quote]
===================
Just a note here. I've found Targas very durable and seldom in need of repair but on the occasion when I've had one that leaked or needed nib work, it's been no problem for the repairers. Like I mentioned earlier, I have a small stable of Targa Stubs, Obliques, Italics and the like. Worry about this shouldn't hold anyone back.

I think those of you who don't like the appearance, feel, size, shape, design, YOU ARE EXACTLY RIGHT! Far be it from me to try to encourage MORE people to compete with me when I'm bidding on one!

Thanks for starting this discussion. It's interesting to see the different points of view...
skyp

Within the last year I've come to appreciate the Targa--for its design (which I find very pleasing, especially the nib), its range of finishes, its durability, and most of all for the way it writes! True, what one person loves, another detests. But I have to agree with Don Fluckinger that the Targa is the trifecta of pendom. I own and use 51s and 75s, a range of Pelikans, Sailors, and Namikis. Targa does not take backseat for me to any of these other pens that I also love. And I, too, am perfectly happy when someone says he/she hates the Targa. One less competitor when I'm buying!

If the nib bends, a competent nibsmith may be able to save it; I've had good success at this work.

If the nib cracks or loses iridium, it's dead. It can't be welded or retipped because the heat destroys the plastic shell, so the entire nib and shell must be replaced. This means replacing the entire writing unit (Sheaffer's official term for the assembly) unless you can find someone who has the shell assembly and the skill to effect the repair.

I am stunned that some people actually dislike the inlaid nib. But I agree that the pen looks ugly overall...until you pick it up and write with it. It's like a good nighttime soap (ER, Hill St. Blues). The first time you ridicule it, but somehow you keep coming back for more. Then one day you realize you are a fan. Now the Targa shape is beautiful to me, even lying in its tray surrounded by the gorgeously curved Balances and Legacies.

The only problem I have is with the nib drying out. All of my Targas dry out in a day or two. None of my other Sheaffers do. But I seem to be alone in this. So my Targas lie in their tray, while I write with a Legacy.

Oops, they are paying me to work here.

Steve

Yes, well. Picking it up wouldn't happen if I didn't like the way it looked.

OK, we've heard the likes and dislikes regarding the Targa--now let's get down to some history. We know Targa was introduced in 1976 and that it bears similarities to earlier models, but who was its designer(s)? Who originated the idea for this pen? I'd love to know the answers to these questions. And is the original designer still living?

Andy Lambrou's book about fountain pens in both the united states and the uk explains that the Targa name came from a
sports car race in Sicily,the Targa Florio. The race was synonymous with testing new innovative and functional automotive
designs by the well-known european automakers--Ferrari,Porsche,Alfa-Romeo,Maseratti,Mercedes and Jaguar(pg.126). No
reference is given to whose brain sparked the idea for the name or the style.

John

Steve, what a great analogy!

All right, I received my "tulle" Targa today from Mr. Ulugtekin.

I can no longer philosophise objectively about what I think of Targas in general, because the tulle pen is gorgeous. I mean seriously gorgeous. It is very comfortable as well, surprisingly so. But I can't pay attention to that just now, because ... it is gorgeous.

Thank you everyone for the interesting discussion. I will try to form some thoughts on the performance and quality of this pen after I recover from the tulle-induced aesthetic trance!

It just goes to show, doesn't it, that it really is a matter pf personal taste - I think the inlaid nibs look quite beautiful - far more the 'work of art' than the standard nib which basically just sticks out of the front end of the pen...... As far the targa itself - well, they are rather dull.....

He has such cool pens.

I have mixed feelings on the Targa pens. The Inlaid Nib design is nice and clean, but still makes the presence of the nib known. In that regard I much prefer it to the hooded nib of the Parker 51. The Inlaid Nibs I've used also performed well, even the lower-end steel ones.

I would call the Targa's shape rather conventional. I find it a bit strange that you'd put something as streamlined as an Inlaid Nib on a pen that has a rather flat-top style shape at the other end. I guess this is less a complaint than the fact that I would have gone with a different direction with the design.

The metal work on these can be quite beautiful- they offer some very nice options.

But I also think the use of so much metal was actually a draw back. I tend to think one of the great virtues of the fountain pen is the ability to remain lightweight in-hand and to encourage a light touch when writing. If we draw along the analogy to the Porsche 911 Targa of that era, we find the Porsche to be a lightweight car that squeezes the most out of the 6 cylinder "boxer" motor-- speed and agility through economy of weight. But the Targa pens seem to go the other direction through over reliance on metal construction. These race cars were also nicely streamlined, but the Targa pens have a somewhat "flat top" look to them. Extensive use of metal, I think, detracts from that lightness in-hand.

So on the whole, I'm of mixed feelings on the Targas. I think they're nice pens, but have their share of design short comings.

In the last 30-40 years of their pen production at Fort Madison, Sheaffer developed excellent metalworking capabilities. In fact, I would rank them second only to ST Dupont in the variety and quality of their metalwork. It is no accident that the Targa and the Legacy relied so heavily upon metal -- it was Sheaffer was doing best in that era.

Ahh, here we go:

the pen to end my Targa ambivalence:
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...t=0#entry694915

I would definitely like to add a Targa to my rotation someday...I have been doing some light bidding just to see what they are going for. I agree with the article that they may be the 'developing 51 classic status' pen.

The 1001 plain steel model is a little too plain Jane for me, but the ribbed chrome ones are pretty nice. I really like the green enamel ones at the start of this thread.

I have an Imperial VIII and like the inlaid nib on that one quite a lot. So I am sure I would like the regular Targas.

I ran into my first Targa by accident. It was a black matte medium point that looked like some weird and plain looking pen. I bought it on E Bay for something under $20 a couple of months ago. I became an instant fan when I started writing with it. It feels great and is a super smooth writer. The inlaid nib is of a very high quality. It seems they also reproduce quickly since now I have a bunch of them laying around...

-Mario

I'm not a fan of the squeeze tubes... I am impressed that they actually work, though. I bought a piston converter that I planned to install in my Connaisseur, but found it wouldn't fit. So it wound up in my Targa.

I generally prefer pens of decent thickness... but the Targa's slimness goes well with a fine point, which I need and use when I need to write smaller than normal.

I also have my first Targa, which got dropped on its nib (therefore begetting the new one). I think it's time to get it fixed. Both are matte black (originally... after years of use, they are quite a bit shinier) with brass trim and 14k gold nibs, although they differ in the details.

The inlaid nib is a Sheaffer icon; and it appeals to non-FP-philes, too. I sometimes get looks as if I was using a quill with the Connaisseur or similar pens, but the Targa gets only compliments.

I don't own a Targa, but I would like to. I keep my eye out for the more unusual models from time to time, but nothing has grabbed me yet.

They are classically lovely pens, IMO. Nice lines, smart clip, nothing extraneous.

Clearly, the reason some people don't like the Targa is it's unusual shape. If I'm not mistaken, the streamlined shape of pens through the first half of the 20th Century was based on the airfoil--the cross-section of a wing. It is an aesthetically pleasing shape with sloping lines and no hard angles. The Targa made a clear break from this (as did the Duofold) design. If it was modeled on racing (rather than flying), they weren't thinking of aerodynamics, but that sense of innovation, creativity, and performance. And it is a performer! I was given a Targa 25 years ago and it was my first and only fountain pen until recently. I've written literally countless letters with it and it's still my best writer.

Two other distinctive features set it apart from other pens, as has been noted already: the inlaid nib, and the finishes. I don't see how one could not like the inlaid nib, but I guess that's a matter of taste. Again, it's clearly a modern, or perhaps I should say post-modern, design element, a departure from the classic "floating" nib. My biggest difficulty with the Targas are the finishes. I guess I'm a bit traditional in this respect. I love the matte black finish of my 1003, and I love the weight of the pen the metal produces. This is one of the reasons it's such a great writer. But some of those finishes are to my eye a bit garish. Some are not, so for us normal human beings who are not collecting the entire set (!) it's just a matter of selecting those finishes you like. Nice that there is such variety to choose from!

One area the Targa does underperform is the way the cap posts. Over time, the clutch does wear through the outer metal creating an unsightly ring. This was something Sheaffer could not have known until it started showing up after years of use. Twice I've had the barrel of mine replaced, once just recently. This time I'm going to try that trick of smoothing the cap with emery paper--thanks!

In sum, a very distinctive pen that is an excellent writer with a progressive design.

I had one of the first stainless steel ones. What I loved about it was the industrial design and the fact that it wrote beautifully. I don't know whatever happened to it, but suspect it took a dive from my desk once too often and fell on the nib. That was years ago before I understood that nibs could be replaced or repaired.