Ruf unveils modern-day version of 1967 Porsche 911 Targa

German customising house draws inspiration from the past for its latest open-topped creation
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Porsche recently unveiled its take on the retro-inspired roadster theme -- namely the Speedster revealed at the recent Paris motor show, but of course, there will always be the aftermarket mobs who think they can do it better.

Witness the simply titled Ruf Roadster, conceived by the German tuning house to rekindle memories of the classic 1967 Porsche 911 Targa, which was equipped with an integrated roll-bar to provide the safety of a coupe with the alfresco qualities of a convertible.

Adhering to this basic formula, the Ruf Roadster features a special roof -- comprising two removable carbonfibre pieces -- and a folding rear window. The flexible rear window is made from a three-layer polyglass for lightness.

Ruf says the Roadster’s real USP is that it can be configured in a variety of ways, depending on how much exposure to the elements you want. You can cruise with the car completely enclosed, completely open, with a closed roof and open rear window, or open roof and closed rear window.

We have to admit the brushed alloy finish on the roll bar and the overall profile of the Roadster does draw parallels with the 1967 Targa, but it's still no thing of beauty. We'd rather just have a Carrera GTS cabrio, but there will doubtless be those who are won over by the Ruf Roadster's uniqueness and flexibility.

Ruf offers the car with a choice of atmo or turbo power. When equipped with the 294kW naturally aspirated engine and PDK gearbox it knocks off the 0-100km/h dash in 4.6sec and can reach a v-max of 295km/h. But if this seems a bit weedy, you can opt for the 412kW Turbo version.

Pricing (ex-Germany) starts at 195,000 euros ($275,000 in our money) for the entry-level naturally aspirated model, and Ruf plans to start sales from 2011 onwards.

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