Sheaffer Targa

SHEAFFER TARGA 1976 to 1999

First produced in 1976 the "Targa by Sheaffer" owes its name to the Targa Florio, an open road endurance race held near Palermo Sicily. Founded in 1906, it was one of the oldest sports car racing events until it was stopped in 1977. It is now run as a rallying event.

Genesis was the name originally chosen for the model but just before the launch it was changed to Targa. This changed happened because it was pointed out that sales in the middle east could be compromised with the name Genesis.

The targa fitted with the iconic inlaid nib has been sold in over 70 different finishes, a total of around 120 fountain pens in classic and slimline. The classic fountain pen was the first size made in 1976. With trends in the early eighties leaning towards a sleeker look, the slim model was introduced in 1982.

The stainless steel fountain pen with a steel nib was the starting point of the range . At the top of the range was the solid gold masterpiece with an 18kt solid gold nib, and had a retail value that peaked at £4750 in 1992. In between these two pens are a vast array of finishes including chrome - metallic - matte - white gold plate - brass - brass & lacquer - lacquer - silver plate - gold plate - palladium plate - wood and sterling silver.

During its 23 years of production, spanning three decades, the Targa was only discounted in the later years of production, a policy that kept the model sort after, therefore maintaining its retail price.