What if Sheaffer re-introduced the Targa

[Blade Runner]

I don't think it would be a great idea to reintroduce the Targa without changing it.

The Targa isn't even a topic of hot discussion on fp forums. In the face of the current blingy trend (I'm not saying bling is necessarily good), it stands little chance unless there is change imo. Actually I'd prefer a a completely new pen.

Edited August 10, 2008 by jeen

[Joe in Seattle]

I had a Stainless Steel Targa about 20 years ago. It was a great daily writer.

[RoyalBlue]

Fellow collectors,

 

I've been discussing with Sheaffer's USA distributor about a reintroduction of the Targa as a regular production pen line (not as a one-off special edition). The Targa is one of Sheaffer's iconic pens, having a nearly quarter century run, and was offered in more finishes than many other pens ever made.

 

Sheaffer is very seriously considering re-introducing the Targa and would like input from pen collectors as well as those not familiar with this pen.

 

Sheaffer Targa in sterling silver

 

Please consider the following as possibilities:

 

1. The Targa is reintroduced as the same pen - no changes in size, nib unit, materials or style. Classic and new finishes are part of the line. It's essentially a reissued classic.

 

2. The Targa is updated - same size, nib unit, materials and style but some updating changes made, so the pen is clearly the same pen, with possibly an updated cap top or clip, for example.

 

3. The Targa is rethought - visually the same concept, but the pen could be longer, wider, made of resin, etc. Think Parker 100 to the Parker 51.

 

Second, where would you position the new Targa?

 

1. Wide range, priced from low cost steel nib pens in the top of the Prelude price range through super high end solid gold pens (essentially as before).

 

2. Between the Prelude and Legacy in price ($100-$300 price range).

 

3. Super premium, in terms of finish and availability ($300-$1000 and up).

 

Your comments are really going to be brought back to Sheaffer, so please consider this as an opportunity to give feedback on bringing back one of the prized pens of the last 30 years.

 

Thanks!

 

Cheers,

 

Jim Mamoulides

www.PenHero.com

 

I've voted. Not sure if you also wanted feedback in the form of replies to your post, Jim, but here goes. I'd like an updated rather than a rethought Targa and either 2 or 3 in position. But don't update too much - the basic shape is distinctive and I'd like that to stay. As for positioning, would have just said super Premium, but the prices tend to be high already in Britain. Anyway, I'm keen: I love writing with inlaid Sheaffer nibs.

 

Thomas

Edited September 4, 2008 by RoyalBlue

[kpyeoman]

What ever happened with this? Anyone know the follow up story (since we never saw the Targa II, and instead got the Saggartis [sp?] and the Tanaris). This would have made sense as a perfect gold nib pen in between the Prelude and the Valor/Legacy Heritage.