Ferrari bringing back Targa top

Ferrari has been caught filing a patent for an all-new 'Targa Top' convertible roof design that could herald the famous supercar body design returning to the range.

The patent, discovered by Autoguide.com, reveals the famous supercar maker is secretly developing a car with a simple removable roof panel, rather than a complex and intricate mechanised foldaway panel, like the old Ferrari 575M Superamerica.

Detailing its plans, the patent suggests Ferrari's new Targa will involve a "coupe body with a rigid roof that is removable and is supported at the front by the upright of the windscreen and at the rear by a robust full-width roll bar."

It's thought a conflict with Porsche's use of the "Targa" name could be a barrier to Ferrari using the same name.

Instead, the Italian brand could bring back the 'GTS' badge it last used on the F355 if, again, the German car maker doesn't mount a similar legal challenge for the same three letters as it uses them on cars like the Boxster and 911. There are plenty of GTS examples that pre-date Porsche's use of the abbreviation however, including the original Holden Monaro from the late 1960s, Holden Special Vehicles from the 1990s and quite a few illustrious models from Ferrari's own past.

Making a break with the past may suit Ferrari, however, so the invention of an all-new moniker for its simple, lightweight drop top is another possibility.

It's also worth noting some commentators have suggested the use of the old F430 in the patent image is no coincidence.

That's because Ferrari's modern take on a Targa top could be based, once again, on a small mid-engine V8 supercar – possibly the replacement for the current 488.

Other rumours involve the Targa supercar is being reserved for a one-off commission that will be created by Ferrari's bespoke division for one of its wealthy customers.

This could see a special limited-run 488-based supercar that could be inspired by some of the car maker's famous past Targa top cars – Ferraris like the 308 GTS, Dino 246 GTS and the car maker's prototype 'P' race cars that were produced during the 1960s and early 1970s and more modern Targas like the F355 GTS (pictured).