It seems fitting that the 2009 Pontiac Solstice, outfitted with a targa top will be the last model to roll off the production line for the storied automaker. The original Solstice was previewed as a coupe concept before the convertible emerged. Being built in the GM plant in Wilmington, Delaware, the Solstice Coupe will retain the powerplant of its convertible sibling, a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine that generates 173 horsepower.

The targa feature comes with either hard or soft removable panels over the driver and passenger. With limited storage space, there is only room to stow the soft panels. By the end of July, all of the 1,100 planned units will have been produced, after which the Wilmington plant will close. With a sticker price of $31,045, each vehicle will be sequentially numbered, so each owner to know where along the production run, his vehicle was made.

The turbocharged Ecotec will propel the Solstice Coupe from zero to 60-mph in 5.2 seconds and provide a fuel efficiency rating of 19-mpg city and 28-mpg highway. The legendary Pontiac nameplate will fade into memory, with the eye-grabbing styling and impressive performance of the Solstice Coupe serving as a lasting after-image.