To differentiate the two designs the older one is commonly called the Tartan 34 C, with the "C" indicating Classic.

[1][3][4] The Tartan 34 C is a small recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim.

It has a masthead sloop rig, a skeg-mounted rudder and a fixed stub keel, with a retractable centerboard.

[1][3] The design had a factory option of a pilot berth in place of the port storage cabinet, over and outboard of the dinette, but few boats were so equipped.

[1][3] The mainsail foot dimension (parameter "E") was reduced at least twice during the boat's production run, increasing the aspect ratio of the mainsail to improve sail balance and to lower the design's International Offshore Rule handicap rating.