Phaeton (carriage) Phaeton (carriage) A phaeton (also phaéton) was a form of sporty open carriage popular in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. Drawn by one or two horses, a phaeton typically featured a minimal very lightly sprung body atop four extravagantly large wheels. With open seating, it was both fast and dangerous, giving rise to its name, drawn from the mythical Phaëton, son of Helios, who nearly set the earth on fire while attempting to drive the chariot of the sun. With the advent of the automobile, the term was adapted to open touring cars, also known as phaetons. The
Chrysler Phaeton Rear Independent Double "A" Arm Brakes ABS, four-wheel disc Transmission: Four-speed automatic Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive Dana 40 rear axle Chrysler Phaeton The Chrysler Phaeton was a four-door convertible sedan concept car built by Chrysler in 1997. The Phaeton was inspired by Chrysler's historic Newport Phaeton, and the Imperial Parade Phaeton. It had a 48-valve 5.4 L aluminum V12 rated at 425 hp. The suspension was a modified double wishbone with independent double A-arms. Another unique feature of the car was that it had gauges in the rear seats. John E. Herlitz, Chrysler Corporation's Vice President of Product Design, said,