Phaeton body almost any vehicle with two axles and a row or rows of seats across the body could be called a phaeton. Convertibles and pillarless hardtops were marketed as "phaetons" after actual phaetons were phased out. The term "phaeton" had historically described a light, open four-wheeled carriage. When automobiles arrived it was applied to a light two-seater with minimal coachwork. The term was interchangeable with "spyder", derived from a light form of phaeton carriage known as a "spider". Originally meant to denote a faster and lighter vehicle than a touring car, the two terms eventually became interchangeable. A detachable folding or
HMS Phaeton (1883) "Iowa" coming up the straits approaching Victoria (British Columbia) in a dense fog. The July 1898 Navy List listed her commissioned and warrant officers as follows: "Phaeton" was re-commissioned at Esquimalt (Canada) on 10 October 1900, to serve on Pacific Station. In July 1902 she visited Acapulco, and the following month she was at Panama. She paid off on 28 April 1903. This commission was the subject of a book in the 'Log' series, entitled: "HMS Phaeton, Pacific Station, 1900–1903". The March 1901 Navy List listed her commissioned and warrant officers as follows: The "Phaeton" did harbour service at Devonport