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 (1782) awarded the survivors to that date of all the vessels at the battle, including "Phaeton", the Naval General Service Medal with clasp "1 June 1794". In September, "Phaeton" came under the command of Captain Stopford. In May 1795 "Phaeton" escorted Princess Caroline of Brunswick to England. Then began what would become a spectacular string of prize-taking. During Stopford's service in the Channel, "Phaeton" captured some 13 privateers and three vessels of war, and also recovered numerous vessels that the French had taken. On 10 March 1796, "Phaeton" engaged and captured the French corvette "Bonne Citoyenne" off Cape Finisterre. She was