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) shipping from Île de France. On 18 November 1806 "Phaeton" was at Saint Helena. There she took on board 32 officers and crew from the East Indiaman , which the French had captured. The French had released them at the Cape of Good Hope and a cartel ahd delivered them to St Helena. "Phaeton" was already carrying the Marquis of Wellesley and his suite, who was returning to England after having served as Governor General of India. They arrived at Spithead on 13 January 1806. In October 1806 Captain John Wood took command of "Phaeton". Then in July 1808, Captain