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
French brig Phaeton (1804) December Commander Thomas P.J. Parry replaced Lloyd. He sailed her to Britain and she arrived at Portsmouth on 30 June 1810. There she was placed in ordinary. The Admiralty offered "Musette" for sale at Portsmouth on 9 June 1814. She was finally sold on 1 September 1814 for £400. Notes Citations References French brig Phaeton (1804) The French brig "Phaeton" was a "Palinure"-class brig launched in 1804. The British captured her in 1806 and renamed her HMS "Mignonne". In 1807 they renamed her HMS "Musette". She was sold in 1814. "Phaéton" was stationed at Hellevoetsluis under the command of "lieutenant