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) 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 de vaisseau" Saulces de Freycinet. Between 7 September and 16 October 1805, she conducted a patrol in the North Sea. Shortly thereafter the French Navy dispatched her to the Antilles on a mission. On 25 March 1806, off Puerto Rico, "Phaéton" and her sister-ship "Voltigeur" encountered . Both sides exchanged fire for