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Why are convertibles called spyder? I never understood this?
1800's Horse drawn carriages sometimes called "Phaetons" came in many different shapes and sizes. There were cargo-bearing carriages, people-movers, and lightweight, less cumbersome carriages which, thanks to their looks, came to be known as spiders. These carriages had a smaller body and large wooden wheels with thin spokes, which sort of look like spider legs. Once cars came around, this naming scheme transferred over to lighter, more agile, sporty vehicles, often with no roof over the cockpit. It's stuck ever since.
Spider/Spyder a marketing thing. Spyder was used first for reasons unknown with the carriages. Italian alphabet has no Y so they used I instead when applied to their sports cars.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; Jul 17, 2019 at 12:32 PM.
From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
If it's a retractable hard top then the convertible version without a doubt. My C4, C5, and both C6's were convertibles. I went with the coupe on the C7 for something different. If done right, my C8 will be convertible.
If it's a retractable hard top then the convertible version without a doubt. My C4, C5, and both C6's were convertibles. I went with the coupe on the C7 for something different. If done right, my C8 will be convertible.
On a more serious note I hope they don’t require a minimum option package (2LT-3LT or event 4LT) to order the HT Vert. 2LT okay for me but those who only buy 1LT would be left out. I will also probably go with a Base again so this could also be an issue too, or maybe not if option codes are many to pick from a la carte.
1800's Horse drawn carriages sometimes called "Phaetons" came in many different shapes and sizes. There were cargo-bearing carriages, people-movers, and lightweight, less cumbersome carriages which, thanks to their looks, came to be known as spiders. These carriages had a smaller body and large wooden wheels with thin spokes, which sort of look like spider legs. Once cars came around, this naming scheme transferred over to lighter, more agile, sporty vehicles, often with no roof over the cockpit. It's stuck ever since.
Spider/Spyder a marketing thing. Spyder was used first for reasons unknown with the carriages. Italian alphabet has no Y so they used I instead when applied to their sports cars.
IDK that ... great bit of history. Thanks for sharing that!!!
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.
