What does “Phaeton” mean?
• Phaeton is a hero in Greek mythology. He won his fame by daring to drive the chariot of the Sun, a task that no human being could possibly accomplish. Our name honors Phaeton’s determination to aim for the highest possible aspirations, and his bravery in daring to take on even an impossible challenge that would surely destroy him. Because of his association with the chariot, Phaeton’s name was adopted in the 19th century to identify a type of light horse-drawn carriage built for speed. In the 20th century the automobile era transferred the name to a type of touring car that was designed to be driven by a chauffeur. A “Phaeton” was any long convertible with a luxurious expanded back seat area. The front seat usually had a separate roof section which could remain open for driver visibility while the passengers enjoyed the comfort of a closed canopy over back. This type of car was particularly characteristic of the 1920s and 1930s.
