Question Are they both acceptable or is only one technically the correct translation of convertible or whatever it means? And if, say "Spider" is right, then why would some companies use a "y" or vice versa? Just because it looks cooler to them? (i.e. Ferrari 360 Spider vs. Spyker C8 Spyder) And... which one do you prefer? I actually like plain old Spider better.
I know, what I'm asking is if one of them is the true translation and the other isn't. Like, I noticed that Ferrari always uses "Spider" and other companies like Spyker use a y. I'm wondering why this is so. I already know different cars have different names, that's why I'm asking this question.
I always thought Ferrari had used both and changed from spYder to spIder somewhere in the 348 line. I could be wrong though.
search term? plug spider or spyder into search and see what you get... sometimes 250 results still isn't enough to find the answer, however i've narrowed it down to these threads: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2036&highlight=spider+spyder http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15797&highlight=spider+spyder http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24806&highlight=spider+spyder http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33607&highlight=spider+spyder
But the fun trivia question is this: Where does the word "Spider" originate, and why is it used in this context? (I give the Fchat brains exactly 43 seconds to answer the above question)
Though there's no 'Y' in the Italian alphabet, Ferrari used the word "Spyder" all the way up through the Daytona Spyder... After that, their next convertible was the 348, and they went with the alternate spelling, 'Spider'...
From the dictionary http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?va=spider 3 : any of various devices consisting of a frame or skeleton with radiating arms or members From the encycolpedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyder Spyder or Spider is a term for a convertible car body style. The term derives from horse-drawn carriages, as do other automotive terms. A spider phaeton was a lighter version of a phaeton, having narrower, spindly wheels and two-seat accommodation. This term was subsequently applied to cars. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Woo-hoo, I was right!! Whadda ya know. Oh the useless trivia we somehow manage to dredge up from our memories.
Here you go (in no particular order): http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=206948 http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=383087 http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82847 http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15797 http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33607 http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2036 http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24806 http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/251280/285763.html?1058449605
Thanks. Apparently there was a Y in Italian until the 348. then the Italian language "changed" and the Y was excluded. Why they did this after several centuries remains a mystery. My 360 Spider still says "Spider" on the dash. Actuallyit says "360Spider" Why would Maseraty spell it differently from Ferrary?
I'm fairly certain there's never been a Y in Italian, no J, K, W or X either. Spyder was most likely a translation error
on my website http://www.dinospider.com/ I quote the site Alfa-digest about this, its all about politics (as always). A spyder originally was the word for a horse carriage, so I dont think it was a translation error. I think it was a attempt to make a convertible like the horse carriage which was a spyder.
I was referring to Ferraris being called spyders, I don't think they ever were, at least by Ferrari. The origin of 'spider' in Italy took place well before Ferrari ever made a Ferrari.