The Official "Spyder vs. Spider" Thread | Page 2 | FerrariChat

The Official "Spyder vs. Spider" Thread

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by DrewH, Nov 25, 2003.

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  1. Webby

    Webby F1 Veteran

    Sep 12, 2004
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    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.
     
  2. LetsJet

    LetsJet F1 Veteran
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    Different cars have diff. names

    Do a search and you will find.............
     
  3. Webby

    Webby F1 Veteran

    Sep 12, 2004
    6,821
    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.
     
  4. LetsJet

    LetsJet F1 Veteran
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    Actually, from what I know, you are incorrect. That's why I suggested you do a search.
     
  5. Jdubbya

    Jdubbya The $10 Trillion Man
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    I always thought Ferrari had used both and changed from spYder to spIder somewhere in the 348 line. I could be wrong though.
     
  6. TexasMike

    TexasMike F1 World Champ

    Feb 17, 2005
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    I believe you are right.
    I think Ferrari now uses the "i" so that they can trademark the name.
     
  7. ashsimmonds

    ashsimmonds F1 World Champ

    Feb 14, 2004
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    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
     
  8. kizdan

    kizdan F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2003
    5,505
    Ferrari's is spelled "Spider".
    Maserati's is spelled "Spyder".
     
  9. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
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    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)
     
  10. 134282

    134282 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    From the open horse-drawn coaches whose bodies resembled those of spiders... :)
     
  11. 134282

    134282 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    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'...
     
  12. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #37 ernie, Nov 15, 2005
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    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
     
  13. Jdubbya

    Jdubbya The $10 Trillion Man
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    Woo-hoo, I was right!! Whadda ya know. Oh the useless trivia we somehow manage to dredge up from our memories.
     
  14. spiderseeker

    spiderseeker Formula 3

    Jul 22, 2005
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    You know my preference. (couldn't resist)
     
  15. DrewH

    DrewH F1 World Champ
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    NNO: Thank you! Please use the right name for the right model.
     
  16. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
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    When and Why did Ferrari change from Spyder to Spider?

    250 California Spyder.

    360 Spider.
     
  17. El Wayne

    El Wayne F1 World Champ
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    348, if I recall correctly. Many threads about this somewhere. Let me have a look...
     
  18. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
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    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? :cool:
     
  19. bobzdar

    bobzdar F1 Veteran

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    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
     
  20. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
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    I was kidding. ;)
     
  21. mikeyr

    mikeyr Formula 3

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    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.
     
  22. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Best explanation yet.
     
  23. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    Because they're Italyan not Italian. :)
     
  24. bobzdar

    bobzdar F1 Veteran

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    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.
     

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