Illustrated Dictionary of Automobile Body Styles

Today's cars fit a fairly small number of body types - sedan, coupe, station wagon, SUV, hatchback, and a few others. Along the way a much greater number of earlier body types have fallen out of use and become historical curiosities. Who today can identify a charabane, a dos-a-dos, or even a phaeton?This heavily illustrated dictionary defines all distinct body types ever applied to automobiles anywhere, from the early days when many were closely derived from established types of horse-drawn vehicles ("cars" in their original sense). It explains subtype designations and distinctions between similar types, comments on when and where individual body types were popular, traces how terms have taken on different meanings in different countries or time periods, and clarifies the use and misuse of various terms and designations.

Cars today fit a fairly small number of body types--sedan, coupe, station wagon, SUV, hatchback and a few others. The meanings of these familiar terms have changed over the decades as automotive design has evolved. Along the way, a greater number of earlier body types have fallen out of use and become historical curiosities. Who today can identify a charabanc, a dos-a-dos or even a phaeton? This expanded second edition defines all distinct body types since the early days of the automobile, many of which were derived from horse-drawn vehicles. Entries, many including clear line drawings, describe popular types and variations from different countries and time periods as well as terms for body components. Subtypes and subtle distinctions are explained and common misuses of terms and designations are clarified.