Unlike other convertible carriages, it lacked permanent side windows. As you can see in the photo below, the carriage featured a small body and large, wooden wheels with thin spokes. Altogether, it kind of resembled a spider — hence the name. Automakers eventually replaced coach builders, but the term “spider” stuck.

Why are convertibles called Spyders?

While many other open-air carriages sported permanent side windows, the spider offered a true open-air experience. Some speculate that the carriage, with its small body, large wooden wheels, and thin spokes resembled a spider, and the name just stuck.

Does spyder mean convertible?

Typically a spyder is a convertible, meaning you can put the top up, however for most car companies a convertible is typically just a standard car with the top chopped off and little consideration put into the rest of the vehicle's design.