Lady's Phaeton

Description
This drop-front style phaeton with a folding hood was very suitable for a fashionable lady’s use as it was lightweight, comfortable and easy to manoeuvre. There are mudguards over the back wheels, a pair of rear elliptical springs and a transverse elliptical spring is fitted to the front.
Colour
Black body and undercarriage with fine red lining.
History
Phaetons originated in Britain. The diverse varieties of phaetons were all owner-driven vehicles, unlike other high-class carriages driven by coachmen. Phaetons were named after a reckless young god from Greek mythology who lost control of his father’s chariot, (the sun with four horses). Phaeton would have burned up the Earth if he had not been struck dead by a thunderbolt from Zeus.
Later phaetons were lowset comfortable carriages easier to enter than most vehicles. They were favoured by ladies and portly gentlemen from the time of George IV 1820—30. (Bolton Collection)