Spyder

Also known as Spider.

A term used to describe a rear mid-engine, rear wheel drive convertible car body style, with even less weather protection than a roadster. The word derives from a small two-seat horse-cart with a folding sunshade made of four bows. With its black cloth top and exposed sides for air circulation, the top resembled an eight-legged spider.

In the 1950s, Porsche revived this term when they released the Porsche 550 Spyder. Other examples have included the Toyota MR2 and the Triumph TR7.

However, the term Spyder has also been used (somewhat inaccurately) as a synonym for any type of convertible car, such as the Maserati Spyder and the Alfa Romeo Spider.