"Spider" versus "Spyder" - Which is "correct"? | FerrariChat
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"Spider" versus "Spyder" - Which is "correct"?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by Fast_ian, Jul 29, 2008.

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  1. Fast_ian

    Fast_ian Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #1 Fast_ian, Jul 29, 2008
    Hi,

    The little badge on the glove box of my 360 says "Spider". However, most of the time I see it written as "Spyder". Anyone know which is more "correct" - I'd say the former given what's on my car but numerous "knowledgeable" people always write it the latter way.......

    Cheers,
    Ian
     
  2. jhsalah

    jhsalah Formula 3

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    #2 jhsalah, Jul 29, 2008
    Good question. Car makers use both, so I think it depends on what a particular marque chooses and I doubt there is a right and wrong...
    But I'd be interested in other responses on this...
     
  3. Ferrari308GT4

    Ferrari308GT4 Formula Junior

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    #3 Ferrari308GT4, Jul 29, 2008
    Ferrari use the name "SPIDER"

    Maserati use the name "SPYDER"
     
  4. junglistluder

    junglistluder F1 Rookie
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    #4 junglistluder, Jul 29, 2008
    I thought it had to do with country of origin. British or American English. Tyre vs. Tire.
     
  5. Bavarian Motorist

    Bavarian Motorist Formula Junior

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    #5 Bavarian Motorist, Jul 29, 2008
    Not so. Lamborghini uses Spyder. Ferrari chooses to use Spider.



    Same country of origin.
     
  6. ferrarip4

    ferrarip4 Formula 3

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    #6 ferrarip4, Jul 29, 2008
    "Spider" is the Ialian way to write it, "spyder" the English...

    For our products (Ferrari officially licensed), we use "spider", that's what Ferrari want...
     
  7. Fast_ian

    Fast_ian Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #7 Fast_ian, Jul 29, 2008
    Hmmm - thanks for the responses. Seems we have a great big "no-consensus" on this one right now......

    The OP was actually somewhat "inspired" by Michael Sheehans article in this months Forza wherein he refers to "Spyders".

    Which probably means that "Spider" is correct :D

    Cheers,
    Ian
     
  8. Sfumato

    Sfumato F1 World Champ

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    #8 Sfumato, Jul 29, 2008
    It was Spyder until 360. It remains Spyder IMHO, and Spider refers to the horse-drawn vehicle. Fiat, Alfa, Lancia, Maser, and Lambo all use Spyder. Spider is an idiotic change. The Corvair was even a Spyder. Having owned a couple Spyders and one Spider, I spell it Spyder, marketers be damned. JMNSHO.
     
  9. Fast_ian

    Fast_ian Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #9 Fast_ian, Jul 29, 2008
    Really? - I'm no longer sure, but seem to remember that my 348 had a "Spider" badge on the glove box.....

    Can't remember on the 355 at all.
     
  10. MacGeek

    MacGeek Formula Junior

    Oct 4, 2007
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    #10 MacGeek, Jul 29, 2008
    Apart from Maserati and Lamborghini, false. They use Spider.
     
  11. enzo thecat

    enzo thecat F1 Veteran
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    #11 enzo thecat, Jul 29, 2008
    355 is def SPIDER. I may post a picture of the rear where its labeled "F355 Spider" when I get home. Whew! Long Day!
     
  12. ferrarip4

    ferrarip4 Formula 3

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    #12 ferrarip4, Jul 29, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Some pics of brochures...

    Official name is "spider" in original language (Italian)... I think some translated brochures and manuals in English use the term "spyder". But if you are a "purist" you use "spider"
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
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  13. ferrarip4

    ferrarip4 Formula 3

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    #13 ferrarip4, Jul 29, 2008
    No need to ;-) see above brochures...
     
  14. Fast_ian

    Fast_ian Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #14 Fast_ian, Jul 29, 2008
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2008
    Ah-ha! I wonder if we're getting close here. Someone alluded to the "English -v- American" spelling of tyres -v- tires above.

    Maybe a (misguided?) translator figured "those damn Brits always use "y" where an "i" would do, and the boss told me to translate to English, not American - therefore I'm going with "Spyder"......

    And the rest is history......

    Cheers,
    Ian
    EDIT: BTW, I am a "damn Brit", so no flames please ;)
     
  15. alx355gt

    alx355gt F1 Veteran

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    #15 alx355gt, Jul 29, 2008
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2008
    Through the years the terms have been used randomly by several car makers all over the world.

    In Italy in 1924, it was decided that the word is to be written as "Spider" by the National Federation of Body makers (according to http://www.veloce.se/WELCOME.HTM#spider)
    However, Maserati produces "Spyders" these days... and the Ferrari 250 GT Calfornia was also designated "Spyder". Most (if not all?) other Ferrari's were named "Spiders".
    Fiat and Alfa Romeo mostly used "Spider". The open Lamborghini Gallardo is a "Spyder"... the Murciélago is a roadster...
    Rather complicated, isn't it? :D

    Alx
     
  16. Sfumato

    Sfumato F1 World Champ

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    #16 Sfumato, Jul 29, 2008
    Alfa 8C2900B was one of first Spyders. See Simon Moore 2.9 book. I forgot about 348/355, I have same brochures. Farina and Touring used the terms in 30's.
    Fiat Dino Spyder, 124 Spyder Sport WRC champion.
    I am a purist. Had a swb Cal Spyder and 360 Spider. I use Spyder, always will. 330 GTS was Spyder too. Maybe preference, but never lost any show points. Thankfully Berlinetta back with my 599. Gone since 355, gone on real cars (12's) :) since Boxer.
     
  17. ferrarip4

    ferrarip4 Formula 3

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    #17 ferrarip4, Jul 29, 2008
    Hope this won't be like the "(one and only) '0846' Debate Thread" with heated arguing ;-)

    As for me, I'll stick to the "official" Italian terminology SPIDER,

    Forza Italia!
     
  18. opus10583

    opus10583 Formula 3

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    #18 opus10583, Jul 29, 2008
    As a "purist" you should realize it's spider.

    1) It's an American English word, which is spelled spider.

    2) The reason discussed just above.

    3) There is no y in the Italian alphabet.

    "Spyder" is the German spelling, popularized by a Porsche importer, iirc.
     
  19. MacGeek

    MacGeek Formula Junior

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    #19 MacGeek, Jul 29, 2008
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2008
    The cars you mentioned are all Spiders... maybe they are called Spyders in the USA, but in their home country they are Spiders. So Spider it is for me :)
     
  20. SonomaRik

    SonomaRik F1 Veteran

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    #20 SonomaRik, Jul 29, 2008
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2008
    Oh, the tangled webs we weave.

    But it HAS to be spider....how else would we get Fly-yellow ?duh
     
  21. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #21 Bullfighter, Jul 29, 2008
    Ferrari changed the model designation from "Spyder" to "Spider" starting with the 348 model. The "Daytona" (the previous soft top car from Ferrari) used the "Spyder" spelling.

    (Source: Dennis Adler's "Ferrari: The Road from Maranello")
     
  22. jm348

    jm348 F1 Rookie
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    #22 jm348, Jul 29, 2008
    +1...... 348-present Ferrari's are Spiders.......The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a Spyder. :D
     
  23. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
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    #23 2NA, Jul 29, 2008
    Ragtop
     
  24. mat

    mat Formula Junior

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    #24 mat, Jul 29, 2008
    166 Spyder Corsa
     
  25. Fast_ian

    Fast_ian Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #25 Fast_ian, Jul 29, 2008
    OK, I'm prepared to accept that. Except:

    I didn't expect this much debate..... Cool!

    Cheers,
    Ian
     
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