SPIDER!

im still trying to understand what this rant is about...

 

From the Ferrari Market Letter two weeks ago:

Which brings us, at last, to Ferrari. At the very beginning Ferrari used the "spyder" spelling, as indicated on data plates from extremely early Ferraris, built in the 1940s.

Ferrari continued to favor the "spyder" spelling on into the 1950s, as with the 250 GT Spyder California, and the spelling was still "spyder" into the 1960s, for example with the 275 GTS.

"Spyder" was also the favored spelling used as the designation for various Ferrari models being constructed at Pininfarina at this time as well, such as the 500 Mondial and 375 MM Spyder Competizione as well as some one-offs such as a "Spyder 2-Posti".

It appears that "spyder" remained the preferred spelling right up through the 365 GTB/4 (or 365 GTS/4) Daytona Spyders in the early 1970s. While I am not aware of any sales brochure for the model, I have seen numerous factory documents where the "y" spelling is used in reference to the model.

It was at about this point in time, however, when the preferred spelling began to change. Now there are those who will insist that the various Ferrari made through the 1970s and into the early 1980s that had removable roof panels, i.e. had "targa" tops, did not fit the classical definition of the term under discussion, no matter which way it is spelled. But Ferrari gave them the model designations that included an "S" indicating that, as far as the factory was concerned, they were "spiders". Beginning with the Dino 246 GTS the "i" version apparently became the preferred spelling, and continued to be applied in the descriptions of the the various V-8 engined targa models.

In 1993 Ferrari introduced the 348 Spider. A press release announcing the World Premier Introduction of the new model on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California, stated "the 348 Spider is the first two seater Ferrari convertible since the 365 GTB4 Daytona Spyder last sold in 1974. That made it official. The preferred spelling was now "spider" and has remained so to this day. But for those made during the late 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and into the early 1970’s it was and always will be "spyder"

 

Werd.

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Whaaaaatttttt!!!!

Are U kidding ????

I have raced, bought, sold, traded 30+ different Ferrari "SPYDERS" not SPIDERS over the past 15 years.

Ferrari in print and in model description used the term SPYDER until the debut of the 348 when their marketing department shifted over to the use of I rathe than Y for "uniform product recognition."

Besides that one of my daily drivers is a 1962 SPYDER and its made by Chevrolet! It says so on both sides of the car, glove box, owner's manual, sales brochure etc... This car is both air-cooled and turbocharged and obviously not made in Germany!

Check your facts.

Regards,

Bill Noon

 

I think I would excuse myself at this point if I were you and go play in the traffic. Take care not to be run over by a Spyder.

BTW the 365 GTS/4 (Euro version) and 365 GTB/4 (US version) without a top has always been definitively known as a DAYTONA SPYDER; that's ESS PEE WHY DEE EE ARR

 

This is from http://hem.passagen.se/veloce/WELCOME.HTM

The facts are, that it is Spider and not Spyder because of an official statement by National Federation of Body makers in 1924 in Milan (Italy), that declared the word to be written that way. The "y" was not in the Italian alphabet since it was a fascist and nationalist period. It's, as you know, the equivalent for "roadster", "speedster" or "two-seater". Spyder comes from a kind of horse-cab manufactured by Holmes in Dublin (Ireland), developing an idea born in GB in 1860 as a mix of the Tilbury-type cab (two seats, two wheels) with the phaeton (four seats). Holmes named his cabs " Spyders ", as they resembled " Spiders " for their large and light wheels and the body (very light) suspended among them. The Spyder had two "main" seats (with a "cabriolet" cover)+ 2 "emergency" seats on the rear, for the "valets". So, when that decision was taken in 1924, they thought to oppose to "Anglicanism" but, as a matter of fact, they "corrected" Mr. Holmes! This was written by John Hertzman and posted to the Alfa-Digest at http://hem.passagen.se/veloce/WELCOME.HTM

So for some time at least the correct spelling was spyder but for any newer car it is spider.

 

And at that point the cars were all FIATs anyway - so as the original poster would say: WGAF

 

Porsche not Porche.How can you make such a big deal re: SPIDER and misspell Porsche???

 

What timing ... I've been wondering for a while, what is the correct spelling for Ferraris - spyder or spider? I've searched various websites and came up empty.

Knowing that there is not a "Y" in the Italian alphabet, I thought it was the media that spelled it with a "Y" but I then I noticed earlier Ferrari badges with the "Y".

I prefer spider over spyder, regardless of when the Ferrari was built. And I've given up on Maserati.

I know many Italians (as well as being one), and never have seen any family names that had a "Y". I don't understand the "Fascist and Nationalist period" connection. I've traced my family tree back to the 1800's in Italy, and no "Y"s in any family name.

Hell, let's blame the British - I'm sure they put the "Y" in Italy - LOL.

Side bar - a Chinese friend of mine told me that originally China was called Chin. It was the Italian explorer named Marco Pollo that put an "A" on the end of the word. Don't know how true this is but kinda makes sense - Chinese words are typically one syllable and how many words in Italian don't end in a vowel?

 

it was my dilemma as well. (see my name)

 

The letter 'R' is actually spelled with just one 'r', as in: AR... But that's the Scrabble in me talking...

Nice name-change... i asked Rob to change mine to 134282 and he said, "No way!"...

 

The factory workshop manual describes the 348 ts and gts as a Spyder and the full convertable as a Spider. Keith Bluemel, in his book "Original Ferrari V8" describes them both as Spiders. Mike Cavello, in "standard catalog of Ferrari 1974-2003", says the rag top is a spider but the ts and gts are targas. As I recall, "Targa" is a Porsche model name that's been ripped off by ferrari and others to desribe the roof style. So everyone gets to believe whatever they want. Also, I'm pretty sure the correct spelling is Ferrary. cheers, Mike.

 

quick search =

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2036
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15797
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24806
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33607
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47113
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82847

 

I wonder if wars actually start from ppl's pet peeve's?

 

And i hate people who say "BEAMER" its bimmer people unless you're talking about a motorcycle but you dont see me ranting about it.

 

Why would it be "bimmer"? Do you say the alphabet "Aye, BIH, Cee" or "Aye, BEE, Cee"?

 

Bimmer=slang for BMW cars.
Beemer=slang for BMW motorcycles.

Learn BMWs history then come back

 

No need to - I prefer Ferraris. That's why I'm here.

 

One question:

No "Y" in Italian language? Why is country spelled ITALY?? Honestly, I am just wondering..

 

whew, glad i dont have a 308 GTS Spidder

 

When you live in England you spell it Spidre.

And when you live in Ireland it is Spoider.

And when you are afraid to choose a spelling you suffer with arachnophobia. Or is that fobia??

 

LOL, that's what Americans call it... In Italy, Italy is L'Italia...