The Phaeton is the lady’s carriage of choice. We more often read about gentlemen driving their curricles, gentlemen offering their favoured lady a ride, or the lady being driven by a coachman, but rarely do we read about ladies driving their own carriage. Well, this was it! If a lady were to drive herself, she would choose a Phaeton. It goes by many names, such as Pony Phaeton, Phaeton, and Spider Phaeton, but most popularly the Park Phaeton since that was what most Phaetons were used for—park driving.

This carriage was four-wheeled, led by two ponies, doorless and open, only featuring one to two seats with an optional folding hood to shield from sun or rain, and no coachman's box since the lady would drive herself. Her lackey would follow along on his own horse since there was no room for anyone save herself and, perhaps, a close friend. The carriage was only practical for park driving, and so the only people who owned them were noble ladies or wealthy gentry.

I like to think of this as the MGB Roadster of carriages (or perhaps Z4 if you go for German vehicles over British?). It was sporty, quick, and lightweight. There were both low seated versions and high perched versions, the low being most favoured by the ladies. Austen features this carriage several times in her novels, from ladies wishing they could drive one to some ladies, such as Anne de Bourgh, having that very pleasure.

The high perch was most favoured by sporting gentlemen, especially Corinthians, such as Mr Tilney in Northanger Abbey. As quick as these vehicles, they did have a high tipping factor, so using them for racing wasn’t ideal, although they did maneuver quite well.

The popularity of the Phaeton for ladies began in the second half of the 18th century and continued well into the Victorian era. You won’t find a cheap Phaeton. They were all custom, for the wealthiest only, and used only the most elegant of materials. If you read the term “well sprung” in a novel, you’ll know it refers to the suspension, for which the Park Phaeton was well known, offering a smooth and comfortable ride. Design spared no expense, from the upholstery to the undercarriage, you’ll spot the most splendid wood work and intricate carvings.

Read more here:

https://regency-explorer.net/park-phaeton/