Cars today fit a fairly small number of body types-sedan, coupe, station wagon, SUV, hatchback and a few others. The meanings of these familiar terms have changed over the decades as automotive design has evolved. Along the way, a greater number of earlier body types have fallen out of use and become historical curiosities. Who today can identify a charabanc, a dos-a-dos or even a phaeton?

In this expanded second edition, the dictionary defines with clear line drawings all distinct body types from the early days of the automobile, many of which were derived from established models of horse-drawn vehicles. Entries describe popular types and variations from different countries and time periods. Subtypes and subtle distinctions are explained and common misuses of terms and designations are clarified.