What does a cabroliet mean?

You must often be confused by the word cabroliet though it can be assumed that it is associated with cars. In recent days, some two-door convertibles are also termed as cabriolets. Originally, a cabriolet was a two-wheeled light carriage, which was drawn by a single horse.

A cabriolet had a folding calash hood made of leather. A cabriolet allowed seating of two persons facing forward, however one of them had to be the driver. A large and firm apron used to be elegantly hung in the upward-curving shafts. There was a rear platform between the C springs, specially meant for the groom. Cabriolet was first designed in France in the early 19^th century. The vehicle became a popular choice of hire in Paris and London.

The term cabroliet derives from the French word “cabrioler” meaning “to prance or caper.” This is an ideal reference to the way the carriage lightly flies or glides over the ground. A real horse-drawn cabriolet is not a very uncommon sight in areas that have large population of horses.

Cabriolets have elegant looks and are suitable for extensive weather conditions. They can even be plied in the severe winters. So next time you visit Paris or London, be sure to have a ride on a cabriolet.