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Definition and Description
- Definition: In French, “baquet” translates to “bath tub.” In the context of automotive history, it refers to an old style of vehicle characterized by its basic construction resembling a bath tub: it typically had two rows of seats, lacked doors, a roof, or a windshield.
- Also Known As: It is also known as a “touring car” in English, which signifies a vehicle designed for long-distance travel or touring, often with a spacious interior and an open design.
Features and Characteristics
- Seating Arrangement: Baquets typically featured two rows of seats, allowing for multiple passengers.
- Open Design: They lacked doors, roofs, and windshields, reflecting early automotive design where vehicles were more exposed to the elements.
- Historical Context: Baquets were prevalent during the early 20th century when automobiles were first becoming popular. They were often used for leisurely drives and touring.
Usage and Legacy
- Cultural Significance: Baquets are considered a part of automotive heritage, representing a simpler era of automotive design and function.
- Evolution: Over time, automotive design evolved to include enclosed cabins, better safety features, and more aerodynamic forms, rendering the baquet style obsolete but significant in the historical development of automobiles.
Conclusion
Baquet, or “touring car,” is a term used to describe early vehicles characterized by their open design resembling a bath tub, with two rows of seats and lacking doors, a roof, or a windshield. It symbolizes a bygone era in automotive history when vehicles were less enclosed and more rudimentary in their design and features.
See
- Phaeton