charabanc

thumb|Charabanc, late 19th century thumb|Royal Charabanc of Maria II of Portugal A charabanc or "char-à-banc" (often pronounced "sharra-bang" in colloquial British English) is a type of horse-drawn vehicle and an early motor coach, usually open-topped, common in Britain during the early part of the 20th century. The term remains in use for some public service vehicles in a small number of countries.

Traditionally, a charabanc has "benched seats arranged in rows, looking forward, commonly used for large parties, whether as public conveyances or for excursions". It was especially popular for sight-seeing or "works outings" to the country or the seaside, organised by businesses once a year. The name derives from the French ("carriage with benches"), the vehicle having originated in France in the early 19th century.