Why are towing caravans called Swift or Rapide when they obviously aren’t?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific concepts
  
  

Caravanning in north Wales
Slow-moving vehicle ahead ... Photograph: Phil Wills/Alamy Photograph: Phil Wills / Alamy/Alamy

Why are towing caravans called things like Swift or Rapide when they are anything but? Is it to add further irritation for the motorists stuck behind them for many miles of winding country lanes?

Pamela Leemeijer, Northleach, Glos

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