Ralli car
Gold & Son
Category
Carriages & other vehicles
Date
1895
Materials
Painted wood body with wool cloth upholstery and four iron shod wheels.
Measurements
167.5 x 235.5 x 166.5cm (5ft 6in x 7ft 8 3/4in x 5ft 5 1/2in)
Order this imageCollection
National Trust Carriage Museum
NT 272901.1
Caption
The Ralli Car was a popular carriage until the end of the 19th century, they reappeared during WW2 when petrol rationing came in. The Ralli Car is a variation of the Dog Cart; the main difference, as illustrated on this very attractive example, being that the body has solid curved upper panels instead of open seat rails. It was always owner driven. The name is a bit of a mystery possibly deriving from the family that first commissioned it, but there is no record of why they are called cars and not carts.
Summary
Ralli Car built by Gold and Son circa 1870. Ralli Car (four wheels) for a single or pair of horses. In good, original condition with a body sprung elliptic springs and two candle lamps. In black livery with red lining.
Full description
Ralli cars, a variation on the dog cart theme, were mostly built as two-wheelers, but a few four-wheeled examples were also built. They were popular from the end of the 19th century until the time when carriages stopped being built. The name is believed to be that of a Greek family who ordered the prototype, but there is no record of why they are called cars and not carts. Their defining characteristic is the upper panels that curve out over the wheels and form mud guards. This very attractive example was built by Gold & Son, 124 Long Acre, London, and Windsor in the 1890s. Loan in from the trustees of the Chevening Estate. The louvres on the body sides are false.
Provenance
Property of the late Lord Stanhope.
Marks and inscriptions
On underside of front nearside axle cap.: GOLD & SON WINDSOR WARRENTED FAGOTTED 1895 On underside of front offside axle cap.: GOLD & SON WINDSOR WARRENTED FAGOTTED 1895 On underside of rear nearside axle cap.: GOLD & SON WINDSOR WARRENTED FAGOTTED 1895 On underside of rear offside axle cap.: GOLD & SON WINDSOR WARRENTED FAGOTTED 1895 On front nearside internal wheel axle components.: 94 On front offside internal wheel axle components.: 94 On rear nearside internal wheel axle components.: 94 On rear offside internal wheel axle components.: 94 On nearside rear axle cap.: GOLD & SON WINDSOR & 124, LONG ACRE, LONDON On offside rear axle cap.: GOLD & SON WINDSOR & 124, LONG ACRE, LONDON
Makers and roles
Gold & Son, coach builder