Early 20th-century picture of a Ralli car, showing the vehicle's characteristic outward-curving sides

A Ralli car (or Rally cart) is a traditional type of horse-drawn cart, named after the Ralli family.[1] The vehicle was commonly used as a general run-around for families.

The design developed towards the end of the 19th century and was derived from the dog cart, which has the same seating layout. The Ralli though is a less 'sporting' version, with slightly smaller wheels than a typical dog cart and the bodywork has distinctive flared sides, curved over to form a mud guard. It has back-to-back seating, facing forwards and back, with space under the seats for luggage or shopping.

References

  1. ^ Oxford English Dictionary: "the name of a certain Mr. Ralli, ‘Greek merchant’, the first purchaser of the vehicle, probably Stephen Augustus Ralli(1829–1902), heir to the merchant house Ralli Brothers, originally established by his Greek uncle"
Categories