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dclf1947
Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 107
Location: Laoag City, Philippines
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 Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 1:20 pm Post subject: Riley "Woody" |
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This is one of a fleet of Dowty service cars in the early 1950s. I think it is based on a Riley RMD? The "woody" body seems unique with the curved back. Any ideas who could have made the body?
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Peter_L
Joined: 10 Apr 2008
Posts: 2680
Location: New Brunswick. Canada.
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emmerson
Joined: 30 Sep 2008
Posts: 1268
Location: South East Wales
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| Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 7:27 pm Post subject: |
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Has anyone else noticed this trend for sloping backs on modern estate cars?
We recently had to change our old Volvo 850, and looked at a very, very nice Rover 75 estate, but dismissed it because the tailgate opening was too low. (floor to roof) We checked a few others, found they all had similar problems, and bought a Berlingo. We can ride the mobility scooter in now!
Sorry, totally off topic, but that Riley is a hatchback, not an estate car! |
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Penman
Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4880
Location: Swindon, Wilts.
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| Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2015 11:12 pm Post subject: |
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Hi
I don't know about anyone else but I only use Estate Car to describe a vehicle with a split tail gate, half going down and half going up, though at a pinch sideways opening doors, single or double, could count as well.
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Bristols should always come in pairs.
Any 2 from:-
Straight 6
V8 V10 |
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falconriley
Joined: 06 Mar 2013
Posts: 15
Location: Brisbane, Australia
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| Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 7:09 am Post subject: |
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It is an early RMA. 1946-1948 judging by the bonnet release catches on the side.
Matthew |
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Rick
Site Admin
Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22807
Location: UK
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Riley Blue
Joined: 18 Jun 2008
Posts: 1751
Location: Derbyshire
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| Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 11:24 am Post subject: |
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It has the rear roof line of the Bonallack shooting brake though other detail is different - the Bonallack has a one-piece front screen and a vinyl roof.
Where's our resident RM expert when you need him - calling Uncle Alec...!!
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David
1963 Riley 1.5
1965 Riley 1.5 |
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Uncle Alec
Joined: 14 Jan 2008
Posts: 734
Location: Manchester
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| Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2015 12:12 pm Post subject: |
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New one on me David, though it does strongly resemble the Bonallack line. I will ask the chap who goes to our local noggin 'n natter - he used to work at Bonallack.
I am featuring in a future magazine issue (as may you well be doing!) so if any feedback received I will report back. |
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PAUL BEAUMONT
Joined: 27 Nov 2007
Posts: 1281
Location: Barnsley S. Yorks
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| Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2015 2:20 pm Post subject: |
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Sorry for my ignorance but surely the RMD/RME cars were coach built on an ash frame? so why go to such horrible lengths to create this motor? it is hardly a woodie, more a shed on wheels! 
Paul |
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Peter_L
Joined: 10 Apr 2008
Posts: 2680
Location: New Brunswick. Canada.
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| Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2015 6:29 pm Post subject: |
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Post war, steel was in very short supply. Wood construction enabled manufacturers to meet some of the demand for new vehicles.
The curved roof line gave the structure more strength than having a 90 deg transition. |
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Uncle Alec
Joined: 14 Jan 2008
Posts: 734
Location: Manchester
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| Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2015 3:25 pm Post subject: |
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| PAUL BEAUMONT wrote: | Sorry for my ignorance but surely the RMD/RME cars were coach built on an ash frame? so why go to such horrible lengths to create this motor? it is hardly a woodie, more a shed on wheels!
Paul |
You will find that it is almost certainly a wood frame body Paul, albeit covered in white or pale paint.
The RMA - RMF series were not strictly coachbuilt. They were an ungodly combination of wood frame and pressed steel panels sprung into shape then nailed/leaded on; the worst of both worlds, to quote an oft-used phrase.
The Roadster, or as is now known the RMC, was I suppose coachbuilt inasmuch as the body tubs were not pressed but made individually. With a total production now suspected of being around 470, suitable press tooling would not have been viable. Had they taken off then maybe tooling would have been made, but they didn't so it wasn't. |
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Riley Blue
Joined: 18 Jun 2008
Posts: 1751
Location: Derbyshire
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| Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2015 11:34 am Post subject: |
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I'm told that four of these were built for Dowty by Carlton Coachworks of Cheltenham. One of our members in the area is in touch with 'old man Carlton' (who must be very elderly by now) to find out more about the cars.
_________________
David
1963 Riley 1.5
1965 Riley 1.5 |
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