Ralston 1961 Tigre MkIII < E I G H T > Convertible
Following the modest success of the post-WWII Ralston Tigre MkII, the Ralston company looked to a more ambitious and glamorous execution with the Tigre MkIII, released in 1961.
The basis for the new car, again came from the General Motors' premium division - Cadillac - for the architectural hardware.
The Frame & Underbody was developed from the 1959/60 GM 'C' Bodies - a short-lived production run for GM, hence the availability to the Ralston Company. Wheelbase was set at 130 in (3,302 mm) for the standard sedan, and all the specialty 2-door cars. The long-wheelbase Limousine, Town Car and Specialty models sharing the GM 'D' Body 150 in (3,805 mm) with the Cadillac Series 75 / Fleetwood.
Powertrain was also Cadillac derived, incluing the 390 CID (6.4 Litre) V8 engine. Power was rated the same 345 bhp (257 kW). Cadillac was to retire this engine, with the development of a new engine of the same capacity for 1961.
One notable characteristic of all Ralston Tigre MkIII models are the reverse-opening doors. On all two-door cars, the doors operated on special hinges to move backwards along the body, offering easier ingress and egress for all passengers. For the four-door models, the front doors were conventionally hinged, per the originating GM 'C' and 'D' body vehicles, whilst the rear doors adopted the special hinged mechanism to allow rear passengers easier access. The adoption of GM's body-on-frame chassis permitted the omission of a conventional B-pillar on the four-door cars. A rarity at the time, but shared with the contemporary Lincoln saloons.
The real party trick appeared in 1964, with the introduction of the MkIII B. This model, though visually little changed from the MkIII of 1961, incorporated the first (and only) reintroduction of the V12 engine to the US-based motor industry.
Once more, the engine was based on that of a Cadillac.
www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/04/the-ohc-v12-that-cadill...
This opened the possibility of offering the V12 to another luxury vehicle manufacturer who did not have the funding to develop such an engine on their own.
Ralston, wishing to also continue the production of the V8 models launched in 1961, renamed the V8 as the EIGHT, though all MkIII V8 models are now referred to in this way, and offered the V12 engined as a premium model above this. In truth, the engine was the only key difference, as there were very few restriction on the use of either engine in combination with the low-volume bodystyles on offer.
Also, as the replacement long-wheelbase MkIIIs would not be ready until 1962, the MkII-D long-wheelbase models ran concurrently for approximately 18 months (July 1960 - February 1962). The original MkIII production commencing on the short wheelbase in July 1961 and extending through to July 1964.
Notable styling features for all MkIIIs are the double stacked headlamps (supplemented by the */5th/* headlamp in the middle of the grille on the original MkIIIs). At the rear the tail lamps formed part of a 'rocket pod' assembly, also featuring the trademark Ralston 'X'. On the original MkIIIs this was supplemented by an additional '+' rocket form in the deep bumper treatment which extended all the way up to the trunklid.
Subtle fins graced the tops of the rear fender forms - a styling feature it appeared on the way out for most brands - but seemingly retained for premium brands - Cadillac - Lincoln - Imperial. The fin feature was also framed in chrome, offering the possibility for those customers who wished to choose a second additional colour for the exterior paintwork.
This pale yellow MkIII Convertible was one of the more commonly ordered MkIII models. and is typical of the series.
This Lego miniland-scale Ralston Tigre MkIII Convertible (1961) has been created for Flickr LUGNuts' 95th Build Challenge, - "Designing the Ralston Legacy", - for the design of vehicles under the fictional 'Ralston' company. The models must include a 'X' design feature on the car or bike. A number of Ralston challenge vehicle concepts are possible in this challenge.
Ralston 1961 Tigre MkIII < E I G H T > Convertible
Following the modest success of the post-WWII Ralston Tigre MkII, the Ralston company looked to a more ambitious and glamorous execution with the Tigre MkIII, released in 1961.
The basis for the new car, again came from the General Motors' premium division - Cadillac - for the architectural hardware.
The Frame & Underbody was developed from the 1959/60 GM 'C' Bodies - a short-lived production run for GM, hence the availability to the Ralston Company. Wheelbase was set at 130 in (3,302 mm) for the standard sedan, and all the specialty 2-door cars. The long-wheelbase Limousine, Town Car and Specialty models sharing the GM 'D' Body 150 in (3,805 mm) with the Cadillac Series 75 / Fleetwood.
Powertrain was also Cadillac derived, incluing the 390 CID (6.4 Litre) V8 engine. Power was rated the same 345 bhp (257 kW). Cadillac was to retire this engine, with the development of a new engine of the same capacity for 1961.
One notable characteristic of all Ralston Tigre MkIII models are the reverse-opening doors. On all two-door cars, the doors operated on special hinges to move backwards along the body, offering easier ingress and egress for all passengers. For the four-door models, the front doors were conventionally hinged, per the originating GM 'C' and 'D' body vehicles, whilst the rear doors adopted the special hinged mechanism to allow rear passengers easier access. The adoption of GM's body-on-frame chassis permitted the omission of a conventional B-pillar on the four-door cars. A rarity at the time, but shared with the contemporary Lincoln saloons.
The real party trick appeared in 1964, with the introduction of the MkIII B. This model, though visually little changed from the MkIII of 1961, incorporated the first (and only) reintroduction of the V12 engine to the US-based motor industry.
Once more, the engine was based on that of a Cadillac.
www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/04/the-ohc-v12-that-cadill...
This opened the possibility of offering the V12 to another luxury vehicle manufacturer who did not have the funding to develop such an engine on their own.
Ralston, wishing to also continue the production of the V8 models launched in 1961, renamed the V8 as the EIGHT, though all MkIII V8 models are now referred to in this way, and offered the V12 engined as a premium model above this. In truth, the engine was the only key difference, as there were very few restriction on the use of either engine in combination with the low-volume bodystyles on offer.
Also, as the replacement long-wheelbase MkIIIs would not be ready until 1962, the MkII-D long-wheelbase models ran concurrently for approximately 18 months (July 1960 - February 1962). The original MkIII production commencing on the short wheelbase in July 1961 and extending through to July 1964.
Notable styling features for all MkIIIs are the double stacked headlamps (supplemented by the */5th/* headlamp in the middle of the grille on the original MkIIIs). At the rear the tail lamps formed part of a 'rocket pod' assembly, also featuring the trademark Ralston 'X'. On the original MkIIIs this was supplemented by an additional '+' rocket form in the deep bumper treatment which extended all the way up to the trunklid.
Subtle fins graced the tops of the rear fender forms - a styling feature it appeared on the way out for most brands - but seemingly retained for premium brands - Cadillac - Lincoln - Imperial. The fin feature was also framed in chrome, offering the possibility for those customers who wished to choose a second additional colour for the exterior paintwork.
This pale yellow MkIII Convertible was one of the more commonly ordered MkIII models. and is typical of the series.
This Lego miniland-scale Ralston Tigre MkIII Convertible (1961) has been created for Flickr LUGNuts' 95th Build Challenge, - "Designing the Ralston Legacy", - for the design of vehicles under the fictional 'Ralston' company. The models must include a 'X' design feature on the car or bike. A number of Ralston challenge vehicle concepts are possible in this challenge.