Horse Drawn Classics

While on our travels to bring you the best in classic cars we occasionally come across the unusual, and today was such a day. We were in the North East of England walking the Yorkshire dales when we noticed that the BBC was holding their Antiques Roadshow program at the nearby Bolton Abbey. As we are amateur antique buffs and admire this show, we decided to spend the morning browsing ceramics and furniture, and listening to the evaluation of these treasures by the “Beebs” experts.

We were not the only ones as when we got there we found over a thousand locals already getting the good or bad news about their historied treasures. Undeterred we slipped into the field and under the open and brightening skies we saw the most incredible vehicle. The Richard Gill restored Spindle Backed Skeleton Gig! This could be a one or two horse power set up, but we were transfixed by the beautiful restoration of this 1883 horse drawn carriage. Richard is a carriage builder and restorer of great repute in the UK and we were fortunate to meet him and discuss the carriage restoration.

The carriage had been acquired by Gill in a derelict but original state in 1976. The derelict but original vehicle translates in our world to a “barn find”. Over the next 20 years Richard and his daughter transformed the wood, leather and iron structure into a beautiful Gig to suit a single or tandem pair of 14 hand horses, with a fine show finish of black to the body with maroon unders and bright red pin striping (all done by hand!) black leather upholstery, a patent leather dash and splash boards. The carriage is incredibly light, looking like an original space frame, and has a turning circle of under 20 feet on its 50 inch, sixteen spoke warner wheels.

Apparently this carriage is not a one off as Richard also built a ¾ size replica which now resides in South Carolina. It was a pleasure to meet such a talented craftsman and be able to admire the result of his 20 year labor of love.

Photo © Michele Hamer