Classic London Taxi - Last Chance
It looks like this could be the last year that anyone gets to ride in the "traditional" London taxi, the FX4.
http://www.aronline.co.uk/images/fx4_01.jpg Production stopped about 15 years ago and because of a new rule, any taxi over 15 years old will have to be retired - as a taxi - when it reaches that age. Now as an "ecomodder" this seems to me to be a stupid rule - there are quite a few out there giving reliable service, many with millions of miles on them. The numbers of them aren't enough to make a serious impact on air quality so why should they be retired ? Seems like such a waste. A few people have seen sense and adopted them as personal transport. (clickable pics) http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__sp0985RmZ...eb2d9256_o.jpg http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-86gTrOwTky...as/s640/01.jpg The new one is the TX4, which Stephen Fry took round the USA a few years ago - it has a Nissan diesel engine. http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/...8_1132073a.jpg |
I have a feeling it would get higher mpg and be more reliable than a Checker Marathon. But will it seat nine friendly people?
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...rbe_%2710).jpg |
...how long ago did Checker cease production?
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1981 or so.
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Pop has a picture from the Stars and Stripes of a London Cab, full of soldiers, driving up on the beach at Normandy during the D-Day landings.
It's a cartoon ;). regards Mech |
There goes another glorious part of London history, along with red phone booths. I was greatly impressed with the classic London cab's roominess and utility. IIRC, they could seat 7. The driver, 3 forward facing rear seat passengers, 1 front seat passenger, and 2 rear-facing jump seat passengers.
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The FX4 is a good looking car... not necessarily 'sexy', but it has a solidly built look, with pleasant curves so it doesn't look too utilitarian... Well designed and quite unique... very unfortunate that they are forcing them out of service.
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Development story of the FX4 is here for thos interested.
The older FX4's are rare now, but like anything gradually disappearing I hadn't noticed just how rare they had become. |
Such a shame to see that go :(
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I like these classic London taxis. Their style is better than the average minivans, and their maneuverability is also great.
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