When I was a kid, a London taxi was one of the more instantly recognizable classic vehicles. Similar to the double decker bus, you instinctively knew when you were looking at the genuine article courtesy of its black paint job and suicide-style doors. For as long as I can remember, they were considered one of the coolest vehicles you could own if you were a British car fanatic, which is why it’s so surprising to see one listed here on eBay as a discarded project. Does anyone in California recognize this vehicle from a long-suffering British car fanatic’s driveway?
Since these were strictly used as taxis overseas, someone went through the trouble of importing this genuine article and then either attempted to start a restoration or perhaps bought it in this sort of condition. Like taxis used stateside, these vehicles were put through their paces and rarely used with care and caution; instead, they were like our version of the Ford Crown Victoria or Chevy Impala, built to be used, bruised, and abused. Austin produced around 75,000 FX4s, so it’s not exactly rare in its home country.
The interior of this former British taxi appears surprisingly complete, which does make me wonder if the roughshod paint job is the result of someone beginning to strip it down for a respray. The cabins were spacious, with a rear bench that could accommodate three passengers and two fold-down jump seats stored against the center bulkhead and still accounted for here. The driver had no real privacy up front and a conventional manual transmission. The selling dealer notes that, per most of its donated projects, it doesn’t run and they have no means of testing it.
But with a durable 2178cc Austin diesel engine, it will likely run again – right? Of course, with such a long production run, the engine could be one of a few different variants, but a ’66 model should make around 55 horsepower. If you poke through the gallery of the interior photos, you’ll see the Taximeter is still in place, which apparently is what gave taxis their name in the first place! So, lots of original details still here despite looking very forlorn at the moment. Hopefully, a sympathetic British car enthusiast gives this Austin taxi another shot at living. Bidding sits at just $250 with no reserve.
“Ello, mate, where are ya’ scarpin’? Here’s your chance to be a Musher, with your own Flounder & Dab, during the Kipper season, if any, sorry if my Cockney isn’t up to snuff, I think they are very entertaining. These, I felt, were the “Checker” of Britain, and probably equally as durable. Not sure “Taxi Driver” would have the same zing with an Austin. Funny, that heater is right out of my MGB, and who knows what else, so bundle up. Again, 55hp isn’t much in a 1600kg( 3527lbs) vehicle, not including big mama, but what’s the busy old bubble, chop chop, eh? ( how did I do, Solo?)
Worked for a company that tried to redesign these for the US market, having fallen in love with the concept in London.
Used a Panther drivetrain on an enlarged platform.
After 2,500 or so units, company shut down. Oh, well. Was a fun run for a bit.