More Than A Taxi: 1966 Checker Marathon Wagon

When you think of Checker, you probably picture one of those old taxis, but the company built more than just cabs. Checkers also served as hotel shuttles and airport transportation, though station wagons like this 1966 Marathon were a much less common sight. With its long body and extra room for passengers and luggage, it’s an interesting example of Checker’s less familiar side. This one is listed here on Craigslist in Tulsa for $17,000, and the seller describes it as fully loaded, with an upgraded V8, air conditioning, and tinted windows.

The cream-colored wagon has the familiar Checker face, complete with a wide grille and quad headlights. The photos show the V8 under the hood, along with bench seating and a roomy interior. The seller says the wagon was stored under a tarp and has minimal rust, though the photos show weathering and roof rust. It looks like an interesting project for someone who appreciates these distinctive old workhorses.

One thing that may make a Checker less intimidating to own is its connection to General Motors. Starting in 1965, Checker used Chevrolet engines, including inline-sixes and small-block V8s, and later models also used GM automatic transmissions. That gives owners familiar sources for many routine engine and transmission parts, rather than requiring everything to be Checker-specific. The Marathon’s basic design also remained virtually unchanged throughout its 21-year production run, apart from mechanical updates and changes required by safety and emissions regulations. Some parts even crossed over beyond GM: the Marathon’s front suspension A-arms are noted as interchangeable with those from a 1956 Ford. Buyers should still verify compatibility before ordering a specific part. In 1966, front and rear lap belts were standard equipment. The final Marathon rolled off the line in 1982, when Checker ended automobile manufacturing.

The seller says the odometer is broken, so the 4,500 miles shown in the listing can’t be verified. The title is missing, too, so anyone interested should have a plan for dealing with that issue before committing to the $17,000 asking price. What do you think of this Checker wagon? Would you take on a project like this? Let us know in the comments. And thanks to Zappenduster for sending us this tip!