“Where to ma’am?” Imagine buying this British 1957 Austin taxicab and using it in Uber or Lyft service – that would get you some looks, and probably appreciation from unsuspecting passengers too. While more primitive than the current generation of London cabs, the external traits are undeniable. This cab is far away from its U.K. origins and is now located in Vista, California. It’s available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $19,500 (£14,430). There is a make an offer option too.
The listing indicates that this Austin cab is based on a modified Austin Twelve Four chassis a model offered between 1921 and 1939. The body, however, was produced by cab designer and supplier Mann and Overton. The design, which has seen regulatory changes over the years, is not that far removed from the body that is still in use today.
The seller states, “Was Garaged most of its last 20 years but recently forced to be outside. (luggage was stolen from vehicle)“. Whose luggage got nicked? OK, maybe I really don’t want to know. Anyway, hopefully, its outdoor time has been limited – as of picture-taking time, this Austin still presents very well. It is claimed to have undergone a 90% restoration in 2007-2008 and its appearance has maintained a stiff upper lip. It is mentioned that there are some minor dings and dents but they are not pictorially obvious.
Little is said about the engine other than it is an in-line, four-cylinder unit but I have not been able to cross the supplied engine number (IB233958M) with any kind of index so I cannot tell you what it is. The letter “B” in the engine number may mean a BMC “B Series” engine and the concluding “M” may indicate a manual transmission. I’d phone a friend if I knew one who knew one who knew anything about BMC engines, but I don’t so I’ll ask our readership for input on this front. Anyway, the seller adds, “Runs and drives but as of 12/24/21 needs new water pump installed” and the water pump is on its way from across the pond. As is typical, a manual gearbox is in place behind the unidentified engine.
This cab is basically a five-seater, including the driver. There are jump seats in the rear positioned so that all four passengers face each other. The open compartment to the left of the driver is for luggage and that would certainly today, here at least, allow for one’s luggage to get nicked. I haven’t ridden in a London cab for a few years now but as I recall from my last sojourn, it was a tight fit for four (with luggage but none of it got boosted). The instrument panel is a bit aged looking but the seats, door cards, upholstery panels, carpet, and headliner look fine though the environment could stand a little vacuum cleaner action and a general cleaning.
Well, this is certainly a unique vehicle to be seen roaming SoCal’s highways and byways but if you lean towards the unusual, your cab has just arrived, wouldn’t you agree?
Yup, B-series. No idea why it’s “F” registered, because that’s 1988.
Not a B series, larger, similar but different, rather like the 1940-50’s Austin A40 Deven 1400cc engines, look just like a B series apart from the central oil cap on the rocker cover but they are 1″ shorter!,
Number plate is coming up as a yellow fiat 126?..
Wouldn’t be difficult to keep this rig going as parts are available for the engine and transmission through the MGB parts suppliers. Don’t know about the rear end but that’s a lot easier than engines and transmissions. Good example is the Morris Minor as the engine, transmission, and rear center section make great AH Sprite replacement parts. Wife wants one as a grocery cart.
I’d buy one if I could use it to transport people and things wherever they need to go. One of my biggest concerns would be how well it handles wheelchair users. I know some people who uses an electronic wheelchair to get around.
I can see it now…. “roaming SoCals highways”. Most likely the the slow or breakdown lane given its inability to exceed 50 mph without its passengers leaping out at the first off ramp for their sanity, given the noise generated by the straight cut gear transmissions, low geared differentials, and over revving engine. These are urban dwellers underpowered to achieve maximum kpg. Cute as heck…. but don’t hire one to get to the airport on time… Very fun to look at though…
FYI it’s an FX3 model,which was also offered as a diesel.
I used to work on a Beardmore, which was similar. The customer ended up with it because he raised his hand ad the wrong time during an auction. I worked on the car for two or three different owners, but have no idea where the car ended up.
Something different.. But I’ll pass.
I had a 1930 Austin Heavy Twelve Phaeton which had a +- 1660cc or 1780cc side valve engine and four speed “crash” non synchromesh gearbox. London taxi drivers used to call it the “unconqureable” gearbox becuse once you thought you had it licked, it would crash through the next ten or more gear changes, no matter what you did, just to show you who was boss! Fifty miles per hour, down hill, wind behind, was as fast as it would ever go, however, it epitomised what “vintage” motoring was all about and I loved it, until somebody offered me a 1960 Austin Healey 3000 in full exchange for it, then I didn’t love it so much!
For a vehicle like this, I’d upgrade to a small turbo diesel engine and hopefully a compatible manual gearbox or a compatible automatic gearbox.
I have ridden in many taxis in many cities on many continents and have NEVER experienced a more comfortable taxi ride in city traffic. You don´t enter this car, you literally walk into it! Thanx for the memories, fun times back in the day with my lady.
While I was visiting England, I got to ride in some Austin taxis. I found them more comfortable than anything I’ve ever ridden or driven.
As for using this as an Uber or Lyft vehicle, I believe both companies have an age limit to vehicles used, and I’m certain this car exceeds whatever the date is!
I believe that all UK taxi’s have to be retired once they have passed 400,000 miles.
London taxi’s were / are retired at 15 years old, tested every six months, BUT when working exempt from LEZ and ULEZ charging, why? because the London Mayor is frightened of them!
Frightened of them? Why?