London Taxi: How Much Do You Know About It?
Everyone recognize it because it has populated English roads for many decades, especially those of big cities, undergoing a few aesthetic changes that have made it popular all over the world and even for those who have not visited London, it’s sure they might have seen it in thousands of movies. Few, however, really know what the real name of this car is, usually known simply as: “London cab”. The model of the article is from 1996, even if its line is exactly the same as the previous Austin FX4 (in the 50s it was produced by the British Motor Corporation, then from 1968 until 1982 by British Leyland, a few differences apart from the bumpers that previously were rounded and chromed, as well as the door handles, the wheels studs and little else. Coming back to this model called Carbodies Taxi FX4 Fairway, features a 2.664cc Nissan nautrally aspirated diesel engine (before 1989 the engine was a Land Rover) and produced precisely by the Carbodies company between 1985 and 1996. It will pass the torch to the TX1 model, also modernized in aesthetics, but always maintaining a close resemblance.
First it must be said that it is obviously difficult to find one left-hand drive, even if not impossible, but since it is equipped with automatic transmission, driving it does not create any problem here. The cupboard doors open at 180°, there are also footboards to easily bring a wheelchair in, the rear seats offer a large sofa with two folding seats to be used in case of 5 passengers. To the left of the driver, normally, there is no seat, in fact the space is dedicated to some small luggage and a there’s also a long handle with a chain that allows the driver to be able to close the door easily. It should however be said that the possibility of mounting a folding seat such as the rear ones is possible as an optional. Between the driver and the passengers compartment there is a total partition that has an opening sliding door in the central part. The car is equipped with power steering and just the turning radius is one of the best qualities of this Taxi, which is able to turn around in a very small space. The maneuverability is excellent, just like the drive is flawless. Certainly it’s not a fast car, appears very slow and if you have to face a mountain road … well, it takes time and patience, but after all it was born for a city use.
Returning at the wheel, you have all the necessary tools, near the lever of the automatic transmission there is the overdrive button, in the center a large and deep glove box under the armrest, electric windows at the rear, sunroof in the driver’s compartment and the seat has a really complete adjustment that allows you to find the ideal position. Aesthetically it presents itself with its unmistakable line, roof covered in vinyl, with the “periscope” for the Taxi sign that lights up. The large convex front bonnet with its high front grille makes it look much older than it actually is, but it is a classic; the typically British rear lights, the white plate in the middle of the trunk is used to report the license number of the taxi itself, the boot handle opens like “old Minis”. There are also chrome-plated and rubber-covered bumpers, plus the corner pieces, the wheels are adorned with large chrome-plated studs that camouflage the narrow roadway. The robust engine allows out of the ordinary mileage and as mentioned you do not have to worry, it can happen to use the FX4 also as a van, since its load capacity is extremely generous. Of course traveling with a car so out of its natural habitat will make heads spin on the road, a bit ‘as if you were cruising on a Lamborghini, but you will meet only smiles and not envy as it happens with modern supercars, and this is after all another unique feature of this extraordinary vehicle.
Words and photos by Roberto Marrone