"The FX4 is a taxicab that was produced from 1958 until 1997. It was sold by Austin from 1958 until 1982, when Carbodies, who had been producing the FX4 for Austin, took over the intellectual rights to the car. They continued production until 1984 when London Taxis International took over the rights to the FX4 and they produced it until 1997. In all, more than 75,000 FX4s were manufactured. The first model of FX4 was fitted with a 2178cc Austin diesel engine and a Borg-Warner automatic transmission. In 1961, the manual transmission from the Austin Gipsy was available as an option. From 1962, the Austin 2199cc petrol engine was available. However, almost all FX4 taxis were fitted with a diesel engine and, until the mid-1970s most had a manual transmission. In 1969, the cab was altered to amend some shortcomings of the original. The original Austins were provided with small rear stop and taillights and roof-mounted indicators, commonly known as ‘bunny ears’. On the revised model, the rear wings were modified to accept the taillights and turn indicators from the Mk. II 1100/1300’s. Front indicators were also provided below the headlights and repeater indicators fitted to the front wings. The ‘bunny ears’ were abandoned. The interior was also changed, with black vinyl seats and an altered partition to give the driver more legroom. In 1971, the 2178cc diesel engine was replaced by a larger 2520cc version. This engine proved to be better for use with an automatic transmission and gradually fewer cabs with manual gearboxes were sold.
Originally registered on 16th October 1980 and retired from service in the late nineties, this FX4 was previously owned by the late Alan Withey. Alan was very well known in the taxi world as he was the President of the LVTA (London Vintage Taxi Association) and amassed a collection of vintage taxis. This vehicle would have been well cared for throughout its working life as the Public Carriage Office (PCO) put each taxi through a vigorous annual inspection. This cab is nearly forty years old and is probably the most well known example of a London taxi. We are advised she runs well with a strong engine which is mated to an automatic gearbox. Still fitted with a meter, the interior is in good shape as is the headlining. Supplied with a V5C registration document and a current MoT test certificate valid until 5th June 2019, the vendor will include a number of spares for this taxi; offered for sale without reserve.
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