Description
Here's a fun, entertaining and well-loved classic LTI Fairway London black cab.
Could it be the last one registered..?
At a glance:
- 1997 LTI Fairway
- Registered on 31. 12. 97 (so after the last one manufactured, registered on 25. 11. 97)
- Legendary 2. 7 Nissan engine and auto gearbox
- Only 2 owners, one from new in 1997 to 2005, and from 2005 to present
- MOT until 10th October 2020 with no advisories
- 422, 911 miles
- Perfect for film & TV use or iconic hire
- Or ripe for conversion for wedding, prom, catering or advertising use
- Massively fun to drive
- An increasingly rare icon
The Model:
The Austin FX4 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 rights and production continued until 1997. The FX4 was designed by Austin in collaboration with Mann & Overton, the London taxi dealership that commissioned it (and paid for half of its cost) and Carbodies, the coachbuilder that built the body and assembled the cab ready for sale. It would be the first London taxi to go into production that had four doors, since earlier London taxis had featured a luggage platform, open to the elements, on the pavement/ sidewalk side at the front of the cabin, beside the driver's compartment.
In 1982, Carbodies (who had been producing the FX4 for Austin and Mann & Overton) took over the cab's intellectual property rights when BL (Austin's parent company) lost interest in it; Carbodies thereafter produced it under their own name. In 1984 London Taxis International (LTI) was formed after Manganese Bronze Holdings bought the London taxi dealers Mann & Overton. In February 1989 the Fairway was introduced. It was fitted with a 2, 664 cc Nissan TD27 diesel engine. This made the FX4 a faster and more reliable cab. The Fairway was the best version of the FX4 ever built, and enabled LTI to sell to overseas markets, as well as move into provincial UK markets they had not been able to tackle. Much of this increase in sales was due to local authorities insisting on wheelchair accessible cabs being used in their areas.
The very final Fairway made, with registration mark R1 PFX (i. e. RIP FX), was built on 1 October 1997 and was presented to the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.
R1 PFX was first registered on 25th November 1997, but this particular cab was registered on 31st December 1997, perhaps making it the last registered Fairway ever registered..?
Transport for London, (TfL) who had taken over control of the Public Carriage Office ruled that by 2006 all taxis licensed in London should comply with Euro 3 exhaust emission regulations. The Fairway, and for that matter its replacement, the TX1, which used the same Nissan engine only complied with Euro 2, but most proprietors were reluctant to get rid of their very reliable and economical Fairways. In the face of pressure from the trade, TfL allowed different conversions systems to be developed that could be fitted to the Nissan engine to make it comply. Although some owners of older Fairways got rid of them, many owners opted to spend almost £2, 000 having their cabs converted, rather than buy a new or second-hand TXII, which was considered to be very unreliable.
Under the 15 year rule (shortly to change to 12) this cab would have been decommissioned in 2012, and due to being the last year of production, after 2012there would have been no classic cabs left in service in London.
The Fairway was replaced in late 1997 by the TX1, which was subsequently replaced in 2002 by the TXII. This in turn was replaced in 2007 by the TX4.
According to online sources there are only 338 Carbodies taxis currently taxed and in use on the UK roads. As this number dwindles, prices are expected to rise dramatically. I wonder how many of those are still in original specification?
These cabs were popular with celebrities too, with Stephen Fry, Kate Moss, Noel Edmonds, Stanley Kubrick and Sid James amongst a number of famous faces who drove them around the capital inconspicuously (and possibly in the bus lanes). Even Arnold Schwarzenegger has one.
The specification:
The black cabs were upgraded and improved over the years, and this one is no exception. This particular 'last of the line' cabs enjoyed a host of upgrades including wood door cappings, steering wheel and trim, electric windows, and all the added whistles and bells you'd expect from this iconic vehicle.
On the Road:
These classic cabs have immense charm and character, and a fabulous nostalgic feel to their iconic design both inside and out. The cab starts first turn of the key, and the 2700 cc diesel engine offers incredible durability and grunt. Whilst not being famed for ultimate performance, it starts, stops and does what it should, and may well do so for another 400, 000 miles. It's not like a Jaguar or Mercedes-Benz for refinement, but it's an entertaining drive, and they are hugely popular due to their iconic charm. It certainly turns heads.
Engine:
The Nissan TD27 is a 2. 7 L (2, 663 cc, 162. 5 cubic inch) straight four, water-cooled naturally aspirated diesel engine from Nissan TD family. The engine was manufactured from 1985 to 2001. The TD27 has a cast-iron cylinder block, a cast-iron cylinder head with OHV (overhead valves) design and two valves per cylinder. The camshaft is driven from the crankshaft by the timing gear. It has a 96. 0 mm (3. 78 in) cylinder bore and 92. 0 mm (3. 62 in) piston stroke. Compression ratio rating is 21. 8-22. 0:1.
They are famed for being the most reliable engines ever fitted in the black cabs and have a huge reputation for simple, robust engineering. No timing chains or belts to change or worry about, it's all direct gear driven. It's a no nonsense, old school power unit, and affectionately remembered for powering millions of passengers around the capital for decades.
MOT:
Sold with long MOT until 10th October 2020, with no advisories.
Mileage:
This particular cab has covered 422, 911 miles - so it's just run in then. They are known as being the most reliable engines ever fitted into a taxi, 500-600k miles is not uncommon and often considered 'average' mileage! So this one is below average...
Condition:
This Taxi has been well used and well loved in the past, and has obviously led a life. As you can probably see from the pictures, this cab is not in concours condition, as you would expect at this price point, and comes with a fair amount of 'patina' as all classic cars tend to do - but it is very respectable nonetheless. It’s always difficult to express in words the condition of any classic vehicle, and most people have differing opinions about condition, so the best way to get a true impression will be to view this lovely car in person. I’m confident that anybody with realistic expectations will be delighted to own and enjoy this wonderfully iconic classic cab.
Pricing:
When the original Routemaster buses came out of circulation in 2005 they were being sold off for £2, 000-£4, 000 each, and they now command £30, 000 to £60, 000 each. Quite a decent investment. I'm confident the original FX4 and Fairways will go the same way - they are both a London icon, and increasingly limited in supply. The general value range for these legendary cab in good condition with this specification is normally £5, 000 - £10, 000 with immaculate examples priced considerably higher. This cab is offered to sell swiftly at a very tempting £3950. This allows for headroom for some cosmetic improvements or conversion into an income generator, if required - or just enjoy it in its original condition.
Conclusion:
Many of these original cabs have been 're-purposed' such as being repainted in white for wedding hire, converted into catering and coffee bars, or for advertising and promotional vehicles. As a result, there are now very few original 'survivor' vehicles left. I think this one would be ideal for film or TV use, as they would look out of character in period film and TV if they were white, gleaming and fully restored, or have a barista in the back. I can't quite explain it, but I have a soft spot for this cab. Perhaps it appeals to the nostalgic part of my brain? Perhaps memories of falling in and out of cabs after entertaining evenings have stayed with me? This Fairway also appeals to my 'grown up' brain as it looks like outstanding value. These classic cabs seem to be increasingly popular and prices are rising as a result, which means they could be a wise investment. As with all classic Fairways, this is a hugely entertaining classic, a great talking point and capable of putting a smile on your face every journey!
Also, if this is the last, or one of the very last ones registered, as it was registered after the 'last' cab produced (R1 PFX) was registered, maybe it has some additional value for a collector or museum?
If you consider how many people have been in the back of this cab over the years, it makes you wonder how many rich, famous and celebrity fares must have sat in the back. If only the cab could talk...
Contact:
Please feel free to call or email me for further information. I’m more than happy to have a chat about this unique Mini and you are welcome and positively encouraged to come to view. I hope you will appreciate that this is an honest classic, honestly priced and honestly sold.
Please call me on the details below or email via the 'email the seller' link at the top of the page. Viewings by arrangement, at a time convenient to you, in our indoor showroom.
The car is located in Lymington on the south coast and southern edge of the New Forest approximately 30 minutes by road from Bournemouth and Southampton. ?If it helps, I am happy to collect you from Brockenhurst station which is only 90 minutes from London Waterloo on the mainline from London to Weymouth and Poole, with direct trains also calling at Brockenhurst from Manchester, Birmingham, Oxford, Reading etc. Or we are two minutes walk from Lymington town station
