Beschreibung
WELL, well. Here's one of the coolest classics to roll out of Martin Howey's cavern of the ancient, cool and quirky!
"Where to Guv?" Yes, it's the world famous Austin FX3 London taxi built between 1948 and 1958 and the model we have all seen hundreds of times in those old black and white British films. This rare old character cab is a 1955 model fitted with the BMC 2. 2 diesel as most were. Condition-wise, she really has to be seen to be believed. I can wax lyrical about her here but that still won't do this terrific taxi sufficient justice. Her panels and paintwork are of the very highest order, as is the re-trimmed interior. Her underside is in keeping with the rest of the vehicle and is in the most impressive condition. This taxi has the look of a vehicle that is perhaps only a year or two old and not 68 as this proud old girl is. Her condition warrants being in a heated showroom or perhaps a museum. That said, what a superb opportunity to acquire such an unusual vehicle for wedding/ promotional/ proms work. Something nice and gentle befitting this old lady.
Complete with the For Hire meter and other such goodies like cabbie's badges, fare tariff in the rear compartment, chauffeur's cap (although I think a flat cap is more suitable here!), A to Z of London costing 2s 6d etc etc. Of course back in the day, London taxi drivers did not need such aids as they all had to train for five years (is that right? I seem to remember it was five) in order to gain "The Knowledge." There's even a working Sat Nav fitted to bring the old girl up to date and just in case you can't find your way home.
What an opportunity. Not just to own a world famous FX3 but to own what surely must be one of the best out there. Last owner kept her for nine years and prior to that she was in Holland where her engine was totally rebuilt in 2001.
Don't miss this one. It's a total gem. "Thank you very much Guv!"
This description is based on my opinion of the vehicle, the paperwork that comes with the car and anything I have been told about it. The vehicle is 68-years-old and this cannot be taken as a definitive statement for obvious reasons. As with most classic cars, there may be faults and quirks whilst, almost inevitably, some degree of tinkering and care will always be called for. Such are the joys of owning an antique vehicle and they must be taken within their own context and not compared to modern day cars. They are sold as old, mainly out-dated machines and come without any comeback whatsoever. They are my terms and conditions.
My classic cars are motoring antiques. This car, for example, is 68-years-old. It's not two, five or even ten-years-old as your own everyday car may be. It has been in service for more than half a century and so will have quirks and faults in there somewhere. However, faults on these old girls are not always apparent when buying and selling classics which is what I do. I do not restore them, nor do I pretend that they are concours cars. The majority of them go out as they came in, and I continue to enjoy finding more - a skill which is becoming increasingly difficult as many of you will be aware. They deserve to be taken on as "family pets" and cared for through thick and then. They don't make them any more and demand now out-strips supply. Please bear all this in mind, and enjoy your classic car. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote.
I have now been established as a one-man band classic car dealer for 25 years and pride myself on my buying prowess and - due to small margins - my prices which I firmly believe are up there among the very best in the UK classic car marketplace.
Thanks, Martin. the details below.
