Beschreibung
H and H Classics Auction on 14th Jun, 2023 13:00
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
1993 Asquith London Taxi
The original demonstrator vehicle
Estimate
£12, 000 - £15, 000
Buyer's Premium applies (subject to a minimum charge and VAT)
Lot details
Registration No: L30 TAX
Chassis No: SA9TS1H93GB033028
MOT: May 2024
One of 12 Asquith Taxis manufactured and the Asquith Demonstrator vehicle
Features air suspension, illuminated signs, fare meter and more
34, 771 miles on the odometer and 2 former keepers
In the early 1980s, Crispin Reed & Bruce West were making reproduction desks and leather sofas. They restored a vintage 1928 “Austin 12” van to use for local deliveries and became aware that it was great for publicity but it did not prove very reliable. They stripped a Ford Transit and fitted a unique body shape, which was sign inspired by the 1929 Talbot and Model A Ford vans. The Asquith was born and this unique and reliable vehicle was perfect for their deliveries and achieved so much interest that they decided to develop the idea. The craftsmen who had previously been making reproduction furniture turned their skills to create bespoke driving seats and stylish wooden windows.
During the next 15 years, 'Asquith Motor Carriage Company Ltd' operated from a 25, 000 sq. ft. factory on an industrial park at Great Yeldham, Essex, employing 30 craftsmen and producing around 100 vehicles per annum. The company dedicated itself to producing hand-built replicas that captured the allure of vintage vehicles while incorporating modern functionality and these were sold across the UK and exported all over the world, mostly to Germany and Japan.
In 1991, the company announced the development of a standout creation: a 1930s-style taxi cab meticulously designed to meet the exacting standards set by the London Public Carriage Office. Allegedly only 12 ever made, these were deployed as bona fide taxis, ensuring passengers could enjoy both the nostalgic aesthetics and the reliable transportation they offered. With over 1, 000 vehicles crafted in total, Asquith Motors gained international recognition as a premier coachbuilder of these early ‘restomods’.
Presented in its original blue paintwork with black roof, wings and accents, this fabulous Asquith is the original demonstrator vehicle built and owned by Asquith themselves. With recently refreshed air suspension and disabled access, ‘L30 TAX’ also features a sunroof, illuminating signs complete with fare meter, a Kenwood stereo system with CD Multi-changer, sliding privacy window and more. Now showing 34, 771 miles on the odometer, the vehicle is accompanied with the Asquith booklet, an MOT valid until 09 May 2024 with no advisories, as well as the V5C document which displays only 2 former keepers.
