・One of only two ever built for marketing purposes around Millennium celebrations in London

・Exceptionally low mileage for a TX1 at 36,836

・Unusual dual fuel application running on petrol or LPG 

The LTI TX1 was first introduced in 1997 to replace the aging Austin FX4. It was designed by British product designer, Kenneth Grange, to specifically retain styling cues from its icon predecessor. This family resemblance was deemed so crucial that the design was submitted to a panel of London cab drivers before being signed off.

This particular TX1 is one of a pair commissioned by the City of London Corporation to aid marketing activities that surrounded the widespread Millennium celebrations in London in 1999 and 2000 (including the opening of the Millennium Dome – now the O2 Arena). The photograph package shows the then Lord Mayor, Clive Martin, during the centuries old “cart marking” ceremony for one of these two special taxis.

A current V5 document is present in the name of the current owner. The car will be sold with a new MOT in place.

Whilst the very clean red paintwork is eye-catching enough, the interior is somewhat of a revelation for those familiar with the standard London taxis of the time. The whole vehicle benefits from deep pile crimson carpets, walnut style door cappings and dash panels, feature headlining and ruched, leather look seats. The taxi also features further refinements such as air conditioning and uprated ventilation systems, rear to front intercom, electric mirrors and Kenwood stereo.

As a result of its unique provenance this taxi bears several coats of arms of the City of London Corporation complete with its motto – “Domine Dirige Nos” or Lord, guide us. The taxi also features other original markings including its original Corporation “Alderman’s Carriage pass number” sticker and an inscription noting the TX1’s inclusion in the “Millennium Products” portfolio. A portfolio of design classics compiled and curated to help celebrate the arrival of the new Millennium.

Another unusual feature of this rare taxi is the power unit. With TX series taxis most associated with slightly agricultural sounding diesel engines, this taxi features a tried and tested 2L Ford engine mated to a three-speed automatic gearbox. The engine is configured to run on both unleaded petrol and liquid petroleum gas (LPG). The boot houses the petrol tank and the twin LPG tanks are stowed under the taxi and filled via the original filler cap.

The current owner reports that the taxi drives very nicely in all respects on both petrol and LPG and all mechanicals are commensurate with a vehicle showing such low mileage. The MOT History on the .Gov website does reveal 2 past mileage discrepancies which are almost certainly mis types, but bidders are advised to please check and satisfy themselves as to the mileage.

The TX series taxis are already widely accepted as a late 1990’s design classic and inextricably linked to the excitement of the capital’s Millennium celebrations. This very special TX1 classic builds on that iconography even further by being one of just two very special commissions by the City of London Corporation and the subject of “cart marking” by the Lord Mayor of London.

The unique livery, fittings and running gear of this vehicle gives it a wide appeal to London lovers, design aficionados and taxi enthusiasts alike. The LPG / Petrol configuration mated to an automatic gearbox makes this an entirely viable form of regular city transport too. The turning circle of the TX1 is a mere 25 feet. This was originally a design requirement to cope with the very small roundabout at the entrance of the Savoy Hotel.

Equally, this rare and well-presented vehicle would look eminently at home in a collection, museum or London themed environment. Its condition and provenance will be sure to fascinate both young and old alike for many years to come.

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