Highlight
- Highly detailed taxi survivor
- Very good restored condition
- Practical classic family or commercial vehicle
- Only two registered keepers recorded by DVLA
- Very rare and fascinating historic vehicle
The Appeal
If this 1934 Low Loader could speak, what stories would it tell? That is surely one of the first questions that comes to mind as you review the photographs of this magnificent and highly detailed historic vehicle, revealing as they do a wealth of intricate details hinting at its 90 year life.
As use of taxis evolved in the 1930s, Austin responded with the Low Loader in 1934. Where previous versions - nicknamed High Tops - were designed to transport top hat wearing gents in comfort, the new version was intended to be more versatile, enabling drivers to transport luggage and boxes as well as passengers. It quickly became the most numerous taxi in London.
The Low Loader was so ubiquitous that a model just like this one featured in early editions of cartoon character TinTin’s The Black Island adventure.
Whether you’re here for that association, the storied history or you simply like the appeal of a practical family- or commercially-orientated vintage car, this is a lovely example of a remarkable vehicle. It has been lovingly maintained and improved, the enthusiasm obvious from those historic details, like the meter, the period fare poster and even a 1934 tax disc.
With its spacious rear cabin and folding roof, this charismatic taxi would work well as an unusual family classic or there is obvious commercial potential. Whichever future awaits, we wish it well on the next stage of its adventure.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 5th November 1934
- DVLA records two registered keepers from new
- Current keeper since July 2019
- For sale by the current keeper’s family due to illness
- Built on 24th October 1934 by Jones Brothers of London for Mann & Overton
- December 1934 tax disc in window
- Various bar badges and stickers to view in photographs attesting to its history
- New parts purchased in May 2023 with receipt in photographs
- Factory workshop chart
- Old MOTs
- Last MOT expired May 2013 with 55 miles showing on test and no advisories
- Little used since the last MOT although current mileage is not stated
The Condition
- Classic red and black livery which is correct for these vehicles
- Colour scheme is also identical to the London Taxi featured in the TinTin book
- Well kept older restoration with some light signs of age and marks to be expected
- Well detailed interior and exterior carefully replicates the original specification
- Detail extends to array of period features such as taxi meter, fare poster and plaques
- Retains its various plaques confirming build date and chassis details as shown in photos
- Red spoked wheels in good condition with evidence of recent work
- Fitted with correct vintage specification Firestone tyres
- Landaullette body style with folding fabric rear hood which is in good condition
- Underside presents well with low slung cross brace Austin chassis appearing well kept
- Neatly detailed interior with original and well kept period fittings
- Red vinyl interior with spacious rear cabin, all in good well kept condition
- Various storage areas including front passenger area and roof
- Partition divide with sliding glass which works well and is in good condition
The Mechanics
- 1,861cc 4cyl Austin petrol engine developing around 27bhp
- 4spd manual gearbox plus reverse with conventional floor shift
- Starting handle included
- Tool box with set of tools in good condition
- Modern 12V electrics with recent looking battery
- No reported running or driving issues
- Sparingly used by current keeper and regularly shown
- Current keeper is a member of the marque and model clubs
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
