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1 1 Internet Checker Taxicab Archive Volume 4 Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2018 FARES

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11

Internet Checker Taxicab Archive

Volume 4 Issue 1 Jan-Feb 2018

FARES

2

Editor’s Introduction

Welcome to our first of six issues for 2018, of

the ICTA newsletter, ”FARES”.

Free of charge, feel free to print and put in

your own binder. Feel free to forward to a

friend too. If you would like to submit an

article or personal profile regarding you or

your, Checker, please feel free to submit all

content to the email address on the right

side of this page.

So what’s new in this issue? We have

several articles about Checkers that might

surprise you. Did you know that Checkers

sold in New York City were unique? Purpose

built, they are very different, find out how

much on page four.

Most Checker owners are very aware of how

badly Checker can rust if left unprotected

Find out the great lengths Checker

took to prevent rust, on page 13

We’ve told you about Morris

Markin, Herbert Snow, Stephen

Wilson, now its time to introduce

Checker fans to Jim Stout.

Turn the page and find out how to

get the ICTA 2018 calendar. As

always we’ll share photos of taxi

calamities, members Checkers and

showcase current used Checkers

available for sale.

Happy New Year, we look forward to a

year of having fun with our Checkers.

Please enjoy issue: volume 4 issue 1.

Editor: Joe [email protected]

Owner 1949,1950, 1952, 1957 Checkers

3

Well we have quite an offering, the 2018 ICTA

calendar and we still have a few left.

Like last year we are offering a fine calendar, that

showcases some fantastic Checker photos. This

year’s theme is “from the archive,” Checker

promotional photos. The 2018 calendar features

color and black & white Checker photography from

three photography agencies covering a period of

1956-1969.

The majority of photos are from Checker’s “go to”

photographers the Ward C. Mogan agency based

out of Kalamazoo. Additionally the calendar features

photos from the Helfer-May, Inc. of New York City

and Colorama of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Price is a low $20.00 per calendar, if you’re

interested in a calendar, just contact the ICTA

a [email protected].

The 2018 ICTA Calendar is Available!

4

The New York City Checker, Different By Design

The Checker taxicab, particularly the 1958–82 Checker

Model A9 and A11 series remains the most famous

taxicab ever produced in the United

States. Its iconic status can be attributed to the

Checker’s styling comparable to the black London

taxi, its nationally renowned and went largely unchanged

throughout its use in New York City from 1958 thru 1999.

For decades, Checker was the taxicab of

choice for New York City and many other

American cities. The size of the car with

seating capacity consistent with pre 1954 New

York City requirements, the robust

construction facilitated by simplified parts

management and the bolt-on fenders

contributed to the Checker’s ubiquity on the

streets of Manhattan.

We at the ICTA strive to preserve the history of

our favorite taxi. Our archive is filled with

thousands of key documents that shed light on

the greatness of the beloved Checker. From

these documents new history is being

identified, history never told. Perhaps the

surprising facts recently discovered in our files

is that: New York Checker Model A11’s are

actually different than any other Checker sold

in any other city between 1964 and 1982.

5

Within the archive, three engineering memos have

been uncovered that shed light onto key differences of

Checker Model A11 sold in NYC versus cities.

Green and Yellow NYC Livery typically sported by Checkers from 1958-1967

Dated October 30, 1964 engineering memo number 77

from Sab Hori (Checker Engineering 1946-1984) to Jim

Stout (Checker Engineering 1922-1965),

subject: Specific Requirements for New York

Cabs, documents four key areas of differentiation:

•Front seating requirements, seat back upholstery

must be pulled tight to obtain 18 inches of cushion

depth.

•Auxiliary seating, a 14 inch wide seat is required

•Roof lamp wiring, an additional roof light is

required, this change for NYC would allow Checker

to meet new NYC top light rules enacted for 1965.

•New card case, with two lamps.

On October 4, 1972, a major comprehensive attack

on the ever-increasing level of noise in New York

City’ was initiated as Mayor John V. Lindsay signed

into law the New York City Noise Control

Code. Checker was required to comply as

evidenced with Engineering Memo number 358

dated July 24, 1974. The memo states “ To

conform with the New York City Noise Control

Regulation, the New York City Country Horn will be

cancelled”.

6

The law in New York prohibited the sale of claxon

horns that created sounds more than 88 DB, that

could be heard more the fifty feet away from the

standing vehicle. All Checkers sold in NYC post 1974

would sport quieter horns.

Perhaps the most significant memo documenting

New York Checker specifications is Engineering

Memo 428, subject: Special Modification for New

York City Taxi Fleet (1981 Model Year) dated April

22, 1981.

The memo is comprehensive and covers a

significant number of engineering parameters. The

memo describes these changes as required “ to

increase the durability of our vehicles due to the

severe taxicab duty cycle in the New York City

environment”.

Frame Assembly, for 1981 Checker would now have

reinforced: rear shock mounting brackets, side rails,

bracket to body frame center, X-frame member,

engine supports, upper control arms, chassis skid

bar and steering gear brace.

The NYC Checker would also sport larger G78-15

tires rated “C” and include additional straps for the

Michael Pincus owns this 1981 New York City Checker 7A70

7

The Jim Stout Checker Legacy

In the November 21, 1921 Automotive Industries magazine the

following item appeared: “Leyland F Goodspeed for the past five

years or more Chief of Engineering staff of the Roamer has resigned

from at Barley Motor Car Company Co to join forces with

Commonwealth Motors of Chicago of Joliet, Illinois has been elected

vice president in charge of engineering of Commonwealth Motors

which at the present time in working on a new passenger car.”

In Spring of 1922 the Goodspeed car produced by Commonwealth

debuted to the public. The Goodspeed was a truly modern and

exciting car for 1922. In May of 1922 Morris Markin had forced a

reorganization of Commonwealth and created Checker Cab

Manufacturing. The Commonwealth passenger cars were

discontinued and only Mogul Checker taxicab production continued

ultimately transforming into the Checker Model H in 1923.

After Goodspeed joined Commonwealth he would later bring his

colleague from Barley, a 20 year old Jim Stout onboard to Checker.

Obeyond Morris & David Markin, Jim Stout would be perhaps one of

the most important figures at Checker over the period between 1923

and 1965.

8

He effectively had a hand in every Checker produced,

from the early days after the move from Joliet to

Kalamazoo to the mid 1960’s when Checker was

expanding into the consumer retail market.

In July of 1983 CMC published an article about Jim

Stout in the Checker Headlight Newsletter. A short

article, it’s packed with great information on a man who

had major impact at Checker. The article reports that

Jim Stout started at Checker on August 13, 1923 about

a year and a half after the Goodspeed was introduced.

Three Goodspeed’s were produced for pubic display in the Spring of 1922

One of Stouts first responsibilities was

assisting Goodspeed in the turn around of

production, moving production from Chicago

to Kalamazoo. The effort required the take over

of the Knight-Handley and Dort manufacturing

facilities. Additionally Stout would assist

Goodspeed in the development of re-

engineered Model H and launched the Model

H-2. The primary difference was the switch

from the Herschell-Spellman engines to Buda

.

In a the Headlight article, Stout recounted that

in the early days of manufacturing “it took 20

days to get a car through the paint shop and

we only had one drill press which people

waited in line to use!!!.”

Prior to World War II Stout held many positions

at Checker Cab Manufacturing. He was the

Chief Inspector and Quality Control Head.

9

Jim Stout held roles in the procurement department,

sales and engineering. At one time Stout was in

charge of Taxicab production. Mr. Stout also served

in field activities, which included service

representation in New York. Ultimately Stout would

assume the responsibility of Head of Experimental

Engineering and report directly to Head of

Engineering Herb Snow.

During the WWII years, Stout would perform much

of the engineering work to support the war effort.

As a leader in engineering, Stout would oversee

the production of a variety of WWII military

trailers: The T1 Jeep Trailer, CC-1 Water Buffalo

Trailer and the M9 Tank Trailer. Stout would also

be involved in test production of the Bantam Jeep,

ultimately taking personal possession of one

of resulting Jeeps, Jim would keep that Jeep for

over 50 years and would eventually sell that Jeep

to a well known Jeep collector.

In the post war years Stout would retain his

leadership position at Checker. Stout was lead

project engineer for the outsource production of

the Sear Roebuck consumer market trailers, an

important project as this effectively kept cash

flowing into Checker while the company did not

have a car to produce . Additionally the Sears

project established Checker as a known third party

vehicle manufacturer.

10

Stout also worked with Herb Snow and Raymond

Dietrich on the design and engineering of the Model D

Checker prototype. A ground breaking design, had it

been made, the Model D would have used advanced

technique of incorporating both front wheel drive and

the use of a transverse engine for the first time in

automotive production. Snow had pioneered the

development of front wheel drive at Cord several

years earlier, the introduction of a transverse

engine/front wheel drive combination was unique and

predated the 1959 Morris Minor use of the

configuration by some twelve years.

Snow and Stout would develop an engineering test

mule based on a 1946 Packard. Original plans called

for a four cylinder engine, but the team was able to

utilize a Continental six. The design also was ground

breaking in it’s the extensive use of aluminum.

The exterior design work for the Model D was

performed by noted stylist Raymond Dietrich. Jim

Stout was highly critical of Dietrich’s work.

In an interview with retired Checker collector the

late G. Richard Thomas, Stout recounted “he

would draw little bitty people so his low roof lines

would clear their heads”. According to Stout

“passenger ergonomics were important to

Checker”. This author can attest to the head

room challenges of the Dietrich designed 1948

Checker Model A2.

Dietrich rendering of the proposed Model D, not little bitty head

11

In the early 1950’s Stout was actively involved in the

maintenance and engineering of the big transit buses

manufactured by Checker. Checker produced buses

for about four years.

As his career wound down at Checker Stout would get

involved in various special projects. In early 1960’s

Stout would be in charge of the restoration of the

1922 Checker Model H now housed at The Gilmore

Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan. The Model H

would serve as a showcase for Checker at auto

shows across the country. What better guy to restore

the Model H, but the guy who built them in the

twenties!

According to the Thomas interview. Morris Markin

would use Stout to assess investment

opportunities. Stout assessed the possibility of

Checker acquiring Tucker back in 1947.

Stout was also dispatched in 1964 to determine if

Checker should acquire Studebaker.

Checker would eventually purchase a significant

portion of the Studebaker truck factory parts

inventory, Checker at the time used many OEM

parts from the Studebaker, brakes, wheels,

steering etc.

When Jim Stout left Checker is not quite clear. The

last documented evidence of engineering work

dates back to January 23, 1965. The first

addressee on an Engineering Change Memo for

changes to arm rests, it appears that Stout was still

employed by Checker.

12

Engineering Memo’s distribution lists changed in

January 1965, the new format utilized a general

distribution reference, so just because Stout name

disappears on the memos after January 1965, does not

indicate that Stout left CMC.

It’s also highly likely that Stout served Checker as a

consultant or advisor well into the 1980’s. In the early

90’s Checker leader Steve Wilson was involved with

the CMC procurement of a 1935 Checker Model Y and

its restoration, its highly likely Mr. Stout helped his

friend Wilson out, Jim had firsthand knowledge of the

Model Y. Stout held the Model Y in high regarding

maintaining that it had the best engine ever put in a

Checker.

Jim Stout was a close friend with Morris Markin. In

later years, Stout would tell the story how Markin told

him “ He (Markin) was going to make me a rich

man”. Jim Stout passed away in 1996, In the long run

Stout may not have made millions of dollars, but he

indeed lived a rich life.

Stout was happily married for 68 years. Raised

three children and had over 9 grandchildren. He

lived in rural Michigan and participated in the

Checker hobby right up to his death in 1996.

13

Checker and Texaco Compound L

Checker Motors Corp M-10M-8 is a very

interesting brochure that leaves it’s readers today

with one major question. But before we ponder that

single question let’s recap the brochure. The

brochure is titled “Now! Checker Puts Proof Into

Rust Proofing”.

According to the brochure rust is the most serious

problem confronting automobile manufacturers. It

further explains that each Checker has a zinc

chromate red oxide primer covering the body. All

detachable parts would also be treated with a

“thermos plastic sealer” to protect the Checker

from rust. To complete the rust proofing

procedures, Checker would apply Texaco

Compound L to pillars, the lower sections of all

doors, trunk and to the space below the rear

quarter windows.

A well knowned product, Compound L was

originally developed for industrial and railway

applications. Back in the late ’50s or early 60’s a

Sales Engineer in New Orleans tested it at a

Texaco sulfur processing facility and found it to be

outstanding at guarding against rust.

The Type L Texaco rustproofing compound is

essentially wool grease with 1 to 3% stearic acid.

14

Fatty wool grease is a fatty, pale yellow wax that coats

the fibers of sheep’s wool and yields lanolin, also called

wool fat. The acid provides a mild etch of the substrate

for better adhesion. There are other formulations of this

compound such as for painted surfaces.

Today on the according to Chevron Texaco, Compound

L provides the following advantages in protection with

multiple applications.

•Excellent long-term rust protection — Petrolatum

and special additive system form a non-

hardening, self sealing film to protect surfaces

against the elements. Good water displacing

capabilities ensures that the protective film is also

waterproof. The special rust inhibitor system

ensures maximum protection against corrosive

attack. Good penetrating characteristics ensure

difficult-to-reach seams and crevices receive

effective corrosion protection.

•Minimum surface preparation required — Ability

to penetrate existing flaky or heavy rust means

that little or no preliminary cleaning of metal

surfaces is required before application. This

penetrating ability makes existing rust easier to

remove, should it be considered desirable to do

so for a better or more economical job.

•Minimal cost — Self-sealing properties of the

protective film minimizes the need for touch-ups

when film damage occurs through scratches or

15

•brush marks. The overall cost of this soft film rust

protection is much less than ordinary paint.

•Easy removal — Soft protective film is readily soluble in

petroleum solvent or kerosine to enable easy removal

when required.

According to Checker’s Graphic Illustration Sheet No.

264 titled Rust Proofing – Aerobus (TEXACO) dated

October 1st 1965, the application of Texaco Compound L

was extremely liberal. The engineering

illustration, instructions from engineering to the

assembly team, adds additional application areas

beyond what is described in the brochure. The

instructions called for application for quarter panels,

fenders, drip rails, body seams and body fenders wells

Within the complete set of Checker engineering

illustration guides the Texaco Compound L instructions

can be found that cover a span of 1965-1975. Given the

liberal use of the Texaco product the big question

is: why didn’t it work?

Anybody who owns a Checker is well aware of the

significant rust issues found in Checkers. Checker

owners typically are in a constant battle trying to

prevent rust on their prized machines.

The answer to the question appears to be that

rustproofing is not a “one and you’re done” deal.

The

16

The coating has to be reapplied, typically on a yearly basis, to

ensure that the car remains resilient under harsh weather effects

stemming from moisture, not to mention the dirt and debris that gets

lodged in its various crevices.

As a Checker ages, the effectiveness of the factory rustproofing will

diminish, unless the Checker was regularly re-rustproofed the

longterm effects of rust will ultimately destroy the Checker.

Texaco Compound L is still available today and we have no doubt

that is it a great product. For more information here one link to the

product.

Bill Beurken’s

photo of his

Aerobus 15

display typical

Checker rust

17

Massive Glut of Checker in the Classic Car MarketplaceLook out below! A massive Checker supply glut is once

again sending Checker prices into a tailspin. Over the last

six months well over 40 Checkers have come to the old car

marketplace. In June of 2017, seven Checkers passed

through the auction block and were sold at an average

price of $1700.00.

Across multiple old car web sites, Craig’s List, Classic

Cars and Hemmings over 31 Checkers are currently for

sale! Anybody who has taken an Economics 101 class will

quickly understand what’s happening in the

marketplace….more supply than demand. Despite the

recent sales prices overall still seem high and many of the

Checkers currently for sale have been on the market for

more than a year!

Now there are several ways of looking at this, if you are a

buyer great, there are potential deals on Checkers down

the road as sellers reduce their prices. If you’re a seller,

your

Checker is competing for buyers at a time when

there are more sellers than buyers, it may take a

while to sell. Additionally prices seem to be all

over the map so pricing realignment is in order.

Rusty and dirty this former taxi is oddly priced at $6494.00.

Recently on the market, this will probably remain on the market for years.

18

Reviewing the various classified ads you’ll see a wide

ranges of prices. The recent auctions cars were all

parts or restorable Checkers, so essentially the bottom

market for parts cars is about $1500.00. On the high

end two 1982 Checkers fall within the $30K-35K

range. Both of those Checkers have been for sale for

over a year.

A wide ranges of Checkers fall in to a ranges of

$4000.00 to $10,000.00. Very reasonable, but again,

some of these vehicles have been for sale for close to a

year. Another chunk fall into the $10,000.00 to

$20,000.00 range and again many of these Checkers

seem have been for sale for one to two years!

Given there are only really about 150 active members of the ICTA, currently there is about one Checker for sale for every 4-5 active ICTA member. Over the last 10 years we have seen other Checker club’s membership decline significantly, Assuming that most current ICTA members already own one or two Checkers, the sad fact is that many of these Checker currently on the market will most likely remain on the market for a long time.

Too few buyers in the market place, sellers

perhaps pricing too high will yield many unsold

Checkers, the glut will continue for some time. All

32 Checker currently on the market can be found

in the new “Checkers For Sale” section of the

ICTA website

19

Former CCCofA President Dick Thomas 1929 – 2017

An avid Checker fan, years earlier Dick designed a new look

for the Checker Marathon, utilizing fiberglass components and

other off the shelf automotive parts. Conceived in the late

70’s the car, called the Checker Summit never made it beyond

the early design phases. Dick did build one prototype and

pitched the idea to Checker Motor Corp., the project was

passed on and conventional Checker production continued

until 1982.

Dick Thomas was quite a character. You will not find too many guys like Dick, a

devout car guy and Checker fan, he applied a strong educational background to his

hobby, both in design and modeling.

Dick took over the presidency of the Checker Car Club of America at a very difficult

time, after the passing of long time president Steve Wilson. Ultimately, Dick was

instrumental in keeping the club on its proper footing. Dick was one of key leaders

to develop a board structure for the CCCofA to insure that the club continued

forward.

20

Back in the 80’s Dick developed a series of scaled

Checker models and as a small cottage industry

manufacturer, sold his Checker models all over the

world. You could always count on Dick to present a large

inventory on display in the back of his Aerobus at the

various Checker shows he organized. Today these same

models are highly sought after by Checker fans.

As president of the CCCofA, Dick largely promoted the

historical aspects of Checker. Prior to the death of long

time Checker employee Jim Stout, Dick was able to

secure an extended interview with Mr. Stout, so important

in preserving Checker history, Dick would pen many

articles for the CCCofA.

Perhaps the happiest this writer ever saw Dick was when

he was behind the wheel of the famous 1941 Checker

Model A. Dick wrote “I was privileged to drive the 41 a

block to the truck, which brought it, and to raise the

retractable Landua Hardtop. Cameras were flashing all

the way to the transport truck. I was in “hog heaven!”.

Summit Prototype

Dick behind the wheel of the Model A

Classifieds Ads: Current For Sale Dec 30th 2017

1968 Checker Station Wagon, 350 chevy engine,

automatic, runs good, no rust, interior very good, drives

well. we have listed this car for a business assoc.

please call Larry with any question at

207-590-6170 Arundel, Maine

Needs work, best offer contact Alton Wright 361-800-2420 Six parts cars available.

1974 Checker Marathon Wagon Texas

“One of 13 such models made in 1982, the final year of production in Kalamazoo,

MI. Dark Green with full black vinyl roof and opera windows Black vinyl and velour

interior Original GM 267 CID V-8 engineTurbo Hydramatic 400 three-speed

automatic transmission and 2.72 rear end Dual Frostemp air-conditioning Floor-

mounted auxiliary heater under driver’s seat. New in 2013, paint, vinyl roof,

radiator, electric radiator fan, exhaust, power front disc brakes, rocker and quarter

panels, hood, battery, radial tires and cruise control Near rear brakes in

2016Pioneer AM/FM stereo with CD player Documentation includes original

Checker Motor Corporation build sheet” Best OFFER636-600-4600

Classifieds Ads: Current For Sale Dec 30th 2017

1980 Checker Cab awesome condition no

rust amazing inside all mechanical runs well engine

turns on with no struggle (turns on no problem every

time) drivable 67,000 MILES (203) 722-5371

23

On July 27th 1999, New York Times reporter Jodi Wilgoren penned the article “Last New York Checker Turns Off the Meter for Good”.

The article described taxicab driver Earl Johnson’s last day driving his Checker, the last Checker taxicab licensed by the New York’s Taxi and Limousine Commission.

The story shared what many Checker owners already know, the Checker is unique and brings great happiness wherever they are driven. One of the last riders of the day was Ms. Roberta Horton. Ms. Horton had a great take on the Checker. According to Ms. Horton “The Checker is the ultimate urban luxury” she went on to say, “It’s such a grand car, it’s a vehicle that belongs to New York City”.

Last Working Fleet of Checkers For Sale

Photo Source Joe Fay 2016 ©

24

Wilgoren did report “Other cities still have Checker

cabs, the bulbous vehicles with the ponderous

1950’s design. There are Checkers around the city

that are no longer cabs, painted pink or purple or

even checkered all over. There are companies

called Checker Cab, even if their cars are Dodges or

Ford. But since production of the plant in

Kalamazoo, Michigan ceased, in 1982, 60 years

after it began, the Checkers have been a dying

breed.” Fast forward to 2017 and you will still find

Checker serving customers across the US, but not

for long.

The last large Checker fleet will be coming down

soon. All of the Checker in the fleet are available for

sale. The owner of the N.Y. Cab and Limo Servie of

Clearwater, John Didomizio says “I’m getting ready

to retire so I’m going to start selling off my Checker

collection”.

Built out of frustration, the fleet was started back in 2009, according to DiDomizio, he was tired of hearing about how Clearwater cab companies were “ripping off

But as any Checker fan knows, the Checker cab is

truly a global car with a fan following all over the

world. Yes, the Checker is beloved by million, and it

does seem to be associated as a New York icon,

but many fleets of Checkers continued to server

well beyond the last Checker serving New York.

25

by hitting the $1.00 fuel surcharge button repeatedly, jacking up fares, showing up in old former cop cars

that were filthy and often had drivers that smelled badly, spoke little English, or simply taking people the

“long way” to their destination. John decided to do something about it.

The “Fix” was to start a real competing cab company and simply drive the shady operators off the beach.

Putting his money where his mouth is, and being a collectable car enthusiast. John had two vintage

Checker Cabs shipped down from Canada and “opened the doors” with a policy of first class service. To

this day, most often drivers will open and close the car door for you. The first reason is service – the

second reason is to make sure passengers in the old Checker Cabs are secure and the heavy steel

doors are in fact closed properly.

For close to ten years John has built a significant fleet of Checkers. All were restored and brought back

to a condition where they could again provide reliable taxicab service 24 hours a day. John currently has

a fleet of about ten cars ranging from model years 1961 to 1982. Sadly it will soon be the end of the

line. Single Checker taxicab servce can still be found around the country, but this is now really the end

of the line for daily Checker fleet operations.

Condition and pricing for the Checkers vary, all vehicles had an extensive restoration prior to the start of

service in Clearwater. John is ready to sell and can be contacted at 727-543-4111.

26

From the 1978 Film “Blue Color”

27

Here’s a great item, Zandra and Tim Bowers have just

published another children’s book in their Checker Cab’s

Adventure series.

The book follows the adventures of Checker Cab, Cab Driver

and his good luck charm Bunwacky as they travel around

Washington D.C. This fun read is very educational and

showcases various Washington D. C. landmarks. The book

also features fantastic illustrations by Katlyn Knuver.

If you would like to get a copy, please reach out to Tim and

Zandra at [email protected]

Checker Cab’s Adventure, Our Nation’s Capital

28

officially available and less $ than originally anticipated! Set

of 6 $20, second sets $12, individual $4. All free shipping.

PM me I take Matt Thomas in the Facebook Checker Cab

Club

PayPal paypal.me/MThomas773 personal check, coins, and

gold.

Classifieds Ads: Parts from our Facebook friends

Bill Beurkens has decals for sale. I had these made for

vehicles made by the Checker Motors Corporation, a

now defunct company. These are the same exact size

and shape as the original chromed pot metal badges.

$5 for CHECKER and $8 for the CHECKER Marathon.

Shipped FREE. These come on application tape to help

you install them in alignment.

Available in silver, black, chrome-look (I have these on

my car)

Checker aficionados Ben Merkel and Joe Fay give us the low-down on the historic

models and many of its limousine and private car variants, in the USA and in other

parts of the world. Checker - the All-American Taxi features: The background history of

the company on-street pictures of Checker cabs in service across the USA and overseas.

Pictures of rare limousine, Aerobus, private and medical versions. The Galva projects -

new generation Checker models that were never put into production Fully informative

captions. Short Description. Nothing portrays the American taxicab like the classic

Checker. Even though it has been out of service for many years, it is still in demand by

film and TV programme makers. This richly-illustrated book focusses on the history of

the most famous models, the A-8 to the A-11 and many of its limousine and private car

variants. Illustrated with archive shots, posed photographs and on-street images.

Available at http://www.earlswoodpress.co.uk/

Advertisement

9331 Johnell Road

Chatsworth, CA 91311

818-999-1485

[email protected]

The largest supplier of NOS,

Reproduction and Used Checker Parts

Specializing in Checker Taxi, Marathon,

Superba and Aerobus

End Photo

The Bowers heading up i-69 to Kalamazoo August. © 2016 Joe Fay