Showing posts with label Checker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Checker. Show all posts
Steve has the keenest Checker knowledge I've ever come across! He knew a 1939 Checker Model A from the back window!
The above was all I had, and I wondered about the taxi, but Steve knew!
Not a good looking front, unique, but not good. The fenders and rear quarters are bad also. I knew I'd posted one years ago http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2009/06/before-big-boxy-taxi-checker-made-model.html
With the flip of a switch, the electrically operated top goes into the trunk
This is the landaulet version of the Checker Model A, which was built from 1939 until Checker switched to war production in 1941. The back top was electrically operated and disappeared into the body. It also had a sun roof. During the war, Checker donated the body dies to be melted down and recycled for the war effort.
This is thought to be the only remaining survivor from the 1939-1941 Model A Checker taxi. Photos were taken at the Checker Car Club of America show in 2002 at the Gilmore Museum
A handful of unusual-looking snouts appeared on American vehicles during the late thirties but none matched the monstrosity that premiered on the 1939 Checker Model A. The equally bizarre Sharknose Graham is the only other vehicle that could hold a candle to the Model A.
Checker designer John H. Tuttle is credited with designing the Model A’s bodywork from the cowl back, but the identity of the person who designed the front end is the subject of much debate. Ray Dietrich served as a consultant to the firm starting in the late 30s, however he emphatically denied any involvement with the firm’s taxi designs rig up until his death.
Tuttle’s name also appears on the patents for the cars optional rear landaulet roof, and it’s probable that he also worked on the front end, however it’s entirely possible a third designer, perhaps even Morris Markin himself, designed the front end, whose main claim to fame was that it is so ugly, you could see it coming from up to half-a-mile away.
The headlights were modern oval units mounted to the front fenders in the typical fashion, however those beams were surrounded by massive chrome-plated art-moderne shields unlike any seen on any other vehicle. Body colored louvered valances provided cooling to the radiator which was hidden behind the solid beak that extender downwards from the center of the hood.
The short wheelbase Model A included a purpose-built 124-inch wheelbase chassis with a traditional solid front and live rear axles supported by longitudinal leaf springs. The independent front suspensions found on other manufacturer’s vehicles were easily knocked out of alignment and were far too fragile for taxicab use.
The Model A included a number of more practical innovations such as an automatic signal that alerted pedestrians when the cab was put into reverse, padded finger guards on the rear door edges and rear seats that were stuffed with synthetic rubber cushions.
The Model A was introduced mid-year and was powered by a Continental Red Seal Six, an engine that would become standard equipment until 1965 when the firm adopted a General Motors powerplant. The John H. Tuttle-designed sunroof and landaulet rear top were optionally available on either of the two available wheelbases.
A period review called the Model A:
"...the most radical innovation of the entire taxicab industry this year. Checker's disappearing top is attracting widespread attention in the larger cities where its Parmelee system fleets operate.... The all-metal landaulet can be opened or closed by the driver in 40 seconds, without moving from his seat...the cab is equipped with a glass roof that can be readily opened or closed by the driver at the will of his fare."
The model A was the last prewar Checker taxicab, and only a single survivor, a long-wheelbase model equipped with the landaulet roof, exists. At the start of the war Markin donated the Model A’s body dies to melted down for the war effort.
Info from and read all about the Check taxi cab manufacturer here http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/c/checker/checker.htm
One amazing movie theater display for a Hitchcock flick, and a interesting taxi on the street in front
Look close at the rear window area of the taxi... Only Steve B nailed the question I had about it. It's a Checker Model A, 1939 to 41 (this will be a new post)found on http://fuckyeahvintage-retro.tumblr.com/
Last of the Checker Taxi Cabs, 1n11, also known as Janie, made in 1978, retired as the last operating Checker Taxi in 1999
Above is the last Checker Taxi in New York, below is a 3 photo gallery for a good look at all the sides of the taxi
Earl Johnson, an independent taxi cab owner, operated "Janie", NY plate"1N11"; it was the last Checker in regular service in NYC. Shortly after
a forced retirement (frame wouldn't pass the safety inspection) in 1999,
it was sold at auction (Sotheby's) for the ridiculous amount of $134,500
($120,000 to Earl). In 2006 it was again sold at auction (Christies) for
the more reasonable (but still high for the condition) of $9,400. The
current owner is unknown.
the write-up glosses over (actually, it totally ignores) that Janie failed the safety inspection that was a mandatory part of the ruling grandfathering in the Checkers ... which allowed Checker operators to ignore the NYC "five year" retirement rule.
Also, Janie only "survived" the next to last operating NYC Checker by one or two months; it also was pulled off the road for failing a safety inspection.
John W
Secretary, Editor, SysAdmin, CCCoA, Inc.
http://www.checkercarclub.org/ http://www.checkertaxistand.com/
Cab #1N11, a 1978 vintage model Checker, was retired as of July 26, 1999 due to safety concerns. Struna’s Checker cab, #3F89, a 1981 model, was retired under similar circumstances on December 15, 1998.
At the height of the vehicle’s popularity in the roaring 20’s, there were as many as 8,000 Checker cabs plying the roads of New York City. The Checker cab virtually ruled the roads from 1921 to the late 1970s, outlasting many other popular taxi types
When the Checker exited the stage, there were 12,187 cabs running in New York info from http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/news/press08_99.shtml
Checker’s founder, Morris Markin, was a Russian immigrant who built the company into one of the dominant producers and operators in the taxi industry, employing about 1,000 people and producing about 5,000 cars a year at its peak.
For years the vehicles enjoyed a near monopoly in New York – where Mr. Markin held about 4,000 taxi medallions – and the cars were dominant in Chicago, Pittsburgh and Minneapolis, as well. But when New York authorized the use of smaller cars to be used as taxis in 1954, Checker steadily lost ground as drivers shifted to cheap and fuel-efficient vehicles from spacious and durable – and Mr. Markin sold his taxi medallions for $8 million in the 1960s.
The last cab rolled off the line on July 12, 1982
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/14/iconic-checker-cab-company-shuts-dow
The last Checker Cab to be in active service in New York City
1978 CHECKER MARATHON FOUR DOOR SEDAN 'TAXI CAB'- 'Janie'
Chassis No. A11299882936E
In 1922 the Checker Cab Manufacturing Company began production of taxi cabs in Joliet, Illinois. Shortly thereafter the company moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where the work remained. During this time Checker produced a line of taxi cabs which met New York City's 1929 ordinance that all taxis must be able to carry five passengers behind the partition. During the period of 1956 - 1982 Checker manufactured what is now synonymous with their name, the classic 1950s four door sedan. Production soared and several thousand chugged through the streets of New York and many other large cities. Equipped with high doors allowing passengers easy and considerably more graceful access, they were also fitted with a pair of jump seats meeting the five passenger requirement. Additional room was available for baggage and the ride was notoriously smooth. This was New York's answer to London's Austin taxi and is thus forever linked.
In 1982, production of the Checker Cab ceased and the numbers in New York City began to dwindle. It was at this time that the number of traditionally owner-operated taxis waned and mass-fleets began. As expected, there was one exceptional individual who remained steadfast to his beloved taxi and way of life: Earl Johnson and his taxi 'Janie'. They worked together as a pair for twenty-one years driving the likes of Walter Cronkite and Muhammad Ali. 'Janie' was similarly used for special events including weddings and anniversaries. Finally in July 26, 1999 retirement beckoned and Mr. Johnson and 'Janie' went out of service - effectively ending the era of Checker Cabs in New York. Shortly thereafter, 'Janie' was acquired by its current owner from a Sotheby's auction in December 1999. ($134,500)
Still retaining all the features of a New York City taxi such as the roof light, meter, jump seats, partition and medallion information, this taxi very much embodies its storied history. Once in the thousands, now very limited, this slice of New York history provides a remarkably fun opportunity for its next custodian.
http://www.christies.com/Lotfinder/lot_details.aspx?intObjectID=4729756
1919, Markin began making inroads into the taxi business by taking over the operations of a Chicago cab fleet about the same time he opened a body plant called Markin Body. Three years later, Markin acquired a chassis company in Joliet, Illinois from a financially troubled friend. In May of 1922, the Checker Cab Manufacturing Corp. began production and by the end of that year was turning out 100-plus cars a month. He looked to expand.
It is said that Markin purchased a pair of vacant plants on north and south Pitcher streets in Kalamazoo for his expansion because the chief engineer he wanted for his motor company wouldn't move to Chicago. The plants had been the former site of production of the Handley-Knight automobile.
Foreign Service
The U. S. State Department turned to Checker Motors for more suitable transportation for its diplomats overseas. It purchased two four-door sedans in the Marathon deluxe series for use in Moscow and San Salvador. The move came about after U. S. Ambassador to Moscow Llewellyn E. Thompson wrote Washington that his big limousines were "...not suitable for the cobblestones and rough roads encountered in the Soviet Union." It also was hard to buy high-octane gas for them. Another advantage was that Thompson could get in and out of the Checker limo without removing his top hat. The new limo looked like a cab painted black, but the inside featured such extras as gray broadcloth upholstery, air conditioning and a glass partition so the driver wouldn't overhear the passengers' talk.
In 1978, Hollywood came to Kalamazoo to film a major motion picture, "Blue Collar." The film was set in an auto assembly plant, and all the Detroit car manufacturers refused to allow filming in their facilities. Checker Motors opened its doors, and the film, starring Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel, Yaphet Kotto and Ed Begley, Jr., made the crime drama a reality.
http://www.kpl.gov/local-history/business/checker.aspx
Even rarer than a Checker is the diesel version of the Checker — built for a single year only, in 1968
Do you instantly recognize this image?
To me it brings back memoriesBry nailed it really fast, it's the opening credit sequence to Taxi, the Danny DeVito, Judd Hirsch, Andy Kaufman, Tony Danza, and Marilu Henner sitcom. Great show. I watched this as a 7 year old, and it still entertains me, but now I can appreciate the writing, the acting, and the funny characters much more. Reverend Jim and Latka are two really well performed characters.
For an easy going enjoyable older movie, DC Cab. Its rated R, so send the kids to the other room, but Mr T, Gary Busey, Max Gail, and Bill Maher star
Sounds like a Richard Pryor swearfest, but it's got Checker cabs throughout, car chases, good guys becoming a team and facing the bad guys, solving a kidnapping, and overcoming adversity.Before the big boxy taxi, Checker made the Model A, here is a photo with a 1940 example
Via Shorpy. There are two in the photo, click on it for the full size, one is right behind the unbrella holder. Notice the antique 2 bulb stop light as well.
Hot Rod Checker Marathon Taxi... that is cool!
For more on this Checker, see Tere's photo gallery: http://justacargal.blogspot.com/2009/04/good-guys-reflections-omg-marathon.html
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