Description
Our 1930s Austin London Low Loader Taxicab already features in the Oxford 1:43 series and this latest smaller scale model, registered CGJ 605, is a replica of its larger counterpart, decorated in dark green with black roof, running board, mudguards and rear open ‘pram hood’ roof section.
The Austin London Taxi used a modified Austin Heavy Twelve-four chassis with new body designed by London’s Mann & Overton. The original taxi was re-modelled in the early 1930s, resulting in the Low Loading, petrol fed, 27 bhp model, introduced in 1934. The Austin Low Loader carried as standard a luxuriously upholstered body, full windscreen, fire extinguisher, horn, number plates, licence holder and taxi sign. All exterior fittings were chrome plated and the list price was £395. An example was sold at auction three years ago for an amazing £28,000!
Our 1:76 scale model features many of these fittings, right down to the silver ashtray set into the green side panels of the passenger area. The rear is fitted out in green with black flooring while the driver’s area contains a brown dashboard, silver floor and black steering wheel.
In real life, the Austin Low Loader was a favourite with London hotels in particular and examples were at the disposal of the rich and famous during their stay, carrying them wherever they wanted to go.
