2004 Other Makes London Taxis International TX2

2.4L Ford Duratorq Turbo Diesel

Automatic

SCRCD16N14C157104

Just in time for the 2012 Diamond Jubilympics (Diamond Jubilee + London Olympics = Diamond Jubilympics) It is time for me to say goodbye to my constant companion for the last 3 years, Molly. She is a 2004 London Taxis International Model TX2, Built for the U.S. market, she is a Left Hand Drive (U.S. Standard) genuine London Taxi from the factory in Coventry, England. In her early life she was one of a fleet owned by London Taxis International of North America where she lived a life of luxury and stardom being hauled around the U.S. on a flatbed truck, and dressed up in vinyl wrapping to help advertise various products and events. (See Pictures) When we met in 2009 she only had 52,00 miles on her odometer. We met online, and it was love at first sight. I sold my V.W. and flew out to Chicago to meet her. I knew she was the one for me right then, (Partly because the dealer was going out of business the following week) I could not wait to drive her back to Oregon and begin her career as my Taxi Cab. (With only a 2.4L Turbo Diesel Engine she was a little slow on the big hills, but I kept her in the slow lane, and she did just fine) (Seriously, we're talking about 4,800 lbs of British steel here, you really can't expect to zoom over the Rocky Mountains) Our first stop in Portland was the paint shop, (she needed the company colors) and her lower half was painted black over the factory white. Then it was on the the radio shop. We needed to put one large hole in the dashboard to run cables for the M.D.T. (computer) and her Taximeter. (all of which were removed when we left the company so she could use a nice dashboard mat if the holes bother you.) Then came the company logo, and her checkerboard. (All company logos were vinyl decals, and were removed. The checkerboard has stayed.) We also added a cup holder behind the gear shift because I can not function without coffee in arms reach. I also added a U.S.B charging port the the dashboard for easy phone charging. In October of 2010 I was contacted by an advertising company out of New York asking me if I would be interested in dressing Molly up in advertising and giving people rides as part of a promotion for a local brewery to promote safe drinking. The price they offered was fair, and so Molly was wrapped up like a Christmas present (See pictures from Widmer Promotion) and we spent 4 weeks giving "Free Rides" and passing out scarves and hats. (I will pass on the contact info for the winner of this auction to the advertising company with your permission.) In October of 2011 I decided to get out of the taxi business. I sold my share of the company, and paid Molly off. All branding and company equipment were removed at that time. (The branding has left some outlines on the exterior, but that will come off with a little WD-40 and elbow grease.) Once she retired, I put in some effort to fix her up a little mechanically. She starts and runs just like she should. I had 1 front rotor turned, and replaced the other one with a new one in 2012. I have replaced the front wheel bearings in 2012. The front brake pads were replaced with new ones in 2012. (I will include a new brake caliper and 1 turned rotor.) The Fuel Pump was replaced in 2010. (I will include a spare fuel filter.) The Alternator and belt were replaced in 2010. I replaced the upper Left Ball Joint in 2010 New replacement parts are available from London Taxi Parts U.S.A. in Greensboro S.C. O.K. so now that that is out of the way you're probably wondering what's wrong with "Molly" Well, I'll tell you. 1: There is no air conditioning. The compressor mount broke off about a month after I got her home. I removed the compressor, and will include it if you want to give a go at fixing it. The AC system will need to be cleaned and flushed since it has been open for a while. I would have had it done, but I didn't really need A/C in Oregon. 2: The exhaust pipe has been bent, (I went over a curb that I shouldn't have) and rattles against the underside of the car when I turn it off. The bend does not restrict the flow noticeably. This wasn't a big deal to me, but it might bother some folks. The exhaust system does not have any holes, but if the bent piece were cut out, and replaced with a straight piece, the rattle at shut off would be gone. 3: The Tires, The tires are fine as far as tread goes, however since the car is designed for a 25ft Turning Circle. The tires I have on it are a little wider than they should be. Factory Tyres are available from London Taxi Parts U.S.A. in Greensboro S.C.. however unless you regularly wish to make a u-turn in the middle of a residential street, the tires should not be any problem. The Spare tire included is the original size and does not match the other 4 tires. 4: There are a few bumps and dings, SURPRISE !! There are Some rust spots, 1 near the iconic top light, and 1 near the rear passenger window. and a few spots under the front grille. There is a small dent at the bottom of the boot (trunk) lid and one on the left front fender. Neither of these are paint damaged, and I never had them fixed because they were no big deal to me. All of the scratches and scuffs are shown in the pictures. 5: One of the headlights is half frosted. It is not unusual for these cars to run for 500,000 miles. This vehicle will be tested by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality on Friday 6/15/2012. Results will be included in an update to this listing. The current "Reserve Price" and "Buy It Now" prices for this vehicle were set prior to D.E.Q. testing, and may be subject to change at 1:00 P.M. PST 6/15/2012 This vehicle is being sold As Is. On Jun-15-12 at 11:53:54 PDT, seller added the following information: This Vehicle is Certified Compliant with the State of Oregon Emissions Program by the State of Oregon Department Of Environmental Quality As of 6/15/2012. Certificate of compliance will be included with this vehicle On Jun-16-12 at 11:31:47 PDT, seller added the following information:Reserve lowered to $5001.00 This vehicle will be sold to the highest bidder.