1985 Austin Sterling

FX4 Limousine

4 - Cyl.

Automatic

00000000000000000

Gasoline

The London Taxi is known for its practicality, reliability and inextricably linked to the mystique of the city it serves. The vehicle, with its semi-enclosed driver's seat, is a style that has long been appreciated and enjoyed by collectors. The recent series of London cabs was built by Austin, which eventually passed assembly off to the body builders, Carbodies. In the mid-Eighties a group of FX4 cabs were brought to the U.S. by a Michigan company called London Coach USA. Here they were modified to move the steering to the left side and given 2.3 liter Ford Pinto 4-cylinder engines and Fordomatic transmissions. Some were offered in taxi configuration while others, like this one, were offered in "Luxury" trim and upgraded with grey cloth rear compartment upholstery and sold through an upscale retail outlet. Originally fitted with air conditioning, a built-in Sony TV set, a bar with crystal decanters and glasses, opening divider window and even flower vases, it is intriguingly different while also offering a high degree of comfort, luxury and conveniences. This vehicle no longer has a TV, crystal decanter with glasses or a flower vase . . . but if that's your style, there's plenty of room. The front driver's area has a British style cricket (tilt down) seat on the right side as well as a full bench seat and separate cricket seat in the rear. We had the car professionally painted at a cost of nearly $5,000 and driven no more than 300 miles since. It has been professionally maintained by our private mechanic, who is from Ireland and also works as a mechanic for Lexus. The last confirmed sale we have seen of a similar car was listed for $33,500 and sold by Hyman Motors in 2008. The accommodations are surprisingly luxurious as well as large enough for its occupants to travel to events in style and comfort. With a widely available American engine and transmission critical parts are available locally while the London Taxis use in the U.K. ensures that other repair parts are readily available from there. The car is in Pleasanton CA. In addition to the cost of purchase, you handle the shipping to your location. Also note, the cruise control is after market. Although it worked we were acquired the car, it does not currently do so. But rest assured, this is a vehicle that makes a statement. It is perfect for weddings, real estate, street shows or regular use. At the Motor Vehicles office in our town (San Francisco Bay Area), it attracted a crowd, as they had never seen one before. When being driven, it is not missed. If you want to be known, this is the perfect car for business promotion or personal use. In fact, our US Congressman's wife called us inquiring about using it in the annual local parade. If you have any questions, please contact us before bidding, as sale is final. The VIN Number for the vehicle and under which the car is registered in CA is SCRUB75LIFD461950. Because this is not a standard VIN number, Ebay suggested that we show zeros above and provide the actual VIN elsewhere. Thank you and good luck.