Taxis
418 Austin Taxi
October 1960 - 1965 (418)
July 1964 - 1968 (GS35)
June 1971 - 1974 (418 Whizzwheels)
August 1971 - 1972 (GS11)
Many editions were produced, starting with smooth fixed wheels, then shaped fixed wheels and then free-spinning wheels. Cast wheels are not believed to have been fitted but the catalogue number is retained in the switch to Whizzwheels in June 1971. Although they should exist on later models from around 1963-4, it seems that models with free spinning wheels and no driver are very scarce, just one seen since starting this catalogue.
Models from Gift Set 35, issued April 1964, had a driver, initially a uniformed man with peaked hat and later as a Fred Housego figure in bow tie and waistcoat. All GS35 models were shaped free-spinning.
All pre-Whizzwheels models were black with a lemon interior.
Whizzwheels models may have tinted windows and both lemon and red interiors exist. There is also a very deep maroon edition that appears black in some lights and can be difficult to detect in photos. Maroon editions can also have red or lemon interiors.Â
Whizzwheels appear to be only the 'four crowns' type - neither 'pepperpot' nor 'six point star' have been seen.
A really scarce 418 with free-spinning shaped wheels and no driver has finally been found in France. The model has only been seen in photographs but these show an intact base and it is clear that the model is original. Whether it was a Gift Set 25 model for which the driver was accidentally missed (and I am assuming he is not lying in a footwell inside!) or an issued in the box 418 no-one can tell.
430 Ford Thunderbird Bermuda Taxi
July 1962 - 1964
The Ford Thunderbird Open Top in white with Taxi decals and a driver. It was also fitted with a blue, green or yellow plastic canopy, presumably left over from the Ghia-Fiat jolly models.
221 Chevrolet Impala New York Taxi Cab
July 1960 - 1965
This had an aerial, roof sign and door transfers.
Always available in yellow, it is available with smooth and shaped fixed wheels and some quite scarce models have free-spinning wheels.
Titled "Chevrolet" New York Taxi Cab
480 Chevrolet Impala Taxi Cab
June 1965 - 1966
With similar revisions to the Patrol Car a short production run and quite hard to find now.
This edition has a red roof and lower element, yellow top half. The roof sign is the same as before but with TAXI on a white background and the transfers on the doors appear the same. Available with shaped or cast wheels.
Strangely titled "Chevrolet" Taxi Cab. Clearly no longer the New York Yellow Cab.
