Description

The Austin FX4 Taxi is perhaps the most iconic and enduring symbol of London’s black cab tradition, serving as the face of the city’s taxi fleet for over four decades. Introduced in 1958 as a replacement for the FX3, the FX4 marked a significant leap forward in design, comfort, and mechanical refinement, laying the foundation for the modern London taxi.

Co-developed by Austin and the specialist coachbuilders Carbodies of Coventry, the FX4 featured a more contemporary and rounded body shape compared to its predecessor. It had four doors (a first for a London taxi), a proper front passenger seat, and a more spacious and comfortable rear compartment that could easily accommodate three adult passengers. A familiar partition separated driver and passengers, with an intercom system in some models, and there was still ample room for luggage.

Mechanically, the FX4 debuted with a 2.2-litre petrol engine from Austin, but it wasn’t long before a diesel version became the preferred choice among taxi drivers due to better fuel economy and durability. Over its long production life, the FX4 was fitted with various powerplants, including units from Austin, Land Rover, and even Nissan in later years. Suspension was soft and compliant, ideal for urban driving, and the steering and turning circle were specially designed to meet strict London taxi licensing requirements—able to turn within just 25 feet.

The FX4 evolved through numerous updates and facelifts. In the 1980s, it became the FX4R, then the FX4S, and eventually the FX4S-Plus, with more modern styling and interior fittings. A significant revamp in the late 1980s led to the launch of the Fairway model, which became the definitive version of the FX4, powered by a bulletproof Nissan 2.7-litre diesel engine. It was smoother, more powerful, and increasingly comfortable while still maintaining the classic shape and rugged character.

The FX4 was not just a taxi; it was a cultural icon. Its familiar boxy silhouette became synonymous with London itself. It was beloved for its reliability, spaciousness, and ability to navigate the tightest urban streets with ease. Beyond Britain, FX4s were exported around the world and even appeared in films, music videos, and tourist postcards.

Production finally ended in 1997 after nearly 40 years and over 75,000 units built, succeeded by the TX1—a spiritual successor retaining much of the FX4’s DNA. Today, the Austin FX4 remains a treasured classic among collectors and taxi enthusiasts, representing a golden era of British motoring history and an enduring symbol of London’s character.