Checker Model cars - Collection in Stock

Discover Checker model cars

I present to you my collection of Checker Model cars , these iconic yellow New York taxis that have marked American automotive history. On Bernard Models, you will discover a carefully chosen selection of scale models faithfully reproducing these legendary vehicles that crisscrossed the streets of Manhattan for decades.

A specialist dealer at your service

As a car model dealer, I offer collections that reflect my current available inventory rather than exhaustive full ranges. This approach allows me to offer you a selection that is regularly renewed and updated according to arrivals and market opportunities.

The Checker model cars you'll find here are mostly in 1:43 scale, the standard format for collectors, offering an excellent balance between detail and size. I also have a few models in 1:24 and 1:18 scale for those looking for larger pieces, as well as a few in 1:87 (HO scale) for model railroad enthusiasts.

Each model is available in limited quantities , usually between 1 and 2 pieces. This rarity guarantees the exclusivity of your purchase - all the models you see correspond exactly to what I have in stock at the moment.

What you can find in this collection

My selection of Checker Models primarily includes the famous Checker Marathon taxis , the rugged sedans that dominated the American urban landscape. You'll find civilian versions of these vehicles, as well as specialized variants used by utilities and transportation companies.

This collection fits perfectly into the world of French Model cars and foreign models that I offer, offering an interesting contrast with European productions of the same period.

The Fascinating History of Checker Motors Corporation

Checker Motors Corporation, founded in 1922 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, specialized from the outset in the manufacture of passenger vehicles . Morris Markin, a Russian immigrant turned American entrepreneur, bought the struggling company and transformed it into a symbol of the taxi industry.

The flagship model, the Checker Marathon , launched in 1961, quickly became synonymous with New York City taxis. With its high body, spacious doors, and legendary robustness, it perfectly met the demands of intensive urban transport. These vehicles could travel hundreds of thousands of kilometers in the harsh conditions of urban traffic.

Production ended in 1982, marking the end of an era. Checker produced over 120,000 vehicles, primarily taxis, but also ambulances, limousines, and utility vehicles. This exceptional longevity is a testament to the quality and reliability of these distinctive automobiles.

An emblematic anecdote

Checker taxis are an inseparable part of American popular culture. In the 1970s and 1980s, seeing a yellow Checker Marathon on a New York City street was as common as spotting the Statue of Liberty in the harbor. These vehicles have been immortalized in countless Hollywood films, from Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver" to 1980s comedies.

A little-known feature: Checkers were so rugged that they often served as "school cars" for driving lessons in New York City driving schools. Their large size and automatic transmission made them ideal for novices, helping to train generations of American drivers.

Interestingly, despite their association with New York, many Checkers also served in other major American cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles or Boston, adapting to local specificities while retaining their characteristic visual identity.

Complete your collection of Model cars

Checker model cars hold a special place in the world of model cars. They represent a unique piece of automotive history, halfway between civilian vehicles and professional transportation. These scale models are an excellent addition to collections of Ford or Chrysler models from the same era.

For collectors passionate about American cars, Checker Models are a perfect match for models from the 1960s and 1970s . They bring an urban and social dimension to a collection, evoking the hectic life of major American cities.

These Models are of particular interest to collectors specializing in public service vehicles and enthusiasts of automotive social history. They also make an excellent starting point for a thematic collection dedicated to taxis from around the world, complementing the famous French Citroëns or English Austins.

The perfect gift idea

A Checker Model car makes an original gift steeped in history. For Father's Day, a birthday, or Christmas, giving a Model Checker taxi is like passing on a piece of urban America and its automotive heritage. These models appeal to both seasoned collectors and novices curious to discover iconic vehicles that are little-known in Europe.

The iconic look of these instantly recognizable vehicles makes them ideal conversation pieces that immediately evoke the excitement of New York City and the golden age of the American taxi. It's a gift that tells a story and allows you to discover a fascinating chapter in the automotive industry.

Features of our products

• Each product is sold with its base and protective box.
• Made of metal (alloy) for optimum durability
• Faithful reproduction of the original model with attention to detail
• Package carefully packaged and protected to guarantee delivery in perfect condition

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