Checker Model cars - Collection in Stock

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The Checker Taxi That Saved New York

Discover the little-known history of this American car brand that marked the streets of New York for decades with its legendary yellow taxis.

Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures

Why did Checker cars dominate the New York taxi market for decades?

The Checkers were specifically designed for heavy-duty taxi service, with a long wheelbase offering more passenger space, rugged construction capable of enduring 500,000 miles, and standardized parts for easy maintenance. Their iconic yellow and black design became the symbol of New York City taxis until the 1980s.

What is special about the 1970s Checker Marathon engine?

The Checker Marathons primarily used 350 cubic inch (5.7L) Chevrolet V8 engines, but the unique feature was their special calibration to prioritize reliability and longevity over performance. These engines were tuned to operate at low rpm and withstand the constant stop-and-go traffic of taxi service.

How many Checker A11s were produced and why are they so sought after today?

Only 5,815 Checker A11s were produced between 1958 and 1982, making them extremely rare vehicles on the collector market. Their rarity is explained by their exclusive use as taxis - most were destroyed after years of intensive service, making surviving examples extremely valuable.

What is Checker's connection to the American film industry?

Checkers have become icons of American cinema, appearing in over 2,000 films and television series. Their distinctive silhouette and association with New York City made them the natural choice for filmmakers to evoke urban authenticity. Films such as 'Taxi Driver' and 'Coming to America' have immortalized these vehicles on film.

Why did production of Checker cars stop in 1982?

Production was halted due to new, stricter safety and emissions regulations that required significant investment to modernize production lines. With only 6,000 vehicles sold in 1981, the company lacked the resources to adapt. Checker Motors then transitioned to manufacturing spare parts for other manufacturers.