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Model Car Austin FX3 London green taxi (ERTL)
Scale 1/43
Used cardboard box
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Austin FX3 London Taxi Green - A British Icon in model car
This 1:43 scale green Austin FX3 London taxi from ERTL represents one of London's most iconic vehicles. This model car perfectly captures the essence of the legendary London taxi that roamed the streets of the British capital for decades, becoming a true cultural icon on par with the red double-decker buses.
A true collector's item , this faithful reproduction is aimed at British car enthusiasts and collectors of historic model cars. It naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to commercial vehicles or icons of urban transport.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Austin FX3 London Taxi
- Brand: Austin
- Year: 1948-1958
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Traditional Green
- Manufacturer: ERTL
- Protective case included: Yes (original cardboard box)
The Austin FX3, Revolutionizing London Transport
The Austin FX3 marked a turning point in the history of London taxis when it was launched in 1948. Designed specifically to meet the stringent requirements of London's Public Carriage Office, the vehicle had to meet specific technical constraints: a turning circle of no more than 8.5 meters, sufficient interior height for a gentleman to keep his top hat on, and a tight separation between the driver and passengers.
Powered by a 42-horsepower 1.2-liter Austin A40 engine, the FX3 offered legendary robustness and remarkable ease of handling on London's narrow streets. Its distinctive body, with its rounded lines and instantly recognizable silhouette, became the archetypal London taxi in the global collective imagination.
With over 7,000 units produced between 1948 and 1958, the Austin FX3 was a resounding commercial success , laying the foundations for what would become a dynasty of British taxis. It notably popularized the traditional green color, well before the widespread adoption of black in later years.
Austin, Pioneer of the British Automobile
The Austin brand, founded in 1905 by Herbert Austin in Longbridge near Birmingham, quickly established itself as one of the pillars of the British automotive industry . In the 1940s, when the FX3 was designed, Austin was going through a period of post-war reconstruction marked by innovation and diversification of its range.
Herbert Austin had built its reputation on producing reliable and affordable vehicles, a philosophy that is perfectly reflected in the FX3. The brand excelled in designing robust commercial vehicles, an expertise that earned it the job of developing the new London taxi. This boom period for Austin coincided with the golden age of the British automobile industry, before its merger with Morris to form the British Motor Corporation in 1952.
When the Green Taxi Conquered the World
The Austin FX3 is intimately linked to a time of transformation in London. In the 1950s, the British capital was recovering from the destruction of World War II and experiencing an unprecedented cultural boom. The green FX3 taxis were a prime witness to this renaissance, transporting workers rebuilding the city as well as the burgeoning stars of British cinema.
A funny anecdote tells of Sir Winston Churchill refusing to get into a black taxi, systematically preferring the green FX3s, which he considered "more British." Paradoxically, this preference of the Prime Minister helped to maintain the tradition of the green color while operators were already beginning to adopt black for practical reasons.
The FX3 also played an unexpected role in British rock history. Many musicians in the 1950s used these taxis to transport their bulky instruments, taking advantage of the generous space and separation from the driver to discreetly rehearse their songs. It is said that some skiffle standards were honed in the back of a green FX3 cruising the streets of London.
Even more surprisingly, the Austin FX3 inspired fashion designers of the time. Its distinctive silhouette and flowing lines influenced the design of some women's accessories of the 1950s, including handbags whose shapes recalled the rounded body of the famous taxi. This influence of automotive design on fashion testifies to the profound cultural impact of this vehicle beyond its simple utilitarian function.
Complete Your British model car Collection
This Austin FX3 is a natural fit for classic British model cars . It fits perfectly with other British automotive icons such as MG model cars or Jaguar models from the same era. For collectors with a passion for commercial vehicles, it is an ideal addition to light commercial vehicle model cars .
Classic car enthusiasts will particularly appreciate its association with other models from the 1950s , a golden age for British motoring. This ERTL model car also fits into a thematic collection dedicated to classic cars from 1950 to 1979 , reflecting the evolution of post-war automotive design.
Aimed at discerning collectors and automotive history enthusiasts, this Austin FX3 will also appeal to fans of British culture. It will delight those who appreciate Austin model cars for their historical authenticity, as well as collectors seeking pieces representative of the golden age of London urban transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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