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Austin FX4/FL2 ‘Black Cab’ (ADO6)

1965_Austin_FL2_Hire_Car

When work on the FX4 began in 1956, BMC had a head start, with having had many years’ experience with the FX3 and its pre-war antecedents produced by Austin and the Nuffield group.

It’s worth noting here that the FX3 had been commissioned by the influential taxi dealership Mann and Overton, a company whose importance to this story should not be underestimated: as well as having a majority financial stake in the design of the cab, which would see them take the lion’s share of the profits it generated, they also had a stranglehold on the supply and sale of taxi throughout the London area.

Little  introduction’s needed here – the London black cab is a British icon, and one that in all probability will be immortal despite the best efforts of the legislators. It’s a complicated and long story.


Reviews, blogs and news stories

Austin FX4 Black Cab
Austin FX4/FL2 'Black Cab' (ADO6)

The cars : Austin FX4 development story

16 May 2020 Declan Berridge 26

Between 1958 and 1997, the Austin FX4, FL2 and the Carbodies versions were an icon you could buy new and off the shelf. The history and development of the famous […]

Austin FL2
Austin FX4/FL2 'Black Cab' (ADO6)

The cars : Austin FL2 development story

11 July 2020 Declan Berridge 1

Ever seen an Austin FX4 not wearing its illuminated taxi light on its roof? Chances are it’s an Austin FL2, the black cab designed for hire and reward drivers. Declan Berridge […]

Austin Allegro (ADO67)

History : BMC, BL and Rover production figures

30 September 2017 Keith Adams 29

Ever wanted a full breakdown of BMC>MGR production figures, but didn’t know where to go? Fear not – AROnline has all the numbers you’ll ever need. […]

Austin FX4/FL2 'Black Cab' (ADO6)

Blog : Carbodies FL2 spotted in the wild

17 June 2013 Keith Adams 9

Andrew Elphick asks when is a black cab not a black cab? Outwardly resembling a regular FX4 taxi (as would be its discreet intention) however the eagle-eyed might spot the […]

AROnline News

News : Classic Black cab – hail one while you can!

4 January 2012 Keith Adams 47

Andrew Elphick This year might be you last chance to hail a FX4 – so flag one down while you still can! Transport for London’s new 2012 air quality strategy […]

Carbodies FX4R
2000/2500

Connections : Carbodies

12 July 2011 Keith Adams 8

Operating from their factory at Holyhead Road in Coventry since 1928, the coachbuilders Carbodies built up an enviable reputation within the motor industry both for the quality of their work […]

Carbodies FX4R
Austin FX4/FL2 'Black Cab' (ADO6)

Austin FX4/FL2 : PCO Conditions of Fitness

12 July 2011 Keith Adams 3

Since 1850, the Public Carriage Office’s Conditions of Fitness have set the standards to which all purpose-built taxicabs licensed for use in London must conform. Naturally, they have been adapted […]

Austin FX4/FL2 'Black Cab' (ADO6)

Austin FX4/FL2 : Rival cabs

12 July 2011 Keith Adams 5

Although the FX4 had little in the way of serious competition (at least until 1980s Metrocab came along), it wasn’t for the want of trying. From the 1950s through to […]

Austin FX4/FL2 'Black Cab' (ADO6)

Austin FX4/FL2 : Proposed replacements

12 July 2011 Keith Adams 2

The FX4 may have enjoyed an epic production run, but that’s not the way it was planned. Like the FX3 before it, the FX4 was only intended to remain in […]

Austin FX4/FL2 'Black Cab' (ADO6)

Austin FX4/FL2 : The specialist conversions

12 July 2011 Keith Adams 7

Being built on a sturdy separate chassis, the FX4 and FL2 – like their predecessors – were well-placed to receive the attention of specialist converters. For a while in the […]

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Austin/MG Metro (LC8)

The cars : Metro Cooper (AKA Monaco) development story

17 May 2022 8

Unbelievably, the Metro Cooper was not offered as a ‘factory-backed’ conversion, even though it came with a blue-chip pedigree. However, there was a good reason why John Cooper Garages ended […]

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