Austin FX3
Austin | |
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Austin FX3 (1957)
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FX3 | |
Sales designation: | FX3 |
Production period: | 1948-1958 |
Class : | Middle class |
Body versions : | Pullman - Limousine |
Engines: |
Otto engine : 2.2 liters (49 kW) Diesel engine : 2.2 liters (46 kW) |
Length: | 4401 mm |
Width: | 1715 mm |
Height: | |
Wheelbase : | 2810 mm |
Empty weight : | |
Previous model | Austin FX2 |
successor | Austin FX4 |
The Austin FX3 was a taxi designed for use in UK cities. It is often called the London taxi, but has also been used in other cities across the UK.
The FX3 was a top-driven 2.2-liter R4 gasoline engine (from the Austin A70 ) and an all-steel body of Carbo This offered. It was built in the years 1948-1958. The first prototype of the FX3 with the approval number JXN 841 carried out its test drives together with the FX2 with the approval number JXN 842. Later Perkins and Standard retrofit diesel engines prompted the Austin Motor Company to develop their own diesel engine, which appeared in 1956 and slowly became the standard engine on the FX3. In 1957 and 1958 a number of test vehicles with automatic transmissions were built, but only two of them survived.
Unlike other London taxis, the FX3 does not have a passenger door (on the left-hand side), so there is a free space with a raised vehicle floor next to the driver where a chest or other item of luggage can be parked. Below is the toolbox of the car. The FX3 was very common; over 7,000 were built, mostly for use in London, but a few hundred were also sold to other British cities. Soon after its introduction in 1948, it dominated the market, becoming a typical representative of the black London taxi.
In 1958 the FX3 was replaced by the FX4 , but the old taxis stayed in use for many years after that. In 1997 the FX4 made way for the TX1 .
The Austin FX3 is still maintained by collectors and enthusiasts of the London taxi scene. Many vehicles were also sent to the USA to be used as collectibles, for hobby purposes or as advertising vehicles.
Director Gerald Thomas created a cinematic monument for the FX3 with the comedy It's crazy - these tired taxi drivers .