After 50 years, the end of the road for the classic black cab

Another London institution, the FX4 “Fairway” black cab, is about to go the way of the old double decker Routemaster buses, this time in the name of reducing carbon emissions, and providing a taxi service befitting of the “21st century”.

Famed for its unmistakable engine rattle and nifty 25ft turning circle, the FX4s were designed specifically to comply with transport regulations in London but ended up being driven in cities throughout Britain. They have gradually been made safer, comfier and faster (the first ones would only do 60mph; not much good for the M4 Heathrow run) and, compared with the Noddy-car looks of the new TX series, there is a undeniable nobility about the FX4.

Apparently the FX4 was also available for private purchase, and has been of service to some rather illustrious owners, including Kate Moss…

Black cabs have always been available to private buyers who wanted a bit of anonymity, and the right to drive in taxi lanes. Sid James, Sir Laurence Olivier, Stanley Kubrick and the Duke of Edinburgh drove their own personal cabs long before Moss was outed as an FX4 enthusiast.

You haven’t been in a taxi until you’ve been in a London black cab :)