One of the world’s most distinctive automobiles, the London taxi has enjoyed a long lifetime with few changes. For a decade, Austin’s familiar FX3 held sway, succeeded in 1958 by the evolutionary FX4. During its long life, manufacture of the FX4 transitioned from Austin to Carbodies, Ltd., in 1982. Two years later, the business was reorganized as London Taxis International.

Over the years, other improvements were made, including diesel power, automatic transmissions, and power front disc brakes. By the 1990s, however, LTI recognized that competition from newer designs like Metrocab made the FX4 increasingly obsolete. Accordingly, development began on an all-new taxi, which culminated in the TXI of 1997. Powered by a Nissan turbo diesel, the TXI adopted retro-modern styling while adhering to all traditional London taxi regulations. In order to meet European emissions regulations, the Nissan engine was replaced with the venerable Ford Duratorq diesel in 2002 in the TXII model.

Americans have had a long fascination with the London taxi, but due to the high development costs of federalization, they remain very rare this side of the Atlantic. In the 1950s, a number of FX3s were imported for trial use in New York, but the approval of standard passenger cars for taxi use in 1954 eroded most of the Big Apple market for purpose-built cabs. Again in 2003, a fleet of TXIIs was federalized, imported, and placed in service in several American cities. Despite popularity in some locales, notably Charleston, South Carolina, where this car was delivered, they remained expensive for fleet use, and only about 250 were sold, although the model remained available through 2009.

Showing only 2,030 miles, this is perhaps the freshest of the TXII taxis in the United States. Impressive in archetypal black, it is fully equipped as imported, features left-hand drive, and remains in excellent condition. The vehicle meets all California, U.S., and Canadian environmental and safety regulations, and the taxi can be registered for any type of use. A North American factory manual is included in the sale.

The turbo diesel engine is efficient, thrifty, and reliable, and the passenger comfort is unsurpassed. London taxis are legendary for their maneuverability, and the TXII is no exception; its 25-foot turning radius is among the world’s tightest. Seating easily accommodates five adults, and a wheelchair ramp is included by design.

The current owner used the taxi to pick up clients at the airport. As the modern incarnation of the classic London taxi, this vehicle is ideally suited for either pleasure or business and promotional use.