Prototype Austin Taxi has Automatic Transmission
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T"prototype of a new taxi, the FX4, which is to be produced by the Austin Motor Co., Ltd., was put into service by York Way Motors, Ltd.,. this week, Approved by the Commissioner of Police as complying with the Conditions of Fitness regulations for operation in the Metropolis, the taxi is of strikingly modern appearance with full-width bodywork and a door to enclose the traditional luggage platform beside the driver.
Although seeming at first glance much larger than previous taxis, the overall length of the new model is only 4 in. greater, bumper to bumper, than its immediate predecessor, whilst the width is the same. The wheelbase, too, is unaltered giving a turning circle of under 25 ft. between kerbs.
Easy access to the passenger compartment is provided by large rear hinged doors. Although the vehicle is licensed to carry only four passengers, the main rear seat can comfortably accommodate three people and two fold-down occasional seats are fitted on the back of the driver's bulkhead. The occasional seats are more generous than is normal and are suitable for use on long journeys. The floor of the rear compartment is sloped down from the centre line to eliminate the need for.a transmission tunnel.
A large back window, wind-down door lights and fixed quarter lights provide good all-round vision for the passengers and a light interior. Driver comfort has obviously received much consideration in the design of the body. Fitting a door to the luggage platform has made it possible to dispense with the usual partition on the driver's left, giving more elbow room and better visibility.
The entirely new body is mounted on a chassis 'which incorporates features not previously seen on Austin taxis. Hydraulic brakes, only recently permissible for this work in London, are now fitted and independent front suspension replaces a beam axle. The power unit is the B.M.C. 2.2-litre oil engine producing 55 b.h.p. at 3,500 r:p.rn.. coupled to a fully automatic transmission of Borg-Warner manufacture.
Use of an automatic transmission system is intended to reduce driver fatigue. Eighteen taxis fitted with this transmission are already in service with York Way Motors and have proved most successful.
The first to be purchased has now completed more than 70,000 miles, during which no failures have occurred and only routine adjuStments have been required. This engine-transmission combination is intended to be standard equipment for the production vehicles, although a petrol engine will be offered as an option.
The new taxi, although designed to comply with the special regulations for London, should appeal also to the pro. vincial operator by virtue of its attractive and modern styling. combined with good passenger accommodation and luggage space.