2003 London Taxi International TXII Gold Taxicab

• First owned by Sultan Qaboos of Oman
• Many special features
• Fully serviced annually with service and MoT history (up to 2020/2021)


Trading as 'The London Taxi Company', LTI (London Taxis International) manufactures and sells London's famous back taxicabs. For many years the classic London 'black cab' was the Austin FX3, introduced in 1948 and built by Carbodies of Coventry, which in 1958/59 was superseded by the Austin FX4. Manganese Bronze Holdings took over Carbodies in 1973 and later reorganised the taxi-making part of its business as LTI. By the mid-1990s the ageing FX4's replacement was long overdue and a new design - the TX1 - was submitted to London 'cabbies' for their approval. As well as an improved interior, the TX1 incorporated several design cues linking it with its much-loved predecessors and was accepted as continuing the marque's traditions. In 2002 it was replaced by the TXII, which used the 2.4-litre Ford Duratorq diesel engine as found in various 'Blue Oval' products and the Land Rover Defender.

Offered here is a 20-year-old purpose-built London taxicab that has covered a mere 1,100 miles from new (an average of 76 miles annually). The vehicle was owned from new by Sultan Qaboos of Oman as part of his vast vehicle collection in London. It was first registered in 2003 and is the London Taxi International TXII Gold model. This was the top-of-the-range model at the time and has the advantage of full air-conditioning front and rear; walnut dashboard; chrome grille and door handles; intercom system, etc. At further expense a centre console was fitted in the rear to house a fully remote, high quality Alpine sound system, and an occasional fold-down passenger seat in the front. The rear compartment also boasts floor lighting and a fold-down wheelchair access ramp.

This taxicab looks, drives, and smells brand new. Kept in dehumidified storage since new, it has had occasional use only yet has always been serviced annually and maintained regardless of how infrequently used. The current vendor purchased the taxicab at Bonhams' MPH auction at Bicester in March 2021 (Lot 360) since when it has continued to be carefully stored.

The taxi comes with service and MoT history (up to 2020/2021) and as one would expect is said to run and drive beautifully. Offered with a V5C document and Certificate of Conformity.