1937 Austin 12/4 'Low Loader' Taxicab

• Used in London by its first owner 1937-1953/54
• Purchased by the current vendor's late father in 1954
• Restored between 2016 and 2019
• Substantial history file

On 1st June 1930, Austin introduced its first taxicabs to the London carriage trade, based on the existing Heavy 12/4 model. Offered with a selection of coachbuilt bodies, the Austin taxi stood over 7' tall and was commonly referred to by its drivers as the 'High Lot'. The 'High Lot' was manufactured for only three years and in 1934 was superseded by the Austin 'Low Loader' taxi with its lowered chassis and redesigned axle, a design manufactured in thousands.

This Austin taxicab was first owned and driven by one Fred Nutt from 1937 until 1953/1954. 'EGO 566' made 6,301 trips as a London taxicab, and during the blitz of WW2 also served as an ambulance. In 1954 the vehicle was purchased by the current vendor's father (its second owner and a member of the Vintage Taxi Club) and used mainly for pleasure, including camping holidays in France and Wales. On a trip from Paris to the French Riviera and back in 1954 the Austin covered some 2,000 miles, while in July of the following year it was involved in a minor collision in Paris (see insurance correspondence on file). In 1985 'EGO' attended the Coventry World Motoring Centenary event.

Our vendor inherited the taxi in 2016 and its restoration would occupy the next three years, being completed in 2019, while more recently (in June 2022) the radiator was re-cored. Related invoices for £4,800 and £1,194 respectively are on file together with the schedule of restoration works. Our vendor describes the engine as running smoothly following restoration, and reports that the chassis is solid and the original interior is in very good condition apart from a small tear in the driver's seat. In all other respects the condition is rated as 'good', although the rear interior light needs rewiring.

Accompanying paperwork includes the original logbook; original taxi fare table; various maintenance invoices, MoTs and insurance documents; letter from the Montagu Motor Museum (1965); assorted other correspondence; magazine article; old/current V5/V5C registration documents; various photographs, etc, etc. Also included in the sale are two jacks; a wire tow-rope; various tools and spare parts; original leather driving mitts; and a spare fuel can and dispensing jug.