1982 Other Makes A11

This taxi was bought new in 1982 by the Checker Cab Company of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. In this last year of production it was ordered with the rare option of factory installed propane fuel. The car saw light daytime duty for 5 years and was taken off the road in 1987. Actual kms are estimated at 175 000. In 2005 the car became the focus of a years long and very extensive frame off restoration by Checker mechanics at the company's facility. Great lengths were taken in the form of professional welding, fabrication, bodywork and paint to bring the vehicle back to it's current robust state of near perfection. While the paint job speaks volumes about the level achieved by the restoration it is the view from the underside that really makes this car a treasure. Professionally boxed frame, precision reproduction floor pans of one eighth sheet steel, new rockers inside and out, all new propane tanks, guages, and lines. In addition to the mountain of work done to the body, the car received complete new brakes, exhaust, radiator, alternator, starter, NOS shocks and tires.
In march of this year I bought the car as the company went out of business. Having been a part time night driver for the company for almost 25 years I was given the first option to buy the car and I have not been disappointed. To register the car in Ontario it needed to pass a stringent mechanical safety inspection. It needed only emergency brake cables to pass. They were missing. The cables installed are new and work well but are non-original and improvised. The 3.8l V6 is a standard Chevy engine and due to a life of propane only fuel it is in near perfect condition. A compression test reveals an even 135psi per cylinder. A few seconds of blue smoke upon start up suggest that valve seals may be leaking. The heavy duty Chevrolet TH400 transmission shifts effortlessly and works great. New u-joints and nice tight suspension contribute to a smooth ride and the steering is easy and predictable.
This vehicle is astonishingly complete considering it's age and history of public service. To my knowledge the list of parts missing are as follows: driver side rear ashtray, front and rear upper bumper trim pieces, driver side triangle window latch handle and the rear interior armrest panels (panels shown are functional but improvised). While the 7 year old paint job shows well there are 3 flaws. There is a row of bubbles appearing along the top of the rear driver side quarter panel. Small bubbles are appearing in one area of the lower passenger side rocker panel. A golf ball size chip is happening near the driver side trunk lid. The plain grey seats are original to my knowledge and show only one rip on the driver seat.
Two non-original parts included are the very cool and functioning Argo meter and period correct 2-way radio with antennae.
This vehicle (as you can imagine) is a sheer delight to drive. Reaction from the general public is uniquely positive, often bordering on the fantastic. It is at once classic in form and function yet exotic in it's sheer rarity. A universal icon of transportation.
We welcome any and all serious inquiries and will endeavor to provide accurate information, photos, etc., upon request. As this vehicle is completely safe, reliable and insured, interested potential buyers could test drive the car and have it inspected at an impartial local facility of their choosing.

Also published at eBay.ca