THE AMERICAN TAXI—A CENTURY OF SERVICE

HISTORIC MINIATURE TAXI GALLERY

There are countless miniature Taxicabs available on the enthusiast market . Since the first real cabs appeared on the streets of major cities all over the country, Toy manufacturers have been making models for kids to enjoy. Different scales, materials, features and colors. Since the real taxis were painted in many different colors to attract fares , miniature cabs were also bright colored and loved by young kids. We've decided to show just a few fine examples of those magnificent toys and we suggest for those interested in learning more, to refer to the numerous books available on that subject.

1900 "Meier" Hansom cab Horse Draw Taxi ( Penny Toy) 4 inches long.

1927 "Nonpareil" Checker Cab (Tin Toy ) 6 inches long.
Rare version with checker board and rear doors logo.

1924 "Arcade" Cast Iron Yellow Cab bank with driver (8 inches long)

1927 "Strauss" Green Checker Cab ( Tin Toy) 8 inches long.

1926 "Arcade" Cast Iron Yellow Cab with driver (Beltline version) 8 inches long.

1981 Checker Cab , City of Los Angeles, from "Sunstar" (1/18 scale)

1981 Checker Cab, City of New York, from "Sunstar" (1/18 scale)
(Note: There is another Checker cab in that series, not featured here:
City of Atlanta, Yellow and white).

1981 Checker Cab , City of Chicago ,from "Sunstar" (1/18 scale)

1957 De Soto Firesweep "Fleetway cab" from Western Models. Metal (1/43 scale)

1953 Checker cab model A6, from Victory models, "La familia" series. Made of resin (1/43 scale) One of the best detailed 1950's Checker model ever produced.

1974 Checker Cab (New York) from "Western Models" (1/43 scale)
Ref: WMS55. Metal. With custom decals and headlights.

1949 Checker New York cab "National Transportation" from "Brooklin Models Ltd " England -Ref: 89B. A another beautiful detailed dye-cast model (1/43 scale)

1940 Packard taxi from "Rextoys" (1/43 scale)

1946 De Soto "Skyview" from the "Sun Motor Co." (1/43 scale). Note that sun roof, passengers and luggage rack have been added on this model.

1949 Checker New York cab "Yellow" from "Brooklin Models Ltd" -England-Ref: 89A.
A beautiful detailed dye-cast model (1/43 scale)

This article is published by courtesy of Iconografix, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Copyright 2006, Iconographix, Inc., Hudson, Wisconsin

The American Taxi - A Century of Service by Ben Merkel and Chris Monier is available through:
Oldee Taxi Instruments
(718) 482-6533
http://www.taxidepot.com/servlet/Detail?no=49

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