NYC ON WHEELS

For decades, Checker Taxis defined New York streets. One enthusiast has coveted one since the age of 11 and fulfilled that dream

- Wilhelm Lutjeharms

1976 CMC A11 CHECKER TAXI

Engine: 5,7-litre, V8 petrol

Transmission: 3-speed automatic, RWD

Power: 223 kW@ 4 800 r/min

Torque: 515 N.m @ 3 200 r/min

Top speed: 165 km/h

Compression ratio: 10.2:1

Fuel consumption: >18 L/100 km

Fuel tank: 87 litres

Weight: >1 740 kg

Manufactured: 1958-1982

It is huge. In pictures, with no-one standing next to the typical Checker Taxi, you may think it is the size of a standard four-door sedan, but it is much longer, wider and taller. Its sole purpose was to offer passengers comfort with an abundance of space, for themselves and their luggage. This piece of East Coast American history is deceptively large.

The vehicle is owned by Dieter Losskarn, a motoring enthusiast, motor and travel writer and content creator for GQ Magazine and his online publication LossKARn. He took me through the history of Checker Taxis and its founder with numerous books, folders and pictures. “It all started in 1922 with a Russian immigrant. They stopped producing cars in 1982. My car is one produced between 1958 and 1982. The body of the taxi was never changed for this entire era. They did upgrade the rest of the car, though, which is why I wanted a Seventies model. It has power brakes and power steering, for example.