1957 Austin FX3D

Registration No: TUW 799
Chassis No: 235200
MOT: Exempt

• Well known to the London Vintage Taxi Association
• Completed the 1996 HCVS London to Brighton Run
• Will be in use as part of this year's Goodwood Revival taxi service

The Austin FX3D, a distinguished member of London's iconic black cab fleet, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of British craftsmanship in the world of transportation. Introduced in the mid-1950s, the FX3 was commissioned from Austin by taxi dealers Mann and Overton and built by Carbodies of Coventry on a chassis supplied by Austin. The FX3 had a three-door body and an open luggage platform in place of a front passenger seat. As stipulated by the Conditions of Fitness, the FX3 had a tight turning circle of 25 feet (7.6 m) in diameter. The FX’s first prototype had a 1.8-litre sidevalve engine that proved insufficient. The second prototype, the FX2, had a 1.8-litre petrol engine. This was replaced by the FX3, which had a 2.2-litre overhead valve (OHV) petrol engine. Petrol engines were too expensive to operate, so in 1955 Austin developed its own 2.2 litre diesel engine.

First registered on 26 July 1957 to a Mr Sams, an owner driver. This Austin Taxi boasts the 2.2l engine. The car was taxed for both public and private use, which at that time came to £6 11s 3d. Little else is known of the Taxis’ early history, but the vehicle is well known to the London Vintage Taxi Association, having been used regularly. TUW 722 is an older restoration, completed in c.1988. The vehicle was enjoyed for some time before in 1996 completing the 1996 HCVS London to Brighton Run. Acquired by the vendor in July 2019 to add to a small collection of vintage taxis, the car was subject to a conversion to a dynamator in May 2021 and a replacement clutch in August 2023.

Included with the vehicle is a history file containing the original Austin Taxi & Hire Car service manual, a copy of the original sales manifest, a collection of hand-written notes on previous works, various communications with the DVLA regarding the retention of the original registration, MOT certificates from 1989 every year through to 2013, a collection of previous receipts and the current V5C document which displays 1 former keeper. Also included are two boxes containing various spare parts for the vehicle. 'TUW 799' will also be used at this year's Goodwood Revival as part of the Transport Corps.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
andreas.hicks@handh.co.uk
07943584762