1981 Checker Marathon Taxicab
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Most people think of Checker as an operator of taxicabs, but from 1922 through 1982 they also manufactured cabs. Checkers featured big back seats and trunks and rugged, durable construction. This Checker's basic design dates to 1956 and was substantially unchanged until production ceased in 1982.
Most people think of Checker as an operator of taxicabs, but from 1922 through 1982 they also manufactured cabs. Checkers featured big back seats and trunks and rugged, durable construction. This Checker's basic design dates to 1956 and was substantially unchanged until production ceased in 1982.
Artifact
Taxicab
Date Made
1981
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
90.370.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Twilight Taxi Parts.
Material
Metal
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)
Vinyl
Chromium
Color
Yellow
Black (Color)
White (Color)
Silver (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 62.8 in
Width: 76 in
Length: 204.8 in
Inscriptions
Decal on rear bumper: DO NOT TAILGATE Decal on left & right rear windows: THIS TAXI IS EQUIPPED WITH A / LOCKED SAFE BOX / WHICH DRIVER CANNOT OPEN / TAXIMAN IS NOT REQUIRED TO / CHANGE MORE THAN $5.00 Roof light box: OFF / DUTY / 8P96 / OFF / DUTY Painted on center of rear doors: CHECKER / SPECIAL Decal on left & right front doors: RATES / $1.15 FIRST 1/8 MILE / 15c EACH ADDITIONAL 1/8 MILE/ 15c PER MINUTE / TIME NOT IN MOTION / 50c ADDITIONAL NIGHT CHARGE / PER TRIP--8P.M. TO 6 A.M. (image of statue of liberty in background) Decal on inner plex partion: THIS CAR IS / AVAILABLE FOR / OUT-OF-TOWN CALLS Decal on inner plex partion: PASSENGERS ARE / REQUIRED TO PAY ALL / BRIDGE & TUNNEL TOLLS / IN ADVANCE Decal on inner plex partion: PLEASE KEEP FEET / OFF JUMP SEATS On hubcaps: M / C / C / CHECKER On hood ornament: M / C / C / CHECKER
Specifications
Make & Model: 1981 Checker Marathon taxicab
Maker: Checker Motors Corporation, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Engine: V-6, overhead valves, 229 cubic inches
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Height: 63 inches
Width: 76 inches
Wheelbase: 120 inches
Overall length: 205 inches
Weight: 3680 pounds
Horsepower: 110 at 4200 revolutions per minute
Pounds per horsepower: 33.5
Price: $9,632
Average 1981 wage: $17,197
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 7-1/2 months
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