Description
HERE at Martin Howey Classics (Est. 26 years), we just love the quirky and the offbeat when it comes to classic vehicles. Strange though it may seem, I am no stranger to this make and model having had three of them in the past. This is a Beardmore London Taxi Mark VII. Engineered to a high quality and aimed at the luxury taxi side of things, mainly in the capital city, Beardmore built (should I say coach built) around a mere 700 models from the mid-1950s until 1966. This is a very late build and, as such, came with a passenger door (wow). There was still the same space inside that door for luggage. However, prior to that, there had been no door on that side at all!
All Mark VIIs were powered by the tried, tested and basically bullet-proof Ford Consul 3-speed 1703cc petrol engine. And that is exactly what we have here. Oodles of fun to drive, turning on the proverbial "sixpence" with that amazing "Taxi turning circle."
Naturally enough, the few survivors are mega popular as wedding cars, given that the space in the rear of the cab is so immense. Standard London taxi style with a rear seat set way back, loads of floor space and the world famous two pull-down seats facing to the rear.
This is a delightful example. Just 2 owners from new. The first for 40 years and the second for 20. Hard to believe I know! Lovely driver showing great oil pressure. She has spent the past couple of years in storage and will need the brakes sorting. But I have driven her maybe SIX TIMES OR MORE around the compound today just for the sheer fun of it. Ford Consul gears and this three on the tree. And let's not forget reverse. All working spot on. Great chassis (These Beardmores are built like tanks) and with just 57, 000 miles on the clock.
What more can I say? Just to point out that some paintwork shows wear, mainly the rear of the roof. But nothing that is not easily sorted. It is not meant to be a show car, but could earn you damned good money as a wedding car.
Thanks for reading. I am Martin and I can also assist with delivery. Please contact me to ask for a quote. the details below).
