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1981 New York City Checker Taxicab Diecast Kit (1/18) (fs) Brand New in Mint Box
Today, taxicabs come in all makes and models,
but the Checker is easily the most recognizable. Founded in 1922 by
Morris Markin, a Russian immigrant, the Checker Motors Corporation makes
its home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Markin had purchased the Hadley-Knight
chassis plant and the Dort body plant and in June 1923, the first
Checker taxicab rolled off the assembly line. Checker motors produced
several cars other than the taxi. There was the Checker Limousine, the
Landau, and even a station wagon that could be converted into an
ambulance. During world War II, Checker Motors made trailers for
Sears-Roebuck, truck cabs for Ford and a few Army Jeeps. In 1962 Checker
rolled out the A-12 Marathon which came in a sedan, deluxe sedan and a
wagon version. The Marathon was a popular rugged automobile with extra
wide doors and lots of room. In the 70's when oil prices began to rise,
the competition began buying smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. The
Checker Cab only averaged eleven miles to the gallon. On July 12, 1982,
the Checker Motors Corporation made its last cab. After 79 years,
Checker is still in business. Although they're not making cabs anymore,
they're still in automobile body manufacturing. Checker now makes a
number of parts for GM vehicles. They still have
the old showroom there with some neat cars inside.
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