1929 Austin Stracken High Top Taxi

Allow us to introduce you to our wonderful 1929 Austin Heavy 12 High-Top Taxi. One of the last surviving 'Stracken' models still running in the UK, this vintage workhorse has seen a world war during its time working the London streets and three decades of service to the taxi trade before finally retiring. She's been running for over 80 years, but remains in pristine condition, inside and out, with all the remaining fittings you'd expect to find on a London cab - including a working meter and even the original suitcases used to carry those all important precious items.



Pre-War Elegance & British Styling

As a 7-foot-tall pre-war, hard working licensed taxi cab on the streets of London, you'd expect the Austin High Top to be able to handle any situation with grace and it does - and then some!

With a massive rear space that easily seats five (including a bridal gown!), acres of legroom and soft red leather interior, our Austin gives you timeless style and elegance for that special day. It's got a rear folding hood, essentially becoming semi convertible for those lovely summer drives and due to the design of the car, passengers feel no wind resistance - important for that carefully styled hair-do!

In 1929, dealers Mann and Overton sponsored a new Austin cab for London, based on the successful 12/4 car. Nicknamed the 'High Lot' because of its height it was an immediate success, significantly outselling Beardmore and Morris-Commercial. A new model, the LL 'Low Loader' appeared in 1934 and became the most numerous model of the decade, being cheap to buy, reliable and easily obtainable. Beardmore had moved to North London and its cabs were much more expensive than the Morris-Commercial or the Austin. Neither Beardmore nor Morris-Commercial, however could produce cabs in the same numbers as Austin.

THE SECOND WORLD WAR

During the Second World War the majority of younger cabmen were called up into the forces and production of new cabs ceased for the duration. The taxi trade was one area during the war where women did not take over a man's role, as there was no time for the women to undergo the extensive 'Knowledge of London' topographical test that the men had completed. A large number of cabs, along with their drivers were requisitioned by the Auxiliary Fire Service to tow trailer pumps. However, the cabs were underpowered for the job and most were returned to the ranks, although some drivers remained in the AFS and served with much distinction. For the trade in general, the remaining cabmen had to drive cabs that were maintained to the best of their owners' limited resources on severely rationed petrol in blacked-out, bomb-damaged streets. Although servicemen, including the Americans provided some extra work, the trade again went into decline.

Our car dates from 1929 - the same year the Labour government was formed, the first BBC TV transmissions were pioneered, the first London telephone boxes were installed, Wall Street experienced it biggest crash and Al Capone was arrested in America!

London Taxis Post-War

We strongly recommend making an appointment to view our Austin Taxi - as with all our cars - to fully experience the sheer scale and grandiose size of the car. As a rare 7 foot tall 'High-Top', the Austin really is imposing, and with all its original features, is a wonderful wedding carriage. Call us on 07885 077882 or send us an email and we can make an appointment for you straight away. The Garage at 119 is open seven days a week 10am-9pm.