NYC ON WHEELS
CAR|June 2022
For decades, Checker Taxis defined New York streets. One enthusiast has coveted one since the age of 11 and fulfilled that dream
Wilhelm Lutjeharms
NYC ON WHEELS

1976 CMC A11 CHECKER TAXI

Engine: 5,7-litre, V8 petrol

Transmission: 3-speed automatic, RWD

Power: 223 kW@ 4 800 r/min

Torque: 515 N.m @ 3 200 r/min

Top speed: 165 km/h

Compression ratio: 10.2:1

Fuel consumption: >18 L/100 km

Fuel tank: 87 litres

Weight: >1 740 kg

Manufactured: 1958-1982

It is huge. In pictures, with no-one standing next to the typical Checker Taxi, you may think it is the size of a standard four-door sedan, but it is much longer, wider and taller. Its sole purpose was to offer passengers comfort with an abundance of space, for themselves and their luggage. This piece of East Coast American history is deceptively large.

The vehicle is owned by Dieter Losskarn, a motoring enthusiast, motor and travel writer and content creator for GQ Magazine and his online publication LossKARn. He took me through the history of Checker Taxis and its founder with numerous books, folders and pictures. “It all started in 1922 with a Russian immigrant. They stopped producing cars in 1982. My car is one produced between 1958 and 1982. The body of the taxi was never changed for this entire era. They did upgrade the rest of the car, though, which is why I wanted a Seventies model. It has power brakes and power steering, for example.

Esta historia es de la edición June 2022 de CAR.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición June 2022 de CAR.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE CARVer todo
Toyota Fortuner
CAR South Africa

Toyota Fortuner

Considered by many as the quintessential adventure SUV, the Fortuner is about as strong a used buying proposition as you can get in this segment. We take you through the things to look out for and list two rivals for comparison.

time-read
4 minutos  |
CAR July 2024
MIND THE HURDLE
CAR South Africa

MIND THE HURDLE

With a repaired car and a point to prove, Alex Shahini returned for Round 3 of the Toyota GR Cup at Zwartkops Raceway to achieve a career-best finish

time-read
2 minutos  |
CAR July 2024
KING OF KILLARNEY
CAR South Africa

KING OF KILLARNEY

For four decades, Denis Joubert was directly involved with the creation, development and ongoing success of Cape Town's international motorsport venue, Killarney. Having just celebrated his 90th birthday, we talk to the man whose contribution to South Africa's motor-racing heritage is priceless....

time-read
6 minutos  |
CAR July 2024
Selecting the 4WD SYSTEM for your needs
CAR South Africa

Selecting the 4WD SYSTEM for your needs

As 4WD SUVS and double cabs grow in popularity, more first-time buyers face the challenge of selecting a vehicle with a drivetrain that best meets their requirements. We explain the key differences between the all-wheel drivetrains available

time-read
6 minutos  |
CAR July 2024
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT
CAR South Africa

Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT

Kia's ever-popular budget hatch has recently received a range of exterior and interior updates - we test the entry-level variant to see if it remains a force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive segment

time-read
3 minutos  |
CAR July 2024
Super C
CAR South Africa

Super C

The fastest and most technologically advanced flagship C-Class to date, AMG's C63 S has evolved into an electrified uber-sedan. Has this mighty model forsaken some character in pursuing this status? We strapped our test equipment to the new shooting star.

time-read
4 minutos  |
CAR July 2024
Bentley's Brutes
CAR South Africa

Bentley's Brutes

A break in proceedings during an exclusive preview of the fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT afforded us an opportunity to sample the stately yet hair-raising Bentayga S

time-read
3 minutos  |
CAR July 2024
RUNNING UP THAT HILL
CAR South Africa

RUNNING UP THAT HILL

Now in its 14th year, the Simola Hillclimb continues to combine adrenaline-fuelled competition with showcasing some of the most appealing classics out there in a heady mix that keeps local petrolheads coming...

time-read
3 minutos  |
CAR July 2024
BAND OF BROTHERS
CAR South Africa

BAND OF BROTHERS

Complete with rugged bakkie-based underpinnings that encourage off-the-beaten-track venturing, largely proven powertrains that afford maximum range and towing capability, and brand names with enviable respective reputations for reliability, adventure SUVs remain the favourite of thousands of South Africans.

time-read
7 minutos  |
CAR July 2024
TWELVE OF THE BEST
CAR South Africa

TWELVE OF THE BEST

Ferrari keeps things suitably old-school with its V12-engined 12Cilindri GT

time-read
2 minutos  |
CAR July 2024