There’s something irresistible about vehicles that carry the weight of history in every panel and crease. For me, the ultimate example is the Austin FX4—the indomitable London black cab that once owned the streets around Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. I’ve been lucky enough to snag a 1977 model, and although I haven’t turned a wrench on it yet, its story (and future) already has me buzzing with ideas.
A Quick Primer on the Austin FX4
- Debuted: 1958 as the successor to the FX3
- Production span: Nearly 40 years (1958 – 1997)
- Defining traits: Rear-hinged doors, cavernous rear cabin, and a near-bomb-proof diesel drivetrain
- Cultural footprint: More than a taxi—an icon of British industrial design, film cameos galore, and a daily reminder of London’s rhythm for generations
By 1977, the FX4 had already received mechanical tweaks like the trusty 2.2-liter diesel and minor body refinements, but its silhouette remained gloriously unchanged. When you see one, you aren’t just looking at a car—you’re staring at decades of curbside conversations, late-night airport runs, and “mind the gap” reminders shouted through a partition.
How This Particular FX4 Crossed the Pond
According to the paperwork and a few colorful stories from the previous owner, my taxi served duty in London through the 1980s before a private collector shipped it stateside in the early 2000s. It then bounced between two enthusiasts on the East Coast, surviving car shows, parades, and even a stint as a lawn ornament. When I spotted the listing, it still sported its red paint (with plenty of patina), and the inside had everything you would expect as a passenger in the cab. I was sold in under five minutes.
Preservation Mode at Jason and Jack’s
Right now the FX4 lives at Jason and Jack’s—our 1920s service-station-turned-YouTube-HQ. “Preservation mode” means exactly what it sounds like: fluids topped, battery on a tender, periodic engine spins, and zero major teardown until a proper plan (and parts budget) fall into place.
High Hopes & Crazy Ideas
- Rolling Studio: Imagine filming jamzDOTnet interviews in the back seat while cruising rural Pennsylvania—the FX4’s cavernous rear cabin is basically a mobile sound stage.
- Electric Conversion? I can already hear the purists gasping, but a stealth EV swap paired with original taxi looks would be chef’s kiss for modern city runs.
- Pop-Up Coffee Cab: Flip open the passenger door, install a compact espresso setup, and roll up to car meets serving lattes from a London icon.
- Cross-Country “Fare”: Who else can say they hailed a black cab on Route 66?
Whether any of those dreams become reality—or something completely different—one thing’s certain: the FX4’s next chapter will be documented in glorious 4K on the channel.
Why Bother Preserving at All?
Cars like the FX4 bridge generations. They remind us that design can be both utilitarian and soulful, that a vehicle’s service life can outlast the company that built it, and that storytelling is embedded in sheet metal. Keeping this old taxi alive isn’t just a personal hobby—it’s a way of safeguarding a slice of automotive and cultural history for anyone who clicks play on jamzDOTnet.
Stay Tuned
For now, the 1977 Austin FX4 rests comfortably among the Land Rovers, Chevys, and project chaos inside Jason and Jack’s. But trust me, it won’t stay silent for long. Hit that subscribe bell, and soon you’ll see whether I go full concours restoration, wild EV sleeper, or something no one expects—because the meter’s running, and this ride is just getting started.
