@@conradharcourt8263 I can remember the expiry date on our St John's Ambulance first aid certificates were always until the "date shewn hereon", well into the 1990s, maybe even later. The spell checker on my computer doesn't recognise the word either, but it is a correct alternative spelling.
Was in quite a few maths textbooks when I was at school in the 70s as well "shew that AB = 2CD" 🙂 I can also remember an English usage guide at the time with a tip of: "'Show' is now the usual spelling. Don't shew off by using the old one!"
For the fun of it, I bought a 1955 FX3 in the mid sixties. on the way home it developed a water leak and overheated. Later I was adjusting the brakes on a gentle hill. A built in feature was an in-built hydraulic jack on all four wheels. You pumped a lever in the engine compartment; pressed a button to release. I'd not set the hand brake or blocked the wheels and it rolled into my sister's brand new consul. To get it started I had to drip ether into the air intake. It still had the for hire sign and often people would hale me. All my friends would be in the back snogging their girlfriends while I was stuck in the front like an idiot driving them! I didn't keep it long!
8:47 London cabbies back then would have most likely partaken of the fare offered in the many (at that time) cabmen's shelters, a few of which are still in use today.
All of my family were Black Cab drivers in the 50's and 60's. One Christmas my sister caught measles, Dad got out the FX3 and set out with me in the back from S. London. The mission ... to buy medicine from the only pharmacy open ... in the West End. Driving by Wandsworth Common the FX3's frozen, rock hard cross-ply tyres hit black ice. Next thing, we skidded around, facing the wrong way on the other side of the road. We made it there and picked up the med. Built in hydraulic jacks, jumping on the luggage rack, clicking over the blue meter flag, looking for pennies down the back seat, carrying Stars and Prime Ministers. Another world. We grew up on tghe earnings from tje good old FX.
I instantly pictured in my mind Hercule Poirot climbing out of that and tipping his hat. I bet that diesel will literally run forever. What an appealing car - great video Matt!!
I am a very early 60's child and remember the last of these rattling about my home town presumably as was the tradition when too worn for London they were sold into the provinces to live on. I also remember seeing the early FX4's coming onto the road
I recall seeing these types of taxis on "Carry on Cabby" when I first saw that three years ago and I was curious about the missing left front door. It's good to see one of these still exists given how long it's successor stayed around.
Great video. The luggage compartment was designed to accommodate large trunks and big suitcases. The following FX4 alsp has no front passenger seat, but a luggage pen, albeit with a closing door. When turning off the engine it's better to stop fuel supply to the pump first and then turn off the ignition, to avoid damage to the dynamo/alternator.
Lovely old vehicle. I remember travelling in these back in the 50`s. It also reminds me of some of the old coaches I used to drive "back in the day". The way you start and stop it and the old fashioned controls, particularly on old Leyland, Bedford and AEC coaches. It`s best to pull the "stop" before you switch off the ignition, just to be pedantic.
I've not driven a vintage taxi like this, but a few years ago I did get the chance to drive a vehicle which would have been contemporaneous - a 1954 Bedford RLHZ Self Propelled Pump - the unique and much loved, 'Green Goddess.' (the 4x4 version) It was exhausting but absolutely exhilarating! A real treasure of British history and one of the happiest days I've spent in my driving-life.
Like another commentator I am old enough to remember the last of these still in use as taxis in the 1960’s. The open plan luggage area always fascinated me as a child. The FX4 was a logical development of this vehicle which continued with similar design flaws, particularly driver ergonomics. One classic car with a similar turning circle is the Volvo 144, back in the early 70’s Volvo used this feature in its advertising.
Dad had and when it was past it's best, I entered it into a an autocross event! Stupidly I strapped myself in with belt under seat swap, only to find myself hitting the roof with swp tight on my bum when I hit bump! But I was young and it raised a laugh! Great memories of a great taxi. Rob
Beautiful piece of British car history! Love the diesel clattering, but damn it's loud inside in the cab. Another great review Matt, enjoyed it as always. Keep them coming.
The 4 Door version was the FL1 Hire Car. My father used one as a taxi. They were very similar but could carry 6 passengers. He converted it from petrol to 2.2 BMC Diesel. He said they were hard work to drive and described them as a 'Small lorry'. Around here the drivers called them 'steam pigs'.
Shewn is the archaic version of shown. But it was archaic back in the 50's. Perhaps it was traditional in the world of fair paying transport eg: railways.
7:18 That fire exintiguisher is pump operated and whilst I appreciate how it might not have the water pressure but it sthill wont expire like modern ones where they lost pressure as time passes!
Never heard of the key being called a church handle before when working in the bodywork trade it was known as as a escutcheon key to fit the escutcheon lock but your young and I’ll let you off lol
The passenger compartment was built in the days when the regulations still stated that a gentleman should be able to wear his top hat in the cab. If you study the base of the luggage area you would notice it was designed to accommodate huge steamer trunks that were still popular before the jet airliners brought about the demise of passenger ships If you steer using the correct pull push method on the rim your wrist does not foul the indicator switch. So, unskilled driver, not bad design. Without power steering you learned to work with the vehicle not fight against it.
Fascinating video, fantastic vehicle. A lot more attractive and interesting than a modern TX4, Vito, Prius or Octavia. I actually prefer the FX3 to the FX4 in terms of styling.
I've driven the Austin TX1 SE and when it needed to be serviced Mann Overton gave me a Austin FX4, I was a driver/ front of house security officer for Blind Veterans UK formerly known as Saint Dunstans charity for the war blnd based in Paddington.
Had to drive a 4 wheel drive truck that was stuck in low range once, maximum speed of 18 mph in 4th. Engine overheated in less than 5 miles.... What a Day. Those chaps must have had solid steel backsides, and nerves of ice....
I had an FX4 Fairway here in Australia as a daily driver & also for weddings, promotions etc . Great old vehicle. Luckily it had AC, PS ,PM, PW, CL. Sold it a few yrs ago & now regret it
The Austin cabs are curious vehicles to anyone interested in transport. Note that this version was incredibly archaic even when new. Rod brakes, beam front axle, upright design. All these details were already history on mainstream cars by the early 1950s. That said, the petrol version had the 16hp 2.2 ohv which when introduced by Austin in 1939 was quite advanced. The more familiar FX4 too was a curious creation being equally historic in its time, especially towards the end of production. (It was something to do with the Met police regulations I believe.)
Ah bet yer Lugs are still ringing. Never been to London(by Choice) ergo never sat in one of those. First of all the Stop Lever? That my dear chap was called a strangler back in the day. I used to drive a mark 1 Transit yes a mark 1 and it had a 2.2ltr Perkins normal diesel . No speed but would pull you up a wall. Oh and no power steering. Lovin the nostolgia and the vid. Thanks . Later.🤓
Just as you pull up to the end of the drive at the beginning, and brake - with a squeak - I was suddenly reminded aurally of an old film. Infuriatingly I can't quite put my finger on what it was! Ha! Might be an old episode of a radio drama? Paul Temple? Going to bug me. Good video!
lol, you pull the stop lever first to kill the compression, that stops the engine then you turn off the ignition i believe, running the engine with the ignition off will kill thy dyno or alt, whatever is fitted,,,,,,,
London Taxi drivers must have been athletes short with massive upper body strength and almost deaf also because of the Knowledge a virtual street directory in there now l was a courier for 35 years and still had to use a street directory but for a London Taxi driver that he of she had to have the whole street directory in there head great respect l know now Taxi drivers have a lot of comforts in the new taxis still it's a hard job
Shewn” is an archaic spelling of the word “show”. It is a verb that means to establish the validity of something through an example, explanation, or experiment.
The original John would have driven a very un genuine taxi like that in the 1950's. He'd have got them in the back shown them his tiddler and with a bit of luck the strumpet would have shown her ankle for a free journey to her desired destination.
Imagine driving one all day long. And the luggage exposed 😂 Different times. Ergonomically a disaster for the driver. Never seen a start & stop mechanism like that. Did London Taxis ever get a turbo diesel? The oldest one I remember was the later FX4…..which tho better still had many of the same limitations. Not sure but FX4 may have been the first of offer automatic transmission as an option. Think they also had an indicator big lever switch in the middle of the dashboard…bearing in mind that was a fully enclosed front.
Shewn is the sort of obsolete spelling beloved of old school lawyers like my father, who used it in preference to shown right up to the end of his life.
Yes Matt workers sat bolt upright because they had a backbone in the old days 😁 and it’s a well known fact that Sign language was invented in the back of a London Taxi of that era , now I know why 😂, Cor Blimey Guv it’s noisy.
I'm amazed at the poor driver ergonomics of this car in comparison to the otherwise excellent design features of a purpose-built vehicle. I'm surprised the driver is not still sat out in the elements for all the lack of consideration his comfort and visibility needs have been given.
London cabs were the best. Along with the red phone booths they WERE London in its (much) better days. US had the old Checker cabs in the 40s through 80s - also like a limo in terms of roominess. You can still see them in old movies. Oh and nobody was going to steal your luggage in those days as police then actually arrested criminals and they'd definitely spend a serious amount of time in prison.
What's wrong with you? Seriously, what's wrong with you? Not once did you say 'you'll never believe who I had had in the back of here the other day'. Or, rattle on about how you could run the country much better than any politician. Missed opportunity!🙄
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10:41 'shewn' was an older spelling of 'shown'. Railways companies often used it, the GWR in particular.
I'm sure that signs saying 'Tickets must be shewn' could be seen on the Underground into the 1990s at least 🙂
@@conradharcourt8263 I can remember the expiry date on our St John's Ambulance first aid certificates were always until the "date shewn hereon", well into the 1990s, maybe even later. The spell checker on my computer doesn't recognise the word either, but it is a correct alternative spelling.
Was in quite a few maths textbooks when I was at school in the 70s as well "shew that AB = 2CD" 🙂 I can also remember an English usage guide at the time with a tip of: "'Show' is now the usual spelling. Don't shew off by using the old one!"
For the fun of it, I bought a 1955 FX3 in the mid sixties. on the way home it developed a water leak and overheated. Later I was adjusting the brakes on a gentle hill. A built in feature was an in-built hydraulic jack on all four wheels. You pumped a lever in the engine compartment; pressed a button to release. I'd not set the hand brake or blocked the wheels and it rolled into my sister's brand new consul. To get it started I had to drip ether into the air intake. It still had the for hire sign and often people would hale me. All my friends would be in the back snogging their girlfriends while I was stuck in the front like an idiot driving them! I didn't keep it long!
Carry on Cabby !
Top notch Carry On! Glam Cabs the rivals…..brilliant
GLAM cabs were also tje first time that the ford cortina was seen on film.
8:47 London cabbies back then would have most likely partaken of the fare offered in the many (at that time) cabmen's shelters, a few of which are still in use today.
All of my family were Black Cab drivers in the 50's and 60's. One Christmas my sister caught measles, Dad got out the FX3 and set out with me in the back from S. London. The mission ... to buy medicine from the only pharmacy open ... in the West End. Driving by Wandsworth Common the FX3's frozen, rock hard cross-ply tyres hit black ice. Next thing, we skidded around, facing the wrong way on the other side of the road. We made it there and picked up the med.
Built in hydraulic jacks, jumping on the luggage rack, clicking over the blue meter flag, looking for pennies down the back seat, carrying Stars and Prime Ministers. Another world. We grew up on tghe earnings from tje good old FX.
I instantly pictured in my mind Hercule Poirot climbing out of that and tipping his hat. I bet that diesel will literally run forever. What an appealing car - great video Matt!!
You'll never guess who I had in the back of me cab the other week...
That Matt fella from Furious Driving...
I am a very early 60's child and remember the last of these rattling about my home town presumably as was the tradition when too worn for London they were sold into the provinces to live on. I also remember seeing the early FX4's coming onto the road
I can remember one in my northern home town as well. The FX4 must have felt like a massive upgrade for the drivers in the day!
The boot key is a Carriage Key, as used to lock railway carriage doors, and unlock Ford Popular boot lids.
The Ladykillers - imagine having luggage being so easily accessible like that today, stuck in a traffic jam?
If you want some luggage just take your pick from the airport carousel!
@@Phiyedough yeah like Arthur Daley!
I love that film!
Was featured in "Carry on Cabbie?"
The FX3 does have one space-age feature, the indicators on the roof which remind of the light-up "ears" or dome lights on a Dalek.
I had that Alec Douglas-Home in the back the other day, Gov. 😁👍
I recall seeing these types of taxis on "Carry on Cabby" when I first saw that three years ago and I was curious about the missing left front door. It's good to see one of these still exists given how long it's successor stayed around.
Great video. The luggage compartment was designed to accommodate large trunks and big suitcases. The following FX4 alsp has no front passenger seat, but a luggage pen, albeit with a closing door.
When turning off the engine it's better to stop fuel supply to the pump first and then turn off the ignition, to avoid damage to the dynamo/alternator.
Lovely old vehicle. I remember travelling in these back in the 50`s. It also reminds me of some of the old coaches I used to drive "back in the day". The way you start and stop it and the old fashioned controls, particularly on old Leyland, Bedford and AEC coaches. It`s best to pull the "stop" before you switch off the ignition, just to be pedantic.
Collins deems "shew" to be a now archaic British English variant of "show". I guess it just adds to the period charm of this FX3.
I've not driven a vintage taxi like this, but a few years ago I did get the chance to drive a vehicle which would have been contemporaneous - a 1954 Bedford RLHZ Self Propelled Pump - the unique and much loved, 'Green Goddess.' (the 4x4 version) It was exhausting but absolutely exhilarating! A real treasure of British history and one of the happiest days I've spent in my driving-life.
Like another commentator I am old enough to remember the last of these still in use as taxis in the 1960’s. The open plan luggage area always fascinated me as a child. The FX4 was a logical development of this vehicle which continued with similar design flaws, particularly driver ergonomics. One classic car with a similar turning circle is the Volvo 144, back in the early 70’s Volvo used this feature in its advertising.
Dad had and when it was past it's best, I entered it into a an autocross event! Stupidly I strapped myself in with belt under seat swap, only to find myself hitting the roof with swp tight on my bum when I hit bump! But I was young and it raised a laugh! Great memories of a great taxi. Rob
Wow! Talk about a different time. Cabbies must have been smaller, stronger and deafer.
My Dad drove one. 5'8" just the right size and no .... not deaf until old, old age (90+) 😊
Beautiful piece of British car history! Love the diesel clattering, but damn it's loud inside in the cab. Another great review Matt, enjoyed it as always. Keep them coming.
Wasn't it the "Hackney Carriage Office" that set the rules for taxi design?
I was at least expecting a Sid James impression! 🤣
The 4 Door version was the FL1 Hire Car. My father used one as a taxi. They were very similar but could carry 6 passengers. He converted it from petrol to 2.2 BMC Diesel. He said they were hard work to drive and described them as a 'Small lorry'. Around here the drivers called them 'steam pigs'.
Shewn is the archaic version of shown. But it was archaic back in the 50's. Perhaps it was traditional in the world of fair paying transport eg: railways.
Wow, you sure get a diverse and interest selection of vehicles to test.
I somehow get the feeling it would feel completely at home in 1938.
London taxis have always been “fashionably retro” in design though - it’s part of their charm. So here we have a 1930’s styled taxi from the 1950’s.
7:18 That fire exintiguisher is pump operated and whilst I appreciate how it might not have the water pressure but it sthill wont expire like modern ones where they lost pressure as time passes!
Never heard of the key being called a church handle before when working in the bodywork trade it was known as as a escutcheon key to fit the escutcheon lock but your young and I’ll let you off lol
A Great TAXI ! I Went in one When i was a Young Boy in 1954 ! ( a Surrey Boy )😊
The passenger compartment was built in the days when the regulations still stated that a gentleman should be able to wear his top hat in the cab.
If you study the base of the luggage area you would notice it was designed to accommodate huge steamer trunks that were still popular before the jet airliners brought about the demise of passenger ships
If you steer using the correct pull push method on the rim your wrist does not foul the indicator switch. So, unskilled driver, not bad design. Without power steering you learned to work with the vehicle not fight against it.
Brilliant Matt. I really enjoyed that. Thanks.
I remember those older cabs so well ,always smelt of leather and cigar smoke 😊😊
I had the engine and gearbox out of one in a 1970 pontiac it did 55mpg and 70 mph as long as there were no hills!
I presume some fares were settled by parting the legs on the volumous rear seat 😂
Cool cab, well done, Matt! 👌
Blimey! I bet that's appeared in a few old films!
Fascinating video, fantastic vehicle. A lot more attractive and interesting than a modern TX4, Vito, Prius or Octavia. I actually prefer the FX3 to the FX4 in terms of styling.
Unleash your inner Sid James, gov!
My Grandad put a diesel engine in a Humber Super Snipe and people kept jumping in the back at the lights thinking he was in one of those.
Carry on cabby! I used to be a taxi driver. I had 3 mk3 cavaliers ,and they were petrol. How things changed over the years.
Shewn is an archaic version of shown.
I've driven the Austin TX1 SE and when it needed to be serviced Mann Overton gave me a Austin FX4, I was a driver/ front of house security officer for Blind Veterans UK formerly known as Saint Dunstans charity for the war blnd based in Paddington.
Suits you Matt lovely vintage taxi ..
Best of luck with everything on the channel 👍👍👍
I reckon a civilian version of this with four doors would make an ideal car for me!
Best wishes from George
That was fun, Matt 👍
Matt tackles 7UP!😃
The engine was a austin 2-2 diesel
Carry on cabby !
My Dad drove one of these in Liverpool. He had to go to work with a hot water bottle to keep warm in the winter.
Had to drive a 4 wheel drive truck that was stuck in low range once, maximum speed of 18 mph in 4th. Engine overheated in less than 5 miles.... What a Day. Those chaps must have had solid steel backsides, and nerves of ice....
I had an FX4 Fairway here in Australia as a daily driver & also for weddings, promotions etc . Great old vehicle. Luckily it had AC, PS ,PM, PW, CL. Sold it a few yrs ago & now regret it
Have you driven a Beardmore to compare them?
Love it, I want one. Bet theres never been any rust on it because of the aluminium everywhere?!
This was restored a few years ago, hence the condition
The Austin cabs are curious vehicles to anyone interested in transport. Note that this version was incredibly archaic even when new. Rod brakes, beam front axle, upright design. All these details were already history on mainstream cars by the early 1950s. That said, the petrol version had the 16hp 2.2 ohv which when introduced by Austin in 1939 was quite advanced. The more familiar FX4 too was a curious creation being equally historic in its time, especially towards the end of production. (It was something to do with the Met police regulations I believe.)
Ah bet yer Lugs are still ringing. Never been to London(by Choice) ergo never sat in one of those. First of all the Stop Lever? That my dear chap was called a strangler back in the day. I used to drive a mark 1 Transit yes a mark 1 and it had a 2.2ltr Perkins normal diesel . No speed but would pull you up a wall. Oh and no power steering. Lovin the nostolgia and the vid. Thanks . Later.🤓
Just like the FX4 they were used in other cities as well.
I vaguely remember these when they were in use and I don't think they all had that partition between the driver and the luggage area.
A very handsome vehicle I think, I'd guess 225k or even more, I'd love one.
Thanks for this fantastic review of yesteryear. More of these please, less of the milk float reviews 👍🤔
Just as you pull up to the end of the drive at the beginning, and brake - with a squeak - I was suddenly reminded aurally of an old film. Infuriatingly I can't quite put my finger on what it was! Ha!
Might be an old episode of a radio drama? Paul Temple? Going to bug me.
Good video!
Lots of the noises reminded me of Postman Pat's van! 😆
lol, you pull the stop lever first to kill the compression, that stops the engine then you turn off the ignition i believe, running the engine with the ignition off will kill thy dyno or alt, whatever is fitted,,,,,,,
My father had a rad blind on his 100E. I believe they were common in ye olden years.
The 'suicide' rear doors were specified in the hackney carriage regs so a driver could open the door and remain in his seat.
Not convinced Matt has a license
Could be a fake taxi…..
I wonder what Retropowercars could do with this ?
London Taxi drivers must have been athletes short with massive upper body strength and almost deaf also because of the Knowledge a virtual street directory in there now l was a courier for 35 years and still had to use a street directory but for a London Taxi driver that he of she had to have the whole street directory in there head great respect l know now Taxi drivers have a lot of comforts in the new taxis still it's a hard job
Shewn” is an archaic spelling of the word “show”. It is a verb that means to establish the validity of something through an example, explanation, or experiment.
That horn drew a fair bit of current didn't it? (see the ammeter flick!)
As driven by Adam Strange (Anthony Quayle), in the 1968 ITC series "Strange Report".
Just going to... get my coat...
Euston station please.
(Where you could board the train to Glasgow)
From Liverpool Street station, (where you arrived in London from Harwich.)
I assume with that engine and those gear ratios, that car would be next to impossible to stall
George Bernard Shaw wrote "shewing" instead of showing in Pygmalion.
And when this was a modern taxi De Havilland launched the comet jetliner.
It's a crazy comparison but cars back then looked so dated.
How do you lock the window on these things, with no winder ?
I don't remember there being a lock ... the handle was on the inside?
Does it also contain a radio to listen to ?🇬🇧
No, nothing so decadent
@@furiousdriving well they should have. I know the radio they had were little walkie talkie ones 🇬🇧
25 in london? max is 20 virtually everywhere!
The original John would have driven a very un genuine taxi like that in the 1950's. He'd have got them in the back shown them his tiddler and with a bit of luck the strumpet would have shown her ankle for a free journey to her desired destination.
The appearance of the front end is much the same as the 1950s Austin 10.
Perfect for me at 5'7" and I'm half deaf 😂👍🇮🇪
You need one!
Imagine driving one all day long.
And the luggage exposed 😂
Different times.
Ergonomically a disaster for the driver.
Never seen a start & stop mechanism like that.
Did London Taxis ever get a turbo diesel?
The oldest one I remember was the later FX4…..which tho better still had many of the same limitations. Not sure but FX4 may have been the first of offer automatic transmission as an option. Think they also had an indicator big lever switch in the middle of the dashboard…bearing in mind that was a fully enclosed front.
Did u use the tea shelf?😊
What tea shelf!
The driver had also to juggle with the weird British coin system
Im a taxi driver but I can't see myself driving one of these vehicles all day
Another great video has always matt 👍
Darlek indicators
Shewn is the sort of obsolete spelling beloved of old school lawyers like my father, who used it in preference to shown right up to the end of his life.
10:13 beep! beep!
Do you review any cars I might have one you might like to do a review on one.
Piccadilly Circus please driver. And dont spare the horses!
The church key, until shewn, confused me. In America that's a bottle opener - not really conducive to opening a lock.
Yeah, I doubt that exterior stowed luggage would last very long in modern London.
The taxi my dad drove 😢
Yes Matt workers sat bolt upright because they had a backbone in the old days 😁 and it’s a well known fact that Sign language was invented in the back of a London Taxi of that era , now I know why 😂, Cor Blimey Guv it’s noisy.
Our regular Taxi Driver in 1960 told us why don’t you Lads buy this Cab of me ,in lovely Condition Austin 16 for just , £ 40 Quid ?
Did you?
I'm amazed at the poor driver ergonomics of this car in comparison to the otherwise excellent design features of a purpose-built vehicle. I'm surprised the driver is not still sat out in the elements for all the lack of consideration his comfort and visibility needs have been given.
London cabs were the best. Along with the red phone booths they WERE London in its (much) better days. US had the old Checker cabs in the 40s through 80s - also like a limo in terms of roominess. You can still see them in old movies. Oh and nobody was going to steal your luggage in those days as police then actually arrested criminals and they'd definitely spend a serious amount of time in prison.
Yes, they had “bobbies on the beat” back then - on foot and on bicycles.
Turning circle 25 feet diameter not radius.
‘Shewn’ is just an alternate spelling that fell out of favour
A bit like "farther" instead of further.
The class system dictated British vehicle ergonomics for a long time 😂😢
Well, to be honest it's a case of right conception, but wrong car. Too many strange decisions and archaic engineering.
What's wrong with you? Seriously, what's wrong with you?
Not once did you say 'you'll never believe who I had had in the back of here the other day'. Or, rattle on about how you could run the country much better than any politician.
Missed opportunity!🙄