The London Taxi (Shire Library)

The London Taxi is an iconic image of London transport and society. The unique vehicle is the only one in the world to be specifically designed for hire work in cities, and its distinctive turning circle of only 25 feet, a direct result of the strict regulations of design stipulated by the Public Carriage Office, serves it well for maneuvering through the busy traffic of the capital. Since the introduction of the London taxicab, a great variety of taxis have been produced and placed on the city's streets although the market has always been dominated by a few names, Austin being the leading taxi manufacturer in the 1930s and for decades after. This album follows the development of the taxi from its early years in the city through to the later models in the post-war era. Illustrated throughout with many black and white and color photographs, The London Taxi paints an image of the changing lifestyles of Londoners through the context of the growing cab trade and the many different styles of taxi that have served the people of London.