1957
Austin
FX30
I
say
ole
chap
let's
flag
a
hackney
carriage,
put
all
our
bags
in
the
side
chamber,
and
head
on
over
to
the
ringing
of
Big
Ben
on
the
hour
and
grab
a
spot
of
tea.
I'd
much
rather
take
the
cab
than
legging
it
to
the
underground,
otherwise
by
the
time
I
get
there
I'll
be
completely
knackered.
For
consignment,
a
project
in
the
making,
or
a
diamond
in
the
rough,
in
the
form
of
an
Austin
FX30
from
1957.
This
car
is
colloquially
referred
to
as
a
hack
or
London
cab.
It
will
need
some
TLC
on
all
fronts
to
get
it
back
to
cracking
status.
Exterior
A
semi-nearly
complete
and
ready
for
paint,
although
missing
some
exterior
parts,
(running
boards
which
are
not
with
this
car),
and
with
this
car,
a
bonnet
and
grille
as
well
as
boot
lid
and
bumpers
and
all
is
painted
partially
with
primer.
A
right-hand
driver
there
is
typically
no
door
on
the
left
passenger
front
which
has
been
left
there
for
luggage
storage.
Larger
doors
are
for
the
passengers
who
can
enjoy
plenty
of
open
space
in
the
back.
Interior
A
bomber
style
saddle
brown
leather
bucket
sits
with
a
banjo
styled
large
steering
wheel.
This
wheel
fronts
an
original
metal
dash
in
brown
which
supports
patina
gauges
and
knobs
and
pulls
and
a
few
warning
lights.
No
carpeting
on
the
floors
in
front
and
in
the
rear
a
thin
mat
is
in.
Also,
a
rear
bench
with
lots
o
leg
room
also
in
saddle
leather
and
some
tuck
and
rolling
stretches
from
door
to
door.
Saddle
leather
also
covers
all
the
interior
vertical
surfaces
including
the
headliner
and
all
is
fairly
tight.
Drivetrain
A
2.2
liter
diesel
4-cylinder
engine
powers
this
shuttle
and
a
4-speed
manual
transmission
is
on
back.
Currently
this
car
is
not
running,
however
has
a
rebuilt
injection
pump,
and
does
not
run
because
it
does
not
have
all
the
essential
parts
assembled
under
the
hood
(well
missing
hood!).
Undercarriage
Lots
of
surface
rust
on
the
X
frame,
suspension
parts
and
floor
pans.
Also,
plenty
of
corroded
parts
are
noted.
Leaf
spring
suspension
is
all
around
and
drum
brakes
are
on
all
corners.
The
brakes
actually
work,
although
with
the
engine
in
op,
you'll
not
need
them!
A
piece
of
iconic
British
history,
somewhat
in
the
making,
and
searching
for
a
restorer
who
has
capable
hands
and
some
patience
to
complete
the
job,
and
you
will
have
something
few
in
the
US
have.
Go
ahead,
Hack
away!