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Buyers should be aware that the USA and Canada have quite strict rules on entry and beware buying a
cab before checking what can be legally imported. Most US states insist on either a compliant
vehicle (which London taxis are not) or over 25 years of age to be exempt. Canada will allow
vehicles over 15 years, Australia vehicles registered prior to Jan 89 and or in prior ownership
and N Z over 15 years but fully compliant with local test regulations. On any entries in
Australia or NZ please be aware that all autos must be steam cleaned prior to entry and it is
your responsibility to ensure that this is complied with.
For the US regretfully there are now very few genuine 25 year classic taxis around that are
not utter & complete wrecks, & buyers should beware of buying a taxi on an e based auction
site or direct from a cabbie where this information is not forthcoming. All of the older cabs
have been off the road now for many years, and sadly with due regard to the original construction
methods, they are exceedingly prone to severe rust. All London taxis suffer with rust in one
form or another and the only real way to even consider buying a classic London taxi, is to
start from the beginning and let us compile a fully overhauled and restored, legally of the
correct age, but fully updated classic cab which can be shipped directly to your nearest port.
The basis on which we organise the taxi, is to check it over completely making sure that the
engine and transmission are sound, get it stripped at the engineers, replace most if not
all working moving parts which would include the brakes, cooling, exhaust ( muffler),
wheel, tyres belts etc. Then transfer it to the body shop replacing any badly corroded
parts, filling preparing and repainting, then to the trim shop to replace any torn or
scuffed interiors. Obviously clients may ask if we can organise special extras such as
full English hide seating, customised paint colours, and other extras such as a/c etc.
All of this can be discussed with our sales personal at time of purchase.
It should be noted that due to time/cost constraints, it simply is not possible to take the
complete body off the chassis and replace parts as it is totally impractical to take an
engine apart to simply check that it functions. The best engine ever fitted is the very
practical Nissan TD27 coupled to the excellent Nissan three speed auto gearbox. Hong Kong
buyers please note that no diesel may be imported and regretfully no classic London cabs
are ever fitted with petrol (gasoline) engines
Buyers should be aware that whatever we do to the cab, it simply is not a new car!, panels
may not be perfect to the eye, and small under panel blemishes may be seen. Yes we can make
it really top notch but be advised that the costs may well escalate.
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