・One of only two ever built for marketing purposes around Millennium celebrations in London
・Exceptionally low mileage for a TX1 at 36,836
・Unusual dual fuel application running on petrol or LPG
The Background
The LTI TX1 was first introduced in 1997 to replace the aging Austin FX4. It was designed by British product designer, Kenneth Grange, to specifically retain styling cues from its icon predecessor. This family resemblance was deemed so crucial that the design was submitted to a panel of London cab drivers before being signed off.
This particular TX1 is one of a pair commissioned by the City of London Corporation to aid marketing activities that surrounded the widespread Millennium celebrations in London in 1999 and 2000 (including the opening of the Millennium Dome – now the O2 Arena). The photograph package shows the then Lord Mayor, Clive Martin, during the centuries old “cart marking” ceremony for one of these two special taxis.
Whilst the very clean red paintwork is eye-catching enough, the interior is somewhat of a revelation for those familiar with the standard London taxis of the time. The whole vehicle benefits from deep pile crimson carpets, walnut style door cappings and dash panels, feature headlining and ruched, leather look seats. The taxi also features further refinements such as air conditioning and uprated ventilation systems, rear to front intercom, electric mirrors and Kenwood stereo.
As a result of its unique provenance this taxi bears several coats of arms of the City of London Corporation complete with its motto – “Domine Dirige Nos” or Lord, guide us. The taxi also features other original markings including its original Corporation “Alderman’s Carriage pass number” sticker and an inscription noting the TX1’s inclusion in the “Millennium Products” portfolio. A portfolio of design classics compiled and curated to help celebrate the arrival of the new Millennium.
Another unusual feature of this rare taxi is the power unit. With TX series taxis most associated with slightly agricultural sounding diesel engines, this taxi features a tried and tested 2L Ford engine mated to a three-speed automatic gearbox. The engine is configured to run on both unleaded petrol and liquid petroleum gas (LPG). The boot houses the petrol tank and the twin LPG tanks are stowed under the taxi and filled via the original filler cap.
The current owner reports that the taxi drives very nicely in all respects on both petrol and LPG and all mechanicals are commensurate with a vehicle showing such low mileage. The MOT History on the .Gov website does reveal 2 past mileage discrepancies which are almost certainly mis types, but bidders are advised to please check and satisfy themselves as to the mileage.
The TX series taxis are already widely accepted as a late 1990’s design classic and inextricably linked to the excitement of the capital’s Millennium celebrations. This very special TX1 classic builds on that iconography even further by being one of just two very special commissions by the City of London Corporation and the subject of “cart marking” by the Lord Mayor of London.
The unique livery, fittings and running gear of this vehicle gives it a wide appeal to London lovers, design aficionados and taxi enthusiasts alike. The LPG / Petrol configuration mated to an automatic gearbox makes this an entirely viable form of regular city transport too. The turning circle of the TX1 is a mere 25 feet. This was originally a design requirement to cope with the very small roundabout at the entrance of the Savoy Hotel.
Equally, this rare and well-presented vehicle would look eminently at home in a collection, museum or London themed environment. Its condition and provenance will be sure to fascinate both young and old alike for many years to come.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1999 London Taxis International TX1
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
