Skip page header and navigation

Road vehicle; Carbodies FX4S Plus taxi, registration E272 MYL, 1988

Main details

Main details for this item.
Reference number
2007/8701 part 0
Description
The FX4S Plus, a modified version of the earlier FX-type, was introduced in September 1987. FX-type taxicabs were in production from 1958 to 1997 and became a familiar sight on London's streets. The 'Knowledge of London' was a test for cab drivers, introduced in the mid nineteenth century after complaints about their navigation. Passing the Knowledge, which involves detailed recall of London streets and destinations, is still a requirement of becoming a licensed taxi driver. This taxi was donated to the Museum in 2007 by its former owner, Steve Sutherland. He worked as a London cabby for over 30 years.
Manufacturer
Dates
1988
Collection
Object type
  • Road vehicle
Location
Topics
Completeness
100%
  • Physical description

    Dimensions
    AttributeValue
    Height
    1770mm
    Width
    1730mm
    Depth
    4480mm
    Colour
    AttributeValue
    Colour
    • Black
    Design
    AttributeValue
    Material
    metal
  • Build and type

    AttributeValue
    Seating
    licensed to carry 5 plus driver
    In service
    1988 - 2007
    Chassis number
    FX4S/DR/00067632
    Engine number
    21J04153D
    Registration number
    E272 MYL
  • People involved

    RolePerson(s) involved
    Manufacturer
    Carbodies, 1988
  • Associated companies, people and places

    Company
    AttributeValue
    Company
    Carbodies, 1982-1988
    Austin, 1958-1982

More about road transport

As well as the red bus, the other iconic vehicle of London’s streets is the black cab. Read a short history of the Carbodies FX4S Plus taxi.

Road vehicle. Carbodies FX4S Plus taxi, registration E272 MYL, 1988

During Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901), London's population grew at an astonishing rate. London’s centre became increasingly congested. Read more about public transport in Victorian London – on the surface.

Print; newspaper cartoon called Modern Improvements or Omnibus Conveniences, 1831
Blog category
  •  Guest blog
  •  Events

Poets and cabbies: On the Cotton

8 February 2023, 3 minute read

Poet Dan Simpson introduces the On the Cotton project, and explains the creative connections he developed between London's poets and black cab drivers.

Taxi driver's eyes reflected in their car mirror