The 1940 Checker Model A was a watershed taxi, perhaps one of the most significant taxis Checker ever produced. It served as the basis of all Checkers until the end of automobile production in 1982, with all Checkers subsequent to the Model A sharing its basic underpinnings. The popular Model A11 taxi is a direct design descendant. The most notable feature of the Model A is the steel chassis. This would be modified over the years, but the basic frame would continue till the end of production in the 1980s.
The taxi driver also rode with the comfort of Checker exclusive features. Checker claimed that the seat could be adjusted in no less than 15 positions. For many years Checker maintained that a comfortable driver seats would allow the driver to drive longer shifts and yield greater profits for taxicab operators, the Model A, was designed with the driver in mind. The Checker exclusive feature had been patented in 1931.
For added comfort, above the driver’s head was a vent in the roof to allow fresh air to flow into the driver compartment. The driver compartment was now protected during all four seasons and for the first time was heated. Gone were the days of drivers being exposed to the weather in the traditional Town Car configuration. The manual transmission shift was moved to the steering column, again in an effort to improve the overall driving experience.
Checker offered an unlimited colour combinations option, and the common belief is that with the unique front end and spectacular colour combinations, a person trying to hail a cab curbside could easily identify the Model A Checker and a potential ride from afar.
A. J. Baudendistel is the only person to actually saved and restored a Model A. Prior to his death, Mr. Baudendistel did have a chance to make note of some of the Model A features. Baudendistel wrote, ” This model was produced when Checket started to use the Continental engine. The engine is a 262 cubic inch, the largest of the four 6’s of this model. It is a 6-cylinder industrial engine, typically used for fork lifts, air compressors for welders. Mack and Brockway used it in their 1 1/2 ton trucks. The transmission is made by Detroit Gear, 3 speed. The electrical is by Auto-Lite. The brakes are by Wagner Lockheed. The front end is a pre war Studebaker with cross springs. The rear is Mopar, so are the rear springs. All the rest of the car is a Ford truck: clutch, motor mounts, driveline and many small fittings. It came to no surprise when these cars have logged a million miles.”
The Checker Model A was only made for two full years; 1940 and 1941. 1942 was a shortened model run due to WWII. Over the years the rumour grew up that Morris Markin melted down all the body tools and dies for the war effort. Automobile production ceased during the fight against Adolph Hitler and the Japanese. During this period, Checker participated in the fight by supplying the army with trailers to be used with that new invention of the war, the Jeep.
Checker would not introduce a new Taxicab for production until January 1948. Due to the long time span between model introduction, Checker Model As served through the war and into the post war period. Photographic evidence exists of Model As operating in New York City well into the early 1950’s. Due to this extend service, virtually all Checker Model As were run till their wheels fell off and were then scrapped. A sad ending for a very interest automobile.
Copyright 2015 Joseph A Fay, All rights reserved
Wild front end. Front fenders look truly weird. Flat, instead of split, windshield out of date for 1940. All together, a stylistic nightmare.
This Checker always fascinates me. It’s a bridge between art deco and modern design of the later 30’s with a few random elements thrown in for good measure. I’d love to see the survivor in person. It must have been fun riding in one during the summer with the top down.