The S2000 is all well and good but what about when you want to drive 5 or 6 passengers around?

I need a second car and much prefer something fun (maybe a bit quirky), cheap to insurance (due to various S2000 and motorcycle-related historical events...) and a bit practical so as to be a good counter-foil to the S.

Step forward a 1997 London Fairway taxi which has just cropped up for sale near to me. 1997, apparently good motor and ok body work. 350,000 miles and just retired from active service. Only £1,250 asking.

Am I totally mental? This seems to me like a brilliant idea for a year or two but I appreciate that there could be issues like notorious rusting chassis, unobtainable spark plugs and the driving characteristics of a three-wheel shopping trolley which would ultimately make it a much less brilliant idea than it at first appears.

You'll note I live in Jersey so journeys are invariably short and the speed limit is 40mph - there are no motorways!

Any experience or thoughts from the massive?

jm

 

Why are you asking?

The most you stand to lose is a bag if you negotiate.

Get it bought and report back!

 

For that money surely you can find something better than a taxi?

They're horribly uncomfortable, slow as a turd and ugly as well.

Plus you'll get everybody waving you down thinking you're a taxi!

 

Too late - I've gone and bought a taxi with 'to the moon and halfway back' on the clock . Paid £1,100.

There are definately better cars available for the money but none that are likely so fun. Short, low-speed journeys around here mean that I should be able to put up with the horrendous ride, lack of proper oomph, and noisy motor anyway. I did a U-turn on a small road during the test drive and that pretty much clinched it, along with the fact that it is jubilee week and so clearly God wants me to have Albert (as he is now called).

Just need to get a whole load of bunting, a union flag roof covering and a bowler hat in time for the weekend.

Very excited.

 

Congrats! Stephen Fry has(d) a Fairway.

I've only driven the old FX4 and it was an experience. They say fings was better in the 1960s?

If you want an Albert I have a rivet gun. But I'm unlicensed.

 

You are mental. I thought someone should point that out

 

WAPOS

 

Albert (with new stablemate in the background):



Doh! Is this because guests can't post pictures or because of my ineptitude? Anyway - click here to see the photos:

 

Time to get modding.

- Big block Chevy engine poking through the bonnet like Dom's car in The Fast & The Furious
- Lowered at the front with smaller wheels and jacked up at the back with larger wheels
- Twin exhaust like the S2000
- Full custom interior with drinks cabinet, TV etc where the fold down seats are in the back.
- Cherry red paint job possibly with some flames up the side

 

First job would be to de-gunge the rad!