Checker Motors Corporation: Difference between revisions
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Checker designs changed infrequently; Markin held onto certain design features long after they were discontinued by major automobile manufacturers, such as open front fenders which Markin retained into the 1940s because it saved operators the expense of repairing minor dings and dents. Taxi cab models were delininated by a letter series; significant modifications in models (new major systems, etc.) were designated by a number following the model letter. |
Checker designs changed infrequently; Markin held onto certain design features long after they were discontinued by major automobile manufacturers, such as open front fenders which Markin retained into the 1940s because it saved operators the expense of repairing minor dings and dents. Taxi cab models were delininated by a letter series; significant modifications in models (new major systems, etc.) were designated by a number following the model letter. |
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Checker's commercial vehicles were usually give letter designations instand of model names. An exception to this rule was the |
Checker's commercial vehicles were usually give letter designations instand of model names. An exception to this rule was the Checker Aerobus [http://www.edcahoon/Aerobus.html], an extended version of is cars, built on a stretch wheelbase allowing for each row of seats to have their own doors. The Aerobus was often associated with Airports and trainstations — vacation resorts also used Aerobus' for transporting guests to and from airports and trainstations as well. |
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==Consumer vehicles== |
==Consumer vehicles== |
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Revision as of 22:11, 24 March 2006
Checker Motors Company was the manufacturer of the famed Checker automobile, the iconic taxi cab vehicle. Checker was established by Morris Markin in 1922 through a merger of Commonwealth Motors and Markin Automobile Body.
Commercial vehicles
Checker is best known for its Checker Taxi Cab's on which it built its business and reputation. In its early years, Markin not only produced the vehicles but also ran Checker Cab, which was in direct competetion with John D. Hertz, owner of the Yellow Cab of taxi cabs.
Checker designs changed infrequently; Markin held onto certain design features long after they were discontinued by major automobile manufacturers, such as open front fenders which Markin retained into the 1940s because it saved operators the expense of repairing minor dings and dents. Taxi cab models were delininated by a letter series; significant modifications in models (new major systems, etc.) were designated by a number following the model letter.
Checker's commercial vehicles were usually give letter designations instand of model names. An exception to this rule was the Checker Aerobus [1], an extended version of is cars, built on a stretch wheelbase allowing for each row of seats to have their own doors. The Aerobus was often associated with Airports and trainstations — vacation resorts also used Aerobus' for transporting guests to and from airports and trainstations as well.
Consumer vehicles
From 1922 until 1959 Checker's production vehicles were built for the commercial livery business (taxi) however the company would build vehicles for personal use if requested. Checker entered in to the consumer vehicle market as it saw its production of Checker Taxis decline.
Beginning in 1960, Checker introduced the Superba its first model specifically built for the consumer market. Joining the Superba in 1962 was the Marathon, which took the place of the Superba Special.
Checker's cars were lightly marketed using campaigns that centered on its durability. Checker also promoted their vehicles as 200,000 mile cars at a time when most US automakers shied away from mileage promises.
Checker Motors produced its final vehicle in 1982 after members of the Markin family decided to end automobile production rather than bow to labor demands.
Checker Motors today operates as an automotive subcontractor, primarily for General Motors, building mostly body components.
Also see: Checker Taxi
References
- "The Checker Cab: In Memorium," Quintessences: the Quality of Having It (New York: Black Dog and Leventhal Publishers, 1983), Page 94.