Just as ICONS – A Portrait of England has hailed the black cab as an English icon, things are looking distinctly shaky for the nation’s favourite taxicab.

After 50 years of service, the classic FX4 “Fairway” taxi has become an intrinsic part of our national landscape, as familiar a sight on the capital’s streets as the London red Routemaster bus.

 
However, sadly, the hugely iconic vehicle won’t be given the opportunity to add a further 50 years of service to its motoring heritage, or at least it won’t if Mann & Overton - the main dealership for the modern replacement - the TX4, have their way.

Mann & Overton is offering FX4 operators up to £3,000 - 10 times the market value of their old cab - if they trade it in for a new TX4. Whether M&O are trumpeting the fact that an all new and all shiny TX4 comes in at a ‘mere’ £31,000 is another matter…

 
And if you are under the impression that this ‘up grade’ enables you to follow in Kate Moss and Stephen Fry’s footsteps by bagging yourself a decommissioned black cab as your latest mode of transport - afraid not. Heartlessly, Mann & Overton intend to send all redundant “Fairways” to the scrap heap, which not only seems like a ridiculous waste but a huge shame.

 
Explaining their proposition, M&O claim that by replacing the FX4 with the TX4 they will be helping to “reduce emissions whilst providing an improved taxi service fit for the 21st century."

 
Words: Aline Tanner

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