Hubbry Logo
TX1TX1Main
Open search
TX1
Community hub
TX1
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
TX1
TX1
TX1
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

LTI TX1
Overview
ManufacturerLTI
Production1997–2002
AssemblyUnited Kingdom: Coventry, England
DesignerKenneth Grange
Body and chassis
Body style4-door saloon
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
EngineNissan TD27 diesel I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,886 mm (113.6 in)
Length4,580 mm (180 in)
Width1,800 mm (71 in)
Height1,830 mm (72 in)
Curb weight1,080 kg (2,381 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorAustin FX4
SuccessorTXII

The LTI TX1 is a Hackney carriage (London "Black cab") introduced by London Taxis International in 1997 and designed to replace the ageing Austin FX4. It was designed by British product designer Kenneth Grange.[1]

Most are powered by the TD27 diesel engine from Nissan, a relationship which began in late FX4s.[2] In 2002, it was replaced by the TXII, which used the Ford Duratorq engine as found in the Ford Transit, Mondeo, and Land Rover Defender.

Rear

Unlike modernistic van-shaped experimental cabs, the body was designed to recall several distinctive styling cues of the FX4. Upon completion, it was submitted to cab drivers for their approval and won their acceptance as sufficiently maintaining the spirit of the London cab.

The improved interior allowed certain after-market additions to be made to these vehicles, such as the Cabvision technology.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

TX1

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The LTI TX1 is a purpose-built , commonly known as the London black cab, manufactured by London Taxis International (LTI) from to 2002 as the successor to the long-serving model. Introduced at the London Motor Show in , it marked the first major redesign of the iconic taxi in nearly four decades, aiming to bring modern saloon car standards of comfort, safety, and refinement to professional taxi drivers while complying with Euro 1 emissions regulations. The TX1's name playfully referenced "taxi" with the "1" denoting its emissions compliance, and it was developed and produced in just 28 months in , . Designed by renowned industrial designer , the TX1 featured a more aerodynamic and spacious body compared to its predecessor, with a 4.58-meter length, enhanced legroom for passengers, and a spacious luggage compartment to accommodate the needs of London's demanding . It was powered by a 2.7-liter TD27 inline-four producing 82 horsepower, paired with a five-speed (or optional four-speed automatic), delivering reliable performance suited for urban navigation and the infamous "" test requiring drivers to memorize over 25,000 streets. Safety features included a strengthened , anti-lock brakes, and improved visibility, while the interior offered vinyl upholstery, a partition for passenger-driver separation, and accessibility provisions like a folding rear seat and optional for users. Production of the TX1 continued until it evolved into the updated TXII variant in 2002, which incorporated a more efficient Ford Duratorq engine and minor facelifts for better fuel economy and emissions. The model played a pivotal role in modernizing London's taxi fleet during a period of regulatory changes, including the shift toward wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and remains a cultural icon, often featured in films, television, and as a collector's item today. Despite initial criticisms over its higher cost and diesel emissions, the TX1's durable construction ensured many examples are still operational or preserved, bridging the gap to the later TX4 and electric LEVC TX models.

Development and production

Development

The TX1 was introduced by London Taxis International (LTI) in 1997 as a direct replacement for the ageing black cab, which had been in production since 1958 and was increasingly outdated for modern urban demands. Development of the TX1 began in the mid-1990s, with LTI commissioning renowned British industrial designer to create an exterior that preserved iconic FX4 styling cues—such as the angular profile and prominent wheel arches—while incorporating 1990s updates like smoother aerodynamics and improved visibility. Grange's design process emphasized retaining the cab's recognizable silhouette to maintain driver and passenger familiarity, while addressing ergonomic and safety enhancements through iterative sketching and scale modeling. Key milestones included initial concept work around 1995, followed by prototyping in LTI's facilities and extensive testing to ensure compliance with stringent taxi regulations, notably the mandatory 25-foot (7.62-meter) turning circle required for maneuvering in narrow streets. Prototypes underwent rigorous durability trials, including simulated urban routes and accessibility assessments, before final validation. LTI collaborated closely with to integrate a reliable from their lineup, building on prior partnerships for the FX4, which facilitated smoother adaptation and emissions tuning. The approval process involved scrutiny by the Public Carriage Office (predecessor to ), culminating in the TX1's official launch in October 1997 after approximately 28 months of development.

Production history

The TX1 was assembled exclusively at the London Taxis International (LTI) factory in , , beginning with its public launch at the British International Motor Show on October 14, 1997. The first TX1 to receive a license from the Public Carriage Office was registered as R948 VOB shortly after the debut, marking the start of regular production. Under the ownership of Manganese Bronze Holdings (MBH), which had formed LTI in 1985 by acquiring and Mann & Overton, the TX1's manufacturing benefited from consolidated resources and expertise in taxi production. Thousands of units were built over the model's lifespan, with annual output peaking at around 3,000 vehicles in the late as demand for modernized black cabs grew. Production began a gradual phase-out around 2000 amid tightening emissions regulations and shifting market preferences toward more efficient vehicles. The TX1, powered by a TD27 compliant with 1 standards, faced obsolescence as mandated 3 compliance for all licensed taxis by 2008. This regulatory pressure, combined with the need to introduce an updated model, led to the TX1's full discontinuation in 2002, when it was replaced by the featuring a designed for 3 standards.

Design and features

Body and chassis

The TX1 is a purpose-built 4-door saloon designed specifically as a , featuring rear-hinged rear doors—commonly referred to as "suicide doors"—to enhance passenger entry and exit, particularly in confined urban settings typical of streets. This body configuration adheres to longstanding taxi regulations, allowing for unobstructed access to the rear seating area without interference from the front doors. The employs a robust construction with a rear-wheel-drive layout, providing the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity essential for the rigors of continuous urban operation, including frequent stops and heavy loads. The all-steel body is mounted on this frame, contributing to the vehicle's overall durability while maintaining the iconic black cab aesthetic with an extended roofline to maximize interior space. Key exterior dimensions include an overall length of 4,580 mm, width of 1,800 mm (excluding mirrors), height of 1,830 mm, and a of 2,886 mm, resulting in a compact footprint optimized for city navigation. The TX1 complies with standards, achieving a turning circle of approximately 7.62 meters (25 feet) to enable tight maneuvers, such as U-turns in narrow roads, along with integrated mounting points for the roof sign and provisions for a foldable at the left rear door to support requirements. Its weight is approximately 1,800 kg, balancing stability with maneuverability.

Interior and accessibility

The TX1 featured a spacious cabin designed for public transport use, accommodating up to five passengers in standard configuration, with the option for a sixth via a fold-down front passenger seat to enhance flexibility for luggage or additional seating needs. The rear seating included foldable jump seats and an occasional left-hand swivel seat, allowing reconfiguration for accommodation or cargo space while maintaining compliance with taxi licensing requirements for passenger capacity. All passenger seats were equipped with inertia-reel seatbelts, and yellow edging on seats and door handles improved visibility for safer entry and exit. Accessibility was a core design priority for the TX1, reflecting adherence to emerging UK accessibility standards under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, incorporating wheelchair-friendly features that anticipated later mandatory regulations. The vehicle included an integral ramp deployable from the left-hand rear door, enabling straightforward wheelchair entry without external assistance, paired with a restraint system featuring seatbelts to secure the occupant facing forward. Low-floor entry facilitated step-free access for mobility-impaired users, complemented by strategically placed handrails along door frames and seat backs to assist boarding, ensuring the TX1 could serve a broad range of passengers including those with disabilities. Interior materials emphasized durability and ease of maintenance suitable for high-volume urban service, with vinyl upholstery on passenger seats providing resistance to wear, stains, and cleaning agents commonly encountered in taxi operations. A fixed partition separated the driver from the passenger compartment, incorporating a sliding glass window for and fare transactions, enhancing driver while preserving passenger privacy. Driver ergonomics focused on long-shift comfort, with an adjustable and seat with a purpose-built suspension system to reduce fatigue during extended urban . The dashboard layout integrated the and fare display prominently, allowing quick glances for accurate billing without diverting attention from the road, and supported optional in the driver's compartment introduced during production to improve ventilation in varying weather conditions.

Powertrain and performance

Engine specifications

The TX1 taxi is equipped with the Nissan TD27 inline-four , featuring a displacement of 2.664 liters and a naturally aspirated configuration with an overhead valve (OHV) design and eight valves. This engine delivers a maximum output of 82 horsepower (60 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) of at 2,400 rpm, providing adequate low-end pull suited for urban stop-and-go driving. The fuel system employs , which contributes to reliable operation in demanding service while meeting the 2 emissions standards prevalent during the TX1's production era, prior to the stricter Euro 3 requirements. metrics include a top speed of approximately 130 km/h (81 mph), though practical urban limits often cap usage lower, with 0-60 mph acceleration taking around 21.2 seconds due to the vehicle's weight and conservative tuning. economy is rated at about 26.4 (imperial) in urban conditions, improving to 33.6 combined under the NEDC cycle, reflecting efficient diesel characteristics for high-mileage fleet use. As a naturally aspirated unit, the TD27 avoids turbo lag, ensuring consistent throttle response without the delays associated with systems, which enhances drivability in congested city environments where power delivery is routed to the rear wheels. is straightforward for this robust , with common recommendations including oil changes every 10,000-12,000 miles; however, operators report occasional issues like timing belt wear if not addressed proactively, underscoring the need for regular inspections in high-duty applications.

Transmission and drivetrain

The TX1 is equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox manufactured by as standard, featuring all-synchromesh gears and a floor-mounted shift for precise control in urban environments, with a 4-speed automatic option also available. The gear ratios are tailored for low-speed operations, with first gear at 3.592:1 to facilitate tight turns and maneuvering, second at 2.246:1, third at 1.415:1, fourth at 1.000:1, fifth at 0.821:1, and reverse at 3.657:1. The adopts a , which directs power from the TD27 to the rear wheels via a propeller shaft and a solid rear designed to support substantial loads during . This configuration enhances traction and stability under varying payloads typical of service. The rear integrates with a parabolic suspension, while the front employs components, both tuned to handle up to a gross of 2400 kg, including a capacity of approximately 600 kg for passengers and luggage. Braking is handled by a hydraulic system with ventilated front disc brakes for improved heat dissipation and rear drum brakes for cost-effective and load-sensitive performance, ensuring safe stops for the vehicle's 1800 kg kerb weight. Reinforced components throughout the transmission and , including and assemblies, contribute to the TX1's capability for extended operation exceeding 200,000 miles with routine servicing.

Reception and legacy

Market reception

The TX1, introduced in 1997 as the successor to the long-serving , quickly gained traction in the London taxi market for its blend of traditional styling and updated amenities. By 2000, approximately 7,000 TX1 vehicles were in operation across the , with around 4,000 serving 's streets, reflecting strong initial adoption among licensed drivers seeking a modern alternative to aging predecessors. The model's retention of the iconic black cab silhouette ensured easy hailing by passengers, while its 25-foot turning circle facilitated navigation during the rigorous "" examination required for London cabbies, maintaining compatibility with the demands of urban routes. Critics and drivers praised the TX1 for enhancing passenger comfort through features like a , vanity mirrors, reading lights, and functional opening windows—luxuries absent in older models—alongside wider doors compliant with emerging standards. One dealer noted its solid handling and overall build, though it fell short of contemporary passenger car refinement. Driver testimonials highlighted the elevated seating position for better visibility and the vehicle's reliability in daily use, with one operator reporting no significant mechanical problems after extended service, attributing this to improvements over the FX4's dated components. However, the TX1 faced some early critiques regarding practicality and efficiency. The mandatory inclusion of wheelchair ramps and a eliminated boot space, complicating storage for drivers, while its , though durable with 90 horsepower, drew comments on modest fuel economy in an era of rising competition from more efficient private hire vehicles. Despite these, the model's in taxi fleets grew steadily, underscoring its role in modernizing the black cab tradition without alienating traditional users.

Successors and impact

The TXII, introduced in 2002 as the direct successor to the TX1, incorporated a Ford Duratorq diesel engine to achieve compliance with the Euro 3 emissions standards, building on the TX1's Euro 2 compliance while enhancing reliability and reducing emissions. This update maintained the core design principles of the TX1 while allowing the model line to continue serving London's demanding operations until production ended in 2006. Subsequent regulatory changes, including Transport for London's progressive age limits on Euro 3, 4, and 5 diesel implemented between 2020 and 2022, accelerated the phase-out of older TX1 vehicles from active service due to their Euro 2 classification, age, and higher emissions profile. Despite this, the TX1 demonstrated strong resale value retention, with well-maintained examples often fetching competitive prices in the owing to their robust and proven durability, appealing to private buyers and collectors. The TX1 played a pivotal role in elevating accessibility standards for London's black cabs by introducing a built-in ramp and spacious interior capable of accommodating a standard , a feature that became mandatory for all new taxis and influenced broader guidelines on vehicle inclusivity for disabled passengers. This design innovation helped shape regulatory frameworks across the , promoting similar requirements for taxi fleets to ensure equitable transport access. Culturally, the TX1 solidified the black cab's status as an enduring symbol of transport, frequently appearing in and media as a quintessential element of the city's identity, evoking reliability and tradition amid urban hustle. Preservation efforts by enthusiasts have sustained interest in the model, with communities maintaining restored TX1s for heritage displays and events, underscoring its lasting appeal beyond commercial use. In recent years, the TX1 has found modern relevance through electric conversion projects, where heritage fleets retrofit the vehicles with EV drivetrains to reduce emissions while preserving their iconic silhouette for sustainable urban operations. As of 2025, is consulting on mandating zero-emission capable taxis for new licenses starting 2025/26, encouraging further electric conversions of heritage models like the TX1.

References

  1. https://www.levc.com/company/history/
  2. https://www.goodwood.com/grr/road/news/celebrating-the-new-black-cab--axons-automotive-anorak/
  3. https://www.thetaxicentre.com/news/the-evolution-of-the-hackney-black-cab-the-taxi-centre/
  4. https://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/2001/338690/lti_tx1_automatic.html
  5. https://autocatalogarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/London-Taxi-TX1-1999-UK.pdf
  6. https://www.iconeye.com/design/black-cabs-are-the-real-icons-of-london
  7. https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2024/jul/26/sir-kenneth-grange-obituary
  8. https://www.port-magazine.com/design/thoroughly-modern-man-sir-kenneth-grange/
  9. https://content.tfl.gov.uk/taxi-conditions-of-fitness-update-2019.pdf
  10. https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/120806-01-e
  11. https://london-taxi.co.uk/taxicab-history/
  12. https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/business/taxi-firm-is-singled-out-3180483
  13. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1352231013007140
  14. https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/threads/lti-txii-black-cab-2004.345114/
  15. https://www.aronline.co.uk/cars/austin/fx4/ado6-development-story/
  16. https://www.taxi-point.co.uk/post/london-s-taxi-turning-circle-requirement-a-full-review-of-the-pros-cons-and-future-of-the-historic
  17. https://www.adrianflux.co.uk/blog/2022/06/buying-black-cab-private-car/
  18. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2001-london-taxi-int-tx1/
  19. https://www.kingqueen.org.uk/law-requiring-accessibility-of-taxis/
  20. http://www.taxi-library.org/tx1prev.htm
  21. https://www.ebay.ca/itm/174476277740
  22. https://www.engine-specs.net/nissan/td27.html
  23. https://www.automobile-catalog.com/performance/1999/338675/lti_tx1.html
  24. https://www.automobile-catalog.com/performance/2000/338675/lti_tx1.html
  25. https://www.taxi-driver.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=16248
  26. https://www.lrukforums.com/threads/london-taxi-engines.139472/
  27. https://www.automobile-catalog.com/make/lti_carbodies/tx1/tx1/1998.html
  28. http://britishblackcab.free.fr/fairway_history.html
  29. https://www.firstlinkauto.com/retail/brand/lti?mk=LTI
  30. https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2000/apr/23/life1.lifemagazine8
  31. https://www.autotrader.ca/editorial/20181128/find-of-the-week-1998-london-taxi
  32. https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/emissions-standards-for-taxis
  33. https://www.historyhit.com/the-history-of-the-london-black-cab/
  34. https://www.itf-oecd.org/sites/default/files/docs/01taxiaccess.pdf
  35. https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2011/jul/17/kenneth-grange-design-in-pictures
  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7wRu1xcyQY
  37. https://www.transportenvironment.org/te-united-kingdom/articles/raising-licensing-standards-is-essential-for-unlocking-real-environmental-benefits-from-taxis-and-private-hire-vehicles
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.