My Austin FX1956 3 years old
A unique feature is the built-in Jackall hydraulic jacking system, similar to the on-board system used in V8 supercars.
The odometer of this 1956 Austin FX 3 shows "92434 miles (148,758 km)", most of which was driven as a taxi in London until 1971 when it was taken out of service.
Rolls-Royce engineer Rainer Keissling bought a cab in 1971 for £120 (about $177) and took it to Germany, where he lived. He then brought it to Australia in 1984 when he emigrated with his family.
“He just had a love for vintage cars,” says Chris, one of his three sons.
"Every time he went to England on business, he came back with spare parts, like a starter motor in his luggage."
When his father died about five years ago, the car was passed on to his three sons, Rainer, Christian and Bernard, who took it upon themselves to restore it to its original condition.
“He was in the barn and gradually fell into disrepair,” says Keisling.
“Dad couldn’t do anything about it because his health was failing.
“So we took on the task of restoring it. Bit by bit, we repaired it and brought it to working condition.”
Caseling, like his father, was in the engineering business, so most of the spare parts that were not available were made by him, down to the steering gear bushings. One of the biggest jobs was replacing the infamous "Prince of Darkness" Lucas Electric.
“They never worked properly to begin with, but now they work properly,” Keisling says.
“We have spent between $5000 and $10,000 to restore it over the years. It's hard to say how much we spent. It was a matter of passion, not cost."
The current value is estimated at $15,000 to $20,000.
“It is difficult to find the exact value. It's not super rare, but it has a lot of sentimental value."
The brothers used the car at the weddings of family and friends, including Chris and his wife Emily.
“He drives very well,” he says.
Like all London taxis, the front wheels turn nearly 90 degrees, giving it a small turning circle of 7.6m so it can negotiate narrow London streets and tiny parking spaces, but it doesn't have power steering.
A unique feature is the built-in Jackall hydraulic jacking system, similar to the on-board system used in V8 supercars. There is also a mechanical interlock that allows you to manually inflate the jacks. The FX3 is equipped with traction-operated mechanical drum brakes and is suspended from solid axles by leaf springs.
It was the first model with a separate driver's cab and trunk. In the back, a bench seat with two rear-facing single seats. Caseling says the taxi meter was disconnected from the transmission when it was taken out of service, but is now reconnected to drive the meter, which reads sixpence every one and one-third of a mile.
He says fuel economy is "pretty good because it's a low-revving diesel" and the car's top speed is 100 km/h.
"It's not fast, but it has good traction in first and second gear," he says.
"It's hard to drive without synchromesh in low gear and without power steering, but once you get the hang of it, it's not so bad."
Austin FX3
Year: 1956
Price New: 1010 ($1500)
Price now: $ 15-20,000
Engine: 2.2 liter, 4-cylinder diesel
Body: 4-door, 5-seater (plus driver)
Trance: 4-speed manual without synchronizer on the first
Did you know: Austin built 12,435 FX3 taxis from 1948 to 1958, most of which were licensed in London and some other British cities.
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