Great programme! Cant believe it! That Metrocab towards the end, J354 LLO, that was my Dad's cab for 5 years until he replaced it in 1997!!! I used to clean it for him all the time to earn my pocket money. Wow!!! Its weird when you see you parents cars on TV! Was his third Metro and was such a nice example. It was called an 'Exclusive'. Must have been a special edition or dealer demo? It was finished in a really classy dark navy blue, had door handles, mirror housing & bumpers all colour coded rather than the plain plastic, red pin striping and full navy leather interior. Don't sound much now, but for a vehicle in the early 90's, and especially for a taxi, it was quite impressive, compared to them rattly, old FX4's & Fairway's!
The Metro cab front indicators where borrowed from the ford Granarder mk2 . Also the FX4 on the Later version sherd the same rear indicator lens as the morris/Austin 1100 . Ok for cheap replacement at the scrapee.
I got to ride in a few of these taxis when I visited England a few years ago. It was my favourite part of travel in England. I found it more comfortable to ride in than I thought it would be. I'm 5'5" and weigh in at around 235lbs, and yet when I rode in an English taxi, I didn't feel cramped, even with two other adults of similar build to myself along with luggage. If only our American taxis were built to the same standards to these British taxis. More importantly, if only ours were inspected to the same standards. I got to ride in a Metrocab as well. Although not as attractive as the FX4, it was just as comfortable. :)
If only cars sold here in the USA were subject to such strict standards for build and service. Under *no* circumstances should *anyone* cut corners, no matter how difficult things are financially. If it can't be done, or parts aren't available straight away, then it shouldn't be done. :)
Every time I see British men build cars I see why there is no car industry in Britain anymore. Today, having an FX3, I can see how shoddy the whole thing was made. Thousands of hidden places for rust to hide. But a joy to drive. I never liked the FX4, the Austin is prettier.