The Legendary 1939 Checker Model A Taxi: A UK Perspective

In the late 1930s, automotive design was undergoing a fascinating transformation, heavily influenced by the elegant curves and aerodynamic forms of the Art Deco movement. While European coachbuilders like France's Figoni and Falaschi crafted exquisite 'teardrop' coupes and Italy's Alfa Romeo explored sleek, aerodynamic shapes, America too was pushing boundaries with concept cars such as the Chrysler Thunderbolt and Buick 'Y-Job'. Yet, arguably the most audacious production sedan, a vehicle that blended striking aesthetics with rugged practicality, emerged from an unexpected corner: Checker, the Kalamazoo, Michigan-based manufacturer renowned for its indestructible taxicabs.

Founded in 1922 by Russian emigrant Morris Markin, Checker cemented its place in automotive history with its iconic yellow Marathon cabs of the 1950s, which were produced with remarkably few design changes from 1959 to 1982, at a rate of 5000–8000 units annually. These Checker cabs became synonymous with New York City, instantly recognisable to moviegoers worldwide, and could still be hailed on Broadway as late as 1999. However, the true zenith of Checker's design prowess—and arguably of all taxicab design—occurred 80 years ago with the 1939 Model A. A vehicle so rare, you've likely only ever seen it in period photographs, as only one of the estimated 1250 built between 1939 and 1941 survives today in upstate New York.

A Glimpse into Art Deco Automotive Design

The automotive landscape of the late 1930s was a vibrant canvas for designers. Beyond the experimental concept cars like Rust Heinz’s menacing Cord Phantom Corsair, some extreme designs even made it into production, such as the 1938–39 Graham 'Sharknose' sedans, which, despite their striking frontal appearance, tended to lose their design flair towards the rear. This era was defined by a pursuit of streamlined forms and artistic expression, a stark contrast to the purely utilitarian designs that often characterised commercial vehicles.

It was within this context of bold innovation that Checker, a company primarily focused on robustness and functionality, managed to produce a taxi that not only met the rigorous demands of city streets but also boasted an unparalleled artistic sensibility. This commitment to both form and function set the 1939 Model A apart, making it a truly unique piece of automotive history.

Checker's Unlikely Journey to Innovation

Morris Markin's vision for Checker extended beyond mere manufacturing; through a complex series of acquisitions spanning 15 years, Checker eventually owned cab companies in major American cities including New York, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Minneapolis. This strategic move meant that Checker not only built the cars but also operated them, effectively controlling a significant portion of the taxi market. This unique vertical integration allowed Markin to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by taxi operators and drivers, directly influencing the design and engineering of his vehicles.

Checker cabs evolved considerably over time, from Dodge-like boxy designs in the 1920s to heavy-duty limousines such as the Y-Type of 1934. This period marked a significant turning point as the company became part of E.L. Cord’s Auburn/Cord/Duesenberg conglomerate. The Model Y, for instance, was powered by Auburn’s straight eight-cylinder Lycoming engine, and Cord's influence extended to manufacturing taximeters, further consolidating control over the taxi business. However, Cord's empire eventually collapsed in 1937 due to scrutiny from the Securities and Exchange Commission, allowing Markin to regain full control of Checker. It was perhaps Cord's brief but impactful influence that inspired Checker to infuse design flair with practicality in the late 1930s, leading to features like magnificent chrome grilles flanked by 'fly-away' front fenders. This innovative fender design prevented tyres from being cut in fender benders – a crucial consideration given a 1931 study in New York City reporting that 21,000 out of 23,000 traffic accidents involved taxis.

The Audacious 1939 Model A: Design Meets Durability

Despite Checker's reputation for utilitarian vehicles, nobody was truly prepared for the 1939 Model A. This cab was a radical departure, combining essential taxi elements with a vivid artistic sense rarely seen in a workhorse vehicle. Raymond Dietrich, a co-founder of the esteemed LeBaron coachbuilders, was brought in as a consultant in 1938, commanding an impressive sum of $100 per day. His imaginative influence is unmistakable in the Model A's groundbreaking features:

The lack of a rear-opening boot, though seemingly a drawback, was a direct response to New York City taxi rules designed to prevent the use of cabs for illicit activities. The huge diamond-shaped headlamp surrounds and the alligator hood with cloisonné inserts further underscored the Model A's unique blend of ruggedness and refined design. It was, as described, the mechanical equivalent of the Budweiser Clydesdales: dressed to kill, yet utterly unkillable.

A Workhorse Dressed to Kill: The Model A's Legacy

Despite its brief production run of barely two years before the United States entered World War II, the 1250 Model A cabs built demonstrated incredible longevity. These vehicles soldiered on until as late as 1954, each reportedly recording more than one million miles. This extraordinary durability is a testament to Checker's engineering and the Model A's robust construction. However, the war effort shifted Checker's focus, with the company taking on contracts to produce G518 Ben Hur trailers, which were towed into combat behind countless Jeeps. It is reported that Morris Markin, in a regrettable decision for future enthusiasts, destroyed the Model A dies during this period.

When the war concluded, Checker found itself without a new model to replace the veteran A series. This forced the company into a scramble to develop new designs, wasting valuable time. They first attempted the Model B, featuring a rear-mounted transverse Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) six-cylinder Continental engine, followed by the Model C with a transverse Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) six-cylinder powerplant. The final FWD Model D was extensively tested for 100,000 miles but ultimately deemed too expensive to build. Consequently, Checker reverted to a more conventional design, introducing the Model A2 in 1946, which unfortunately lacked the imaginative elements that had made its predecessor so unique, looking more like a DeSoto with a Dodge grille.

The Post-War Struggle and Evolution

The period immediately following World War II was challenging for Checker as they grappled with the need to introduce new models while recovering from the cessation of wartime production. The Model A2, though functional, failed to capture the public's imagination in the way the original Model A had. It was followed by the A3, which was notable for being sold to the general public, not just taxi companies. Subsequent models, the A4 and A5, largely retained the same body but finally incorporated an opening boot, a feature absent in the original Model A due to the specific New York City regulations. In the mid-1950s, the distinctive, boxy A8 emerged, foreshadowing the iconic A9, A11, and A12 models with which the Checker brand is most commonly identified, solidifying its image as the quintessential American taxi.

The Rarity of a Legend: Where Are They Now?

Period photographs of the Model A in active service are relatively easy to find, and they consistently depict vehicles that appear to have been subjected to immense wear and tear. This is a crucial factor in understanding their extreme rarity. As taxi historian Mike Angelich explains, several factors contributed to the disappearance of the Model A. Early problems, such as leaks from the glass panel, the front opening, and the disappearing roof, might have deterred operators. However, their incredible mileage suggests these issues were tolerated. Ultimately, as fleet cars, they were simply scrapped once their service life concluded, with little personal or public interest in preserving them.

Today, the sole surviving 1939 Model A is a testament to a quirk of fate. Its current owner believes it was purchased by a resort in upstate New York near Monticello to ferry guests to and from the railway station, thus escaping the brutal life of a city taxi. It eventually ended up in a junkyard in the 1950s, where it lay until the mid-1960s when another wrecking yard owner discovered it and traded it for an old Chevrolet. Arthur J. (Jim) Baudendistal, though a Ford enthusiast, was intrigued by the unusual car and took it home. When two passing Checker fans excitedly recognised its significance, he embarked on a lengthy restoration project.

This painstaking restoration became a true family endeavour, involving all seven of Baudendistal's children. One son honed his skills in an auto body class, while another, a skilled mechanic, rebuilt the 262-cubic-inch Continental six-cylinder engine (the family still possesses the original). Another son meticulously replaced the wood inside the doors and repaired the complex retractable roof mechanism. The two sisters diligently refinished the instruments, and the chrome plating was redone, with hubcaps proving to be the most challenging components to source. A glass artist meticulously replaced the intricate hood ornament inserts. The car, originally black, was repainted in a striking magenta and black scheme after Baudendistal was captivated by a scale model painted in those colours. This Model A is now among the rarest cars in existence.

The scarcity of pre-1958 Checkers is stark. Jim Garrison, a former Checker tool-and-die maker and past president of the Checker club, estimates that out of approximately 250,000 Checkers built, only about 1000 are still running today. Of those, only about two dozen are pre-1958 models, mostly in poor condition. Almost all remaining Checkers date from 1962 onwards. Lifelong Checker aficionado Joe Fay has meticulously tracked survivors over the decades. The 1920s are represented by just two Model H examples and a Model G pickup. The 1930s count a 1933 Model T, an ex-Harrah collection Model M taxi, and a Model M farm truck. Two 1936 Model Y survivors include a sedan in Texas and a tow truck conversion. Intriguingly, while there is only one 1939 Model A, about a dozen 1946–50 A2s survive in Finland, a result of the Finns importing 500 very tired A2 Chicago taxis for the 1954 Winter Games in Helsinki, 100 of which were still running in 1960. A solitary 1949 A3 civilian sedan exists in Illinois, and Joe Fay himself owns a 1950 A4 that went from New York City to MGM in Hollywood. A lone A6 survivor also resides in Finland, rounding out the pre-A11 Marathon line (1958–82) are four known 1956–58 A8 survivors and one wreck.

Preserving Automotive History: The Checker Club and Future Plans

The dedication of Checker enthusiasts is crucial to preserving the legacy of these unique vehicles. A 2014 gathering of Checker cabs in New York attracted 50 cars, earning coverage in various newspapers and magazines. Jim Garrison, however, has even grander plans for August 2022, marking Checker's 100th anniversary. He is organising a rendezvous at the Gilmore Museum, aiming to bring together as many Checkers as possible – including the legendary Model 39A.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 1939 Checker Model A

Was the 1939 Model A a common taxi?

While 1250 units were built, making it a significant model for Checker at the time, its production run was short (1939-1941) before World War II. It was a flagship model for Checker in major American cities like New York, but its unique features and high cost likely meant it wasn't as ubiquitous as later, more conventional models.

Why is the 1939 Checker Model A so rare today?

The primary reason for its extreme rarity is that, like most taxis, it was a workhorse vehicle designed for continuous service. Once its operational life was over, these cars were typically scrapped, as there was little public or personal interest in preserving fleet vehicles at the time. Furthermore, the dies for its unique body were reportedly destroyed during World War II, preventing future production. Only one is known to survive today.

What made the 1939 Model A unique compared to other taxis?

The 1939 Model A stood out due to its blend of practicality and Art Deco design flair, largely influenced by consultant Raymond Dietrich. Key unique features included a powered retractable rear roof section, an opening glass panel above the rear jump seats for sightseeing, a full-width fresh air vent, a column gearshift for more driver space, and a 15-way adjustable driver's seat. It was designed for comfort and durability with a distinctive aesthetic.

How long did Model A taxis typically last in service?

Despite their early design quirks and leaks, the 1939 Model A taxis were incredibly durable. Many reportedly soldiered on until as late as 1954, each accumulating more than one million miles. This remarkable longevity speaks volumes about Checker's robust engineering.

So now you know the answer to the perennial taxicab question, 'Where to?' – sometimes, it's to a fascinating piece of automotive history.

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