The Champer: Is This Iconic Taxi a Camper?

The iconic yellow Checker Taxi is a sight synonymous with the bustling streets of New York City, a true automotive legend, instantly recognisable across the globe. But what if this American workhorse was reimagined, not for ferrying passengers through urban canyons, but for adventurous road trips across the continent? Enter the 'Champer', a unique creation that blurs the lines between a classic cab and a home on wheels. While it might sport the distinctive livery of its taxi brethren, the Champer hides a fascinating secret beneath its instantly recognisable exterior, a tale of bespoke engineering and a civilian lineage that makes it truly one of a kind.

Many might glance at its familiar yellow paintwork and assume it’s an original Checker Taxi, but the truth is far more intriguing. The Champer represents a remarkable fusion of practicality and passion, a testament to automotive creativity. This article delves into the Champer’s origins, its connection to the legendary Checker family, and the incredible journey it has undertaken from a standard passenger car to a fully-fledged, one-off camper.

The Unmistakable Checker Taxi: An American Icon

For decades, the Checker Taxi stood as an ubiquitous symbol of American urban life, particularly in New York City. Alongside London’s equally famous Black Cabs, the Checker holds a revered place in the annals of taxi history. Produced by the Checker Motors Corporation from 1958 until 1982, these robust vehicles were known for their minimal updates, a design philosophy that kept costs down and cemented their timeless, if somewhat anachronistic, appearance. Their distinctive 1950s styling became an enduring fixture in countless films and television shows set in the Big Apple, making them as synonymous with New York as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, or Times Square itself.

The story of Checker Motors Corporation is as compelling as its vehicles. Founded by Morris Markin in Chicago in 1922, the company initially produced a variety of automobile designs before and after World War II. However, it was the 1959 Checker Taxi that truly catapulted the company onto the global stage, establishing a brand that remains recognised even today, nearly four decades after the last model rolled off the production line.

The design philosophy behind the Checker Taxi was one of durability and functionality over fleeting fashion trends. Its styling remained largely untouched throughout its more than two-decade production run. While the overall aesthetic stayed consistent, minor changes were made over the years, allowing marque experts to often pinpoint the exact year of a particular car by subtle differences in its bumpers, lights, and other features.

Construction was relatively straightforward, employing a classic body-on-chassis design. A front-mounted engine delivered power to a live axle at the rear, a proven and robust setup. Over the years, Checker offered a significant number of engine and transmission options, ranging from reliable inline-sixes to more powerful larger-capacity V8s, with both automatic and manual transmissions available depending on the model year. This adaptability contributed to their widespread appeal and longevity.

The inherent qualities of the Checker Taxi endeared it to generations of cab drivers and passengers alike. Its large doors made entry and exit easy, while the ample space in the rear passenger compartment provided unparalleled comfort, a stark contrast to many contemporary vehicles. The generous boot offered plenty of luggage capacity, and the overall "tank-like toughness" of the Checker meant it could withstand the rigours of constant urban use, making it a truly resilient workhorse.

Today, many Checker Taxis have survived the test of time, supported by a thriving enthusiast movement dedicated to preserving these automotive legends and their Checker Marathon siblings. Prices on the open market for these collector's items can vary significantly, starting from around £8,000 on the lower end for project cars, to over £16,000 for excellent examples. Owners often report that the only real downside to owning such a distinctive vehicle is being constantly stopped by people eager to take pictures – a small price to pay for owning a piece of automotive history.

Beyond the Rank: The Civilian Checker Marathon

While the Checker Taxi is famous for its commercial role, it had a lesser-known, yet equally important, civilian counterpart: the Checker Marathon. Sold from 1960 until 1982, the Marathon was designed for regular consumer use, offering American buyers a simple, no-frills daily driver. Its appeal lay in its unchanging styling, which meant owners didn't have to worry about their car looking outdated with the release of the next year's model.

The Marathon was available in several configurations, catering to different needs. These included the classic four-door sedan, a practical four-door station wagon, and the impressive "Aerobus" – an eight-door limousine model specifically designed for airport pickups and drop-offs, capable of carrying a large number of passengers and their luggage. Both the Checker Taxi and the Checker Marathon shared a common parts supply and fundamental design, with only minor differences distinguishing their intended uses.

Introducing the Champer: A Taxi... or Not?

So, to answer the burning question: Is the Champer a Checker Taxi? No, not in its original form. While it has been painted to look like one, and certainly carries the spirit of the iconic cab, the Champer actually began its life as a standard 1965 Checker Marathon Station Wagon. This makes its transformation into a camper all the more fascinating, a truly bespoke creation that started from a civilian platform.

The Champer, as its portmanteau name implies (Checker Camper), was first converted into a camper in 1977 by Lynds Camper Service in Cardena, California. This was no superficial makeover; the conversion was relatively in-depth, involving significant structural changes. The entire rear bodywork of the Marathon station wagon was meticulously cut away from the B-pillar back to accommodate the custom-built camper shell. This radical alteration was necessary to create the living space required for a fully functional recreational vehicle.

To cope with the additional weight and aerodynamic drag of the new camper body, the Champer received substantial mechanical upgrades. The original engine was replaced with a more powerful Chevrolet small-block 400 cubic inch V8, sourced from a 1977 GMC one-ton van. Furthermore, a mysterious heavy-duty 8-lug rear axle was fitted to handle the increased load. While the current owner, Bill Beurkens, has yet to definitively identify the axle's origin, he has discovered that the brake calipers match those of a 1975 Ford F-350, and the master cylinder corresponds to a 1975 International Scout. This suggests that the conversion company, like many smaller-scale outfits, utilised readily available, robust off-the-shelf parts as needed during construction.

Life on the Road: Inside the Champer

Stepping inside the Champer reveals a surprisingly well-appointed living space, designed for extended trips on the open road. Despite its unique exterior, the interior is pure camper, packed with all the essentials for comfortable travel. Occupants will find a fully functional gas burner stove, complete with an oven, perfect for preparing meals. A fridge ensures provisions stay fresh, while an onboard generator provides power for various appliances and lighting.

Storage is ample, with numerous drawers and cupboards integrated into the design, allowing for organised packing. For sleeping arrangements, the Champer features an upper-level double bed, offering a cosy retreat. Below, a versatile couch section can be easily converted into two additional beds, making the Champer capable of accommodating a small family or a group of friends. The only significant amenity missing from this otherwise comprehensive setup is a dedicated restroom, a common omission in campers of this size and era.

A Journey of Preservation: The Champer's Recent History

The early history of the Champer remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, a common occurrence for unique, one-off builds. Its more recent past, however, is a poignant tale of loss, remembrance, and ultimately, dedicated preservation. The current owner, Bill Beurkens, a nationally renowned authority on Checker vehicles, acquired the Champer from the parents of the previous owner. Tragically, their son had been killed in a helicopter accident many years prior.

Understandably, the parents kept the Champer on their property in Louisiana for a considerable time, reluctant to part with something that held such strong memories of their son. However, as the years passed, the Champer fell into disrepair, battered by Louisiana's frequent hurricanes and the relentless march of time. Recognising the need to ensure its survival and restoration, the couple eventually resolved to sell it, seeking a custodian who would appreciate and preserve this unique vehicle. This is how Bill Beurkens, with his deep expertise and passion for Checkers, came to acquire the Champer.

Once the Champer was safely back at Beurkens’ home in Michigan, the meticulous restoration work began. Prioritising safety, Bill first rebuilt the entire braking system. He then turned his attention to the fuel system, ensuring its reliability. New tyres were fitted onto refurbished wheels, and the engine and drivetrain received all the necessary maintenance after sitting for so long, including fresh fluids and new gaskets. His dedication has paid off handsomely.

Bill now proudly reports that the Champer drives exceptionally well, turning heads wherever it goes. In fact, he notes that it garners even more attention than his eight-door Checker Aerobus limousine – a testament to its unique appeal. Bill's list of jobs for the Champer is ongoing, a labour of love that reflects his commitment to its preservation. Next on his agenda are some minor exhaust work and the refinishing of the interior ceiling, ensuring this remarkable vehicle continues its journey in prime condition.

Checker Line-up: A Quick Comparison

To help clarify the relationships between these distinctive vehicles, here’s a quick comparative overview:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about the Champer and its Checker heritage:

• Is the Champer a genuine Checker Taxi?

  No, the Champer is not an original Checker Taxi. It is based on a 1965 Checker Marathon Station Wagon, which was the civilian version of the taxi. It has been painted to resemble a taxi, but its core identity is that of a recreational camper.

• What is a Checker Marathon?

  The Checker Marathon was a passenger car produced by Checker Motors Corporation from 1960 until 1982. It shared many components with the Checker Taxi but was sold to the general public for private use, available in sedan, station wagon, and limousine ('Aerobus') configurations.

• When was the Checker Taxi produced?

  The highly recognisable Checker Taxi was in production from 1958 until 1982, making it a fixture on American streets for over two decades.

• What significant modifications were made to create the Champer?

  The conversion involved removing the entire rear bodywork of the Marathon from the B-pillar back to accommodate a custom camper shell. It also received an uprated Chevrolet small-block 400 cubic inch V8 engine and a heavy-duty 8-lug rear axle to handle the increased weight and drag of the camper conversion.

• Does the Champer have a restroom?

  No, the Champer's interior is equipped with a gas burner stove, oven, fridge, generator, drawers, cupboards, an upper double bed, and a lower couch section that converts into two more beds, but it does not include a restroom facility.

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