Checker Cab Co. Photo History

Author: James Hinckley, Softbound, 118 Pages, ISBN: 9781583881002, 1st Edition, 2003

- Iconografix Photo History Series

In the long, colorful history of the American automobile industry, few stories are as interesting as that of the Checker taxi and the company that produced them. Many of the norms associated with automobile production during the 1920s continued in practice at Checker until the end of production in 1982. Its founder exemplified the rags to riches story that is at the very heart of the American experience.

The cars themselves, sturdy, rugged, spartan vehicles, are every bit as legendary as the Jeep, Corvette, or Dodge Power Wagon.

Checker is also unique in that the company has never rested on its laurels or attempted to capitalize on its status as an American icon. In a June 18, 2000 article in the Kalamazoo Gazette, Rod Walton, assistant to Checker President
David Markin and special projects manager was quoted as saying, "We have a lot of people who'd love to see us build a car again." He then said, "I'm afraid it is not a possibility."

The article continues with, "The company also isn't interested in capitalizing on its history by pursuing licensing deals for the Checker name or its likeness, despite the success of nostalgia-driven merchandising by another icon, Harley-Davidson."

Over the years the story has, in many instances, become larger than life, and legend has replaced fact. Because of this, and the passing of time, documenting the rich and colorful story of Checker has been rather difficult. It is my sincere hope that this work will rectify some of these deficiencies and give the oft-overlooked Checker its due.