Checker Model A

The Checker Model A was a purpose-built American taxicab made by Checker Motors Corporation. It went on sale in mid-model year 1939 and stayed in production until Checker switched to wartime manufacturing in 1941, with roughly 1,250 built. A landaulet version offered an electric disappearing top, an early form of sunroof, and an automatic signal warned pedestrians when the car reversed. It used a Continental L-head inline six-cylinder engine with a three-speed manual gearbox, kept open front fenders and rear-hinged doors, and had Art Deco headlight bezels in heavy chrome. The cars were a common sight in New York and Chicago but were largely worn out by the late 1940s, and only one survivor is known. After the war the dies were gone, so Checker replaced it in 1947 with the Model A2 on the same chassis and drivetrain.