1965 Beardmore Taxi Mk7

‘DLB 529C’ is fitted with the Ford Zephyr’s 1703cc petrol engine, which offers its driver access to 59bhp and, perhaps more usefully, 91lb.ft of torque.

With three-on-the-tree, including synchromesh on the top two gears, it’s been in the seller’s care since November 2024. He bought it along with a number of other specialist vehicles from a private collection and whilst the majority were rehomed over time, this one got under his skin and he ended up spending circa. £15,000 recommissioning it, including finding and fitting a new/old stock front axle, which was no mean feat.

But what price love, eh? – and there is a lot to love: Clearly smitten, he describes it as a piece of social history, saying it looks like it’s just come off shift. Careful to maintain every ounce of its considerable character, only mechanical fettling was needed to get it back to a condition he was happy with.

With adverts in the back for Volkswagen (North London) and Cecil Gee of London International Menswear, plus the original tariff card and taximeter, you can almost smell the unfiltered Capstans and unburnt hydrocarbons – and after plying the streets of 1960s and 1970s London, who knows who’s sat on that back seat?

Maintaining the century-old tradition of putting function over form, the Beardmore provides oodles of headroom for both the driver and his passengers. 

A charming design feature, harking back to taxis from the 1920s/1930s is the nearside front luggage area which provides ease of access and would look great with the addition of vintage leather suitcases secured with a period leather strap.  The fittings are noted to be in-situ.

On the occasions when it has been driven and exhibited at local car shows it has drawn much admiration from people of all ages.

It also has an illuminated For Hire sign above the windscreen, and the period tax disc. Remarkably it still has the original black-on-white taxi number on the boot and the red stripe around the rear body. The Geecen of Marylebone taximeter, with its white-on-blue For Hire sign is similarly an original feature.

It still sports its Lucas headlamps, driving and rear lights. All are, as expected, original and in working order.

The brightwork is patinated which is in keeping with the rest of the car. 

This taxi’s terrific overall patina is an important part of its history, and we can’t help but think it should be left alone - preservation, rather than restoration.

The original steering wheel sets the tone for a cabin that’s still resolutely in the sixties – and with lingering touches from even earlier courtesy of the Bakelite knobs.

Mirroring the coachwork, there is quality here, real quality. The sort of quality a working man would have been happy to pay for in the knowledge that his working vehicle would continue to earn money for decades to come.

Witness the red vinyl seats; everything is in great condition after more than 60 years. No rips or tears, just a gentle patina. This would be impressive in a lightly used sportscar but in a working vehicle? Almost unheard of. 

The headlining is taut and undamaged too, and the passenger compartment also contains the original fare table (pre-decimalisation),  plus the aforementioned advertisements on the fold-up base of the jump seats. A stamped plate also shows the build date of December 1964.

The rear doors hinge from the rear, allowing for easy access and egress, and the (largely unnecessary) boot contains a spare wheel and tyre. That’s it though because the battery and tools are stored under the nearside luggage compartment.

We are told the new/old stock front axle was delivered in its original wooden crate, with markings that showed it would also fit an electric milk float. 

There is naturally no receipt for this as it was a cash sale – but there is a receipt for just under £5,000 for recommissioning the rest of the vehicle, including new kingpins, master and slave clutch cylinders, and more. This is included in the images.

Opening the centre-hinged bonnet reveals that the air filter top is missing, so you’ll need to source another. A pancake type air filter of a suitable dimeter would be a quick fix whilst an original Ford one was sourced. This would be the perfect excuse for a day out rummaging through the stands at Beaulieu Autojumble this September.

The engine willingly starts & runs.  The seller drove it up his road to load it on the trailer to us, and it was driven off the trailer into our storage facility without fault.

The engine bay’s cosmetic appearance is in keeping with the rest of the car.

The Beardmore does not have an MoT certificate, the recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and while the odometer reads 6,000 miles, we assume it’s covered considerably more!  The car is structurally sound and all the suspension and importantly, kingpins and front axle have been attended to.

Ideal for the classic enthusiast, you could also put it back to work as a TV or film prop, or a wedding or prom hire car, or maybe even a promotional vehicle for your business.

Or just buy it to sit in and revel in the genuine 1960’s atmosphere, perhaps taking it for the odd run to places like the Goodwood Revival, where you’d make a disproportionately large stir.

We guess you’re only likely to need somewhere between £6,000 and £8,000 to make it yours – and it is being offered with no reserve.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.