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Author Topic: Somebody here was pining for a Checker  (Read 2967 times)

rcjordan

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Somebody here was pining for a Checker
« on: October 04, 2015, 02:05:27 AM »
http://www.theverge.com/2015/10/3/9446787/checker-cab-two-new-models-announced

We test-drove an original Checker limo long ago. It was disappointing.
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Brad

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Re: Somebody here was pining for a Checker
« Reply #1 on: October 04, 2015, 12:40:37 PM »
>pining

That was me.  I still want a modern-engine 4 door sedan which they don't rule out making if there is enough demand.

I can see livery services and swanky hotels snapping up the 6 door versions.  The pickup does nothing for me personally, but I hear a few old Checkers are modified into pickups by custom mod shops so who knows?   

Checkers are definitely city cars, a lot of air builds up under them over 65MPH and they can get vague in the steering at Interstate hwy speeds. 
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rcjordan

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Re: Somebody here was pining for a Checker
« Reply #2 on: October 04, 2015, 12:56:24 PM »
We loved them in NYC. They made fantastic cabs for urban streets but were so sluggish above 35mph that we (very reluctantly) put away the checkbook. It was light metallic blue with a navy blue vinyl top and interior. Looked kinda out of place or awkward, somehow.
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Brad

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Re: Somebody here was pining for a Checker
« Reply #3 on: October 04, 2015, 01:25:32 PM »
My attraction is partly based on interior room.  Today's cars are over wind-tunneled with no head room or leg room even if I'm sitting on the floor.  The Checker was designed back when men and women still wore proper hats and wool suits and didn't want to look like a squashed ball of aluminum foil when they got out of their car. 

I wouldn't want to take one cross country but for driving around town I think it would be a hoot.
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rcjordan

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Re: Somebody here was pining for a Checker
« Reply #4 on: October 04, 2015, 01:52:24 PM »
I'm pretty sure Checker sold the dies & tooling to a company in Brazil when they folded. Bring one back from there using CL. How's your Portuguese?
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littleman

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Re: Somebody here was pining for a Checker
« Reply #5 on: October 04, 2015, 06:41:47 PM »
I think the cars have a bit of charm in a 55-57 Chevy way.  Also, I do love those big bench seats, they remind me of my teen years.

Some nice ones for sale:
http://www.checkermotorcars.com/available-cars/
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rcjordan

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Re: Somebody here was pining for a Checker
« Reply #6 on: October 04, 2015, 07:46:05 PM »
They need to be kevlar and carbon fiber or gas better stay at $2/gal
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Brad

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Re: Somebody here was pining for a Checker
« Reply #7 on: October 04, 2015, 08:38:34 PM »
>bench seats

I love those too. 


I could get into a rebuilt one.  However I always worry about how good was the rebuild on the motor. I've owned vintage cars and I hate having to check all the fluid levels before I drive.  Still I'll keep an eye on CL for something close by.

>gas

Yeah, some of the Checkers had V-8's.  Which is one reason I'd like to see a modern engine and drive train in a new body.  This new Checker company is going to have to have decent build quality and reliability to succeed.

Years ago you could import a London black cab, and I always wanted one of those too.  But the US changed the import laws so those all dried up. 
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rcjordan

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Re: Somebody here was pining for a Checker
« Reply #8 on: October 04, 2015, 08:47:48 PM »
The company that made diesels for the US mil Hummers is actively seeking new vehicle markets. I'm on a waiting list. Want my spot?  Would be good for a Checker.

>V8

I'm almost certain that the Checker limo we went to drive in Richmond, VA had a V8. Still couldn't get out of its own way.  Takes a 7 liter engine to move that much iron.
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littleman

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Re: Somebody here was pining for a Checker
« Reply #9 on: October 04, 2015, 09:20:40 PM »
If they make a new one it will probably be quite a bit above 4,000lbs with all the safety gear, but the old ones weren't all that heavy by today's standards -- 3,300 to 3,800 lbs depending on the model.  A 2015 Mustang V8 weighs 3,700 lbs.

http://classiccardatabase.com/postwar-models/Checker.php
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