I never have understood anybody’s obsession with the Checker Marathon. Ok, the absolutely freaking huge Aerobus eight-door wagons are kind of cool, but the regular four-door Marathon taxi cars are just too odd for me. They’re built like tanks, run mostly Chevrolet running gear (though there are some Chrysler and, oddly enough, Continental-powered Checkers running around), and for decades were THE New York Cab. Rent any 1970’s film that’s set in New York City if you’re my age or younger and don’t believe me. Checker quit the car manufacturing business in 1982, and kicked the bucket entirely in 2010. Currently, there’s rumors of a guy who wants to make six-door and…and we’re not kidding about this…a pickup version of the Marathon with upgraded GM running gear, and if he can actually get this idea off the ground, for somewhere north of $50,000, you can have your own modern Checker.
Um, no. Tons of these things used to prowl city streets, so we went trolling through eBay to see what was out there. The only one that is up for sale is this 1973 Marathon. Finished in any color other than yellow with black squares helps deviate from the grungy NYC cab look, and in two-tone blue, it looks pretty decent. Outside, the car looks pretty presentable, even the bolt-on rear quarters. Inside, a surprisingly nice white gut actually compliments the blue, but the rest of the no-BS all-black look exists. Aftermarket gauges have been added to keep tabs on the 327ci Chevrolet small-block under the hood. Under that ridiculously large Lokar shifter is a four-speed automatic, which means this Marathon can live up to that name on highways and interstates everywhere. Even the jump seats remain!
I may never understand why anyone would want one, but this Checker would be the way to go. Clean paint, no “TAXI” lineage to speak of, a classed-up interior and power under the hood…is that enough to make you forget a yellow cab sloshing through wintry slush in Times Square?
eBay Link: 1973 Checker Marathon
All my life I’ve driven oddball cars, mostly AMC and MOPAR, primarily because I didn’t have any interest in driving what everybody else did. This Checker fits my bill nicely and I’d rock that ride any day. Thanks, Bryan
Very nice – even though its Chevy powered, but what would put me off buying it is the feeling that a Mohawk-sporting psychotic lunatic would emerge from the trunk and blow me bloody fingers orf…….
I agree with you about Checker sedans Bryan. That’s why my 1966 Checker is an A12W…a station wagon. This sedan is nicer than most I’ve seen. But my wagon blows this thing away. Mine was never fleeted, and it is getting the full hot rod make over. With goodies like a triangulated four link, narrowed Olds/Pontiac, Wilwood discs, wheels, tires, stance, and way too much more to list. It won’t be done but I’m trying to get it at least road worthy for the CA Hot Rod Reunion. Still, thanks for posting anything to do with Checkers. I’ve always liked independent makes the best.
I’d really like to see what you’re up to with your project, it sounds really interesting. If you have any links to share, I’d appreciate it.
I second that. Anthony, send me details: [email protected]
I dig it, it could use some more creative touches…like lowering…then lose those awful disks. I’d rock body color steel rims with the 2 tone fade light on the inside dark on the outer edges with some bullet centers and matching lug nuts….maybe shave and smooth the front bumper and do something with that grill like stainless strips or use the door knob trick. I’d also consider adding some custom touches with much smaller marker lights (or none at all) and french those tail lights….lots of potential….