There was a time when Kalamazoo-based Checker Motors Corporation dominated the taxi market in the United States. The distinctive Checker Marathon was ubiquitous in cities from coast to coast. The roomy and reliable model was simple to repair and designed to last a lifetime.
However, even the capacious Marathon was not big enough for some ride providers. For those customers, Checker offered the Aerobus, a factory-stretched version of the Marathon with as many as eight doors and four rows of seating. Most of these extended-wheelbase Checker Aerobus vehicles were used for group transport and were disposed of long ago.
Consistent for Two Decades
One of these rare beasts is still on the road and available on eBay. This 1972 Checker Aerobus survivor is in remarkable condition, with just over 63,000 miles on the odometer. It also has a checkered past. The stylish classic 12-seater still wears the livery of Uncle Ike’s, the chain of cannabis shops in Seattle. In December 2012, Washington became the first US state to legalize recreational marijuana sales.
The interior and exterior are in good shape, with all the factory pieces and trim intact. The businesslike cockpit shows well, with no apparent cracks or tears in the dash or front seat.
Checkers were popular with fleet operators partly because of how little they changed over the years. That uniformity makes it easy to keep a Checker on the road today. eBay has an abundant supply of Checker taxi parts and accessories.
While other car manufacturers trotted out restyled models every year, the Checker Marathon saw few changes over 21 years of production that began in 1961 and ended in 1982. That made it possible for taxi and ride operators to swap parts and components from older cabs into newer ones, minimizing downtime and keeping them on the road earning fares.
Is This Checker Aerobus Collectible?
The last New York City Checker cab was retired in 1999 after 20 years and 750,000 miles of service. As the Checker disappeared, full-sized American sedans took over the hack stands. The Ford Crown Victoria was the default taxi for several decades, sharing the traditional front-engine, rear-drive layout and body-on-frame construction that proved so durable for the Checker.
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The simplicity that made Checker a reliable workhorse in commercial operations makes it an appealing collector vehicle today. Checker’s choice of primarily General Motors engines and transmissions means those parts are easy to find and affordable on eBay.
This Checker Aerobus is powered by a robust and reliable GM 350-cubic-inch V-8, matched with an automatic transmission. As a result, its driver is spared the need to shift and can focus on maneuvering this giant weed-delivery wagon.
With a Buy-It-Now price of $25,000, this extra-long Checker Aerobus is priced below most new cars and is roomy enough for the whole gang. Or a sizable supply of goods to deliver.
