The London Taxi
Company (or London EV Company as it’s now known) is ushering out the
long-serving TX4 in favor of the new TX5 with its plug-in hybrid powertrain and
entirely new design. But before it does, Kahn Design has applied its skills to
the iconic Hackney Carriage.
The “Last of Line”
edition bears the familiar form of the British capital’s black cabs, but
upgrades with an entirely more luxurious approach. Not least of the
enhancements is the Rolls-Royce paintjob, available in five two-tone colorways.
But there’s more to this luxed-up taxi than a fresh coat of paint.
Step inside and
you’ll find quilted and perforated Nappa leather, an equally Rolls-like
starlight LED headliner, piano black instrument panel, and other high-end
touches. The grille’s also been blacked out, the wheels are color-coded, the
windows tinted for privacy, even the 2.5-liter diesel has been massaged for
extra power.
Three examples have
already been sold, and not without the original manufacturer’s blessing, it
seems: “There was only one person for the job, Afzal Kahn is famous for his
original designs and willingness to push the boundaries and we admire his
ability to capture the essence of a vehicles’ character,” commented an unnamed
LTC spokesman. “We believe he is the best designer to give this iconic vehicle
the send off it deserves.”
