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London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015

The London Black cab is almost as symbolic as red telephone boxes and Trafalgar Square. But it has not withstood the test of time as well. In fact, Nissan vans can now be seen patrolling the capital's streets in search of customers, and they could go electric soon.
London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015 33 photos
Photo: Catalin Garmacea
London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015London's Famous Black Cab Turns Gold at Auto Shanghai 2015
But the fact that the Brits don't want to keep their national treasure works just fine for the Chinse auto companies who were glad to buy the iconic vehicles. That's right, this is not a copycat, it's the real TX4, built under license in Shanghai.

Last year, Geely won a government contract to produce the first batch of 200 taxis for the biggest city in China. They immediately announced that gold was chosen as the color, not black, because it “suits the city’s image better.”

Gold is considered by the Chinese to be the most beautiful color on earth. Their saying "Yellow generates Yin and Yang" implies that it is the center of everything and is deeply connected with both the legendary emperors and religion.

All things considered, this combination doesn't look half-bad on the London Taxi. Other custom touches were also made, including the addition of a distinctive chromed grille. The wheelbase has been extended as well, in order to accommodate wheelchair users and the elderly.

Geely, who also own Volvo, bought the rights to make black cabs in 2012, paying $20 million or £13 million.These golden models are officially known as the Geely Englon TX4 London Taxi, and their power comes from a diesel 2.5-liter engine. The chassis and body are still separate units, but suspension changes were made to ensure a tight 7-meter turning radius.

This isn’t even the first time when the famous black cab changed colors. Geely itself has done this in the past, while the UK also welcomed such creations, even some dressed in animal print. These Chinese-made London cabs were also seen in Russia and Eastern Europe.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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