One For Classic Car Fans.....

[Richard A Thackeray]

Rover SD1s are worth saving in the V8 & 2600 versions, but the 2.4L Turbo Diesel?
View attachment 807280

The Italian VM diesel was used, & later in the Range-Rover, 'F' plate onwards (in a 2.4, then 2.5litre models)

 

[Jameshow]

The Italian VM diesel was used, & later in the Range-Rover, 'F' plate onwards (in a 2.4, then 2.5litre models)

And the London taxi I believe?

 

[Richard A Thackeray]

And the London taxi I believe?

As far as l know, it was the Land-Rover 2.25, & later 2.5, diesels that were used
Latterly replaced with a Nissan 2.7

 

[Jameshow]

As far as l know, it was the Land-Rover 2.25, & later 2.5, diesels that were used
Latterly replaced with a Nissan 2.7

Modern London taxis (LEVC TX) use a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine as a range extender, paired with an electric motor to meet zero-emission requirements. Older, classic models used diesel, specifically 2.4L/2.5L VM Motori engines in the TX4 and 2.7L Nissan engines in the TX1/TXII.Current London Taxi Engine (2018–Present)Model: LEVC TX (London Electric Vehicle Company).System: A 1.5-litre 3-cylinder Volvo-sourced petrol engine acts purely as a generator (range extender) to charge a 33 kWh battery pack.Electric Motor: The wheels are powered by a 110-kW (148 hp) Siemens electric motor.Emissions: Zero-emission capable (required for all new London cabs since 2018).Previous Diesel London Taxi EnginesTX4 (2006–2018): Primarily used 2.5-litre VM Motori diesel engines (often known for taxi-specific tuning).TXII (2002–2006): Used Ford Duratorq engines, commonly found in the Ford Transit.TX1 (1997–2002): Used the Nissan TD27 diesel engine.FX4 (1958–1997): Initially used Austin/Rover engines, later moving to Land Rover 2.5-litre engines.Key CharacteristicsTurning Circle: A critical regulation requiring a 27.7 ft (8.45 m) turning circle, achieved by specialized steering allowing front wheels to turn up to 63 degrees.Durability: Diesel models were known for immense longevity, often running hundreds of thousands of miles, while modern hybrids focus on clean air compliance.London Taxi engines | Land Rover UK Forums28 Aug 2012 — The FX4R was originally fitted with the Landrover 2.23; the FX4S had the Rover 2.5. Five were fitted in 1984 and the new model was introduced in 1985 by Mann & ...Land Rover UK ForumsAustin FX4 - WikipediaThe Austin FX4 is a hackney carriage that was produced from 1958 until 1997. It was sold by Austin from 1958 until 1982.WikipediaLEVC TX - WikipediaTechnical * The LEVC TX is powered by a full-electric hybrid drivetrain. It drives in full-electric mode all the time, but is recharged by an 81-horsepower (60 ...WikipediaLondon Taxi TX4 - VM Diesel Specialist Ltd24 Nov 2020 — The VM London Taxi TX4 engine is similar to the VM engine used Chrysler Voyager's and the Jeep Cherokee's but there are many small differences. Some taxi operat...VM Diesel Specialist LtdTX1 - WikipediaThe LTI TX1 is a Hackney carriage (London "Black cab") introduced by London Taxis International in 1997 and designed to replace the ageing Austin FX4. It was de...WikipediaTested: 2026 LEVC TX - Full review, price & features - Autocar1 Sept 2023 — It had a turning circle of 7.62m, cost £370 when specified with the single landaulet body and in town was deemed 'as handy as can be imagined'. It was nothing i...AutocarSurvey: Vast majority of London black cabbies prefer electric to diesel taxis16 Jan 2026 — Under Transport for London (TfL) rules, all new taxis licensed in the UK capital have had to be 'zero emission capable' since 2018, while the Congestion Charge ...Business Green1:23Test Driving a London Taxi for the Euro 2024 FinalTikTok·joshkerr0Slow And Stinky - 1959 Plymouth Diesel Taxi Engine Tech, Test Drive, Safety Inspection (Not Good...)18 May 2025 — These taxis wouldn't be fast by any means, but they would enjoy remarkable fuel economy, and the longevity that a beefy diesel offers. In the late 1950s, an Ame...YouTube

 

[Profpointy]

When I was much younger, I'd have loved a Capri.

Now I'm not sure I'd be bothered either. I used to think I'd like a sports car, but nowadays my main car criteria is bike carrying potential.

I'd take a Cortina estate if going down the elderly Ford route.

I would still like a sports car, either a TR3A, modern(ish) Caterham, or even the recently discontinued V twin Morgan three wheeler.

But a full size car with back seats no one can actually sit in would (perhaps irrationally) annoy me, in a way that a two seater does not. Capri and certain Jags would fail this. My own Vitesse convertible, despite being a good bit smaller than the Capri or Jag XJS had perfectly OK back seats, as does the tiny Mini, so there is really no excuse for such deliberately shyte design in a big car