Checker Marathon is a taxi car that is well known to a huge number of people: someone used the services of these cars personally, someone saw them more than once in American films and TV shows. Even 20 years ago, the Marathon was one of the popular symbols of New York, for many it is quite comparable to the Statue of Liberty. This car was produced by the Checker Motors Company from 1961 to 1982, and without major changes.
Marathon was originally created for taxi service, and therefore had a design without any frills, a simple and reliable design, in which special attention was paid to driver safety. In particular, in later modifications of the sedan, the driver's seat was covered with panels of durable plastic, money was accepted through a special device, and passenger doors were unlocked remotely with a button only after payment. Wide doors and a fairly spacious cabin made it easier for passengers to get on and off. Massive aluminum alloy bumpers made it possible to “push” neighbors in a parking lot or traffic jam without much damage, they were easily repaired and replaced.
The manufacturing company, founded by the way by an immigrant from Russia, Maurice Markin, back in 22, produced Marathon with a sedan, station wagon and, as they would say now, an Aerobus “limousine” with 6 or 8 doors! Various 6- and 8-cylinder units were used as engines for the Checker Marathon at different times, differing mainly in volume and power, as a rule, these were Chevrolet engines. The power unit was located in front, driving the rear wheels. In 1982, the Checker Motors Company switched to the production of spare parts for the GM concern, and in 2009 it ceased to exist.