Checker (United States)

Checker Motors Corporation was an American automobile manufacturer based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, that operated from 1922 until 1982. The company was originally established as a producer of taxicabs, with its first model, the Checker Model 44, being introduced in 1921 by the Commonwealth Motor Car Company. Following its acquisition by the Markin Body Company, Checker began producing cabs under its own name, quickly becoming one of the most recognized taxi brands in the United States.

In the early years, Checker expanded its offerings beyond taxicabs, producing custom-built vehicles such as a roadster for the Automobile Blue Book Association in 1924. By 1923, the company had approximately 3,000 cabs in service. The early Checker vehicles were powered by Buda four-cylinder engines, which were later replaced by Continental six-cylinder engines by 1930. During the Great Depression, Checker introduced the Utility model, a straight-eight sedan priced at $1,795, which was suitable for private use.

In 1959, Checker made a significant shift by targeting the passenger car market with the introduction of the Superba sedan, which closely resembled its taxicabs. This model featured high doors, jump seats, and robust construction. The Superba was eventually succeeded by the Marathon, which continued production until the company's closure. Throughout its operational years, Checker maintained a production rate of around 5,000 vehicles annually. The engines used in Checker cars evolved over time, with a 3.7-liter Continental six-cylinder engine being replaced by Chevrolet sixes and V8s by 1965. In 1981, the company introduced an automatic transmission option, and by the end of its production, offered various engine options, including a 5.6-liter V8 GM diesel.

Checker Motors Corporation ceased operations on July 8, 1982, marking the end of an era for a brand that had become synonymous with American taxicabs. The legacy of Checker remains significant in the automotive history of the United States, particularly in the context of urban transportation.