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1970 Checker Marathon Sedan

One of only 397 nontaxicabs Checker made in 1970
Marketed as a passenger car for consumers, as opposed to the similar Taxi
Correct optional GM 250HP 350 CID V8 engine with twobarrel carburetor
Dualrange automatic transmission and 3.31 gearing
National Ivory exterior and red interior (code 2652)
Airconditioning, power steering and fourwheel drum brakes
Sold new in Mansfield Missouri on November 17th 1969
Remained in Missouri since new with only two owners
Included with the original owners manual, original service certificate and original parts list

Hoping to be like actors Judd Hirsch, Tony Danza or Jeff Conaway from the 70s80s sitcom Taxi when you take the wheel of a classic car? MotoeXotica Classic Cars has a car that could go a long way toward accomplishing that a 1970 Checker Marathon sedan. This particular example was made in October 1969 at Checkers factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan and it was delivered to R.D Harris of Mansfield Missouri on November 17th 1969. It was one of the only 397 nontaxicabs Checker produced that year and this one is equipped with the optional 250HP 350 GM v8

In all the history of the automobile, there are few more recognizable models than the venerable Checker Marathon. If you rode in a taxicab in the second half of the 20th century, chances are good you rode in a Checker.Whats even more interesting is that you couldnt easily tell if the Checker you were riding in had been built in the 1960s, 70s, or the early 1980s the cars simply never changed very much. Like a shark or maybe a cockroach, depending on your point of view the Checker Marathon was perfectly evolved to survive in its environment.

Now finished in National Ivory, this cars paint and trim are in overall good condition but there are some paint blemishes visible on the trunk. The cars windows are clear and crackfree while its lights are intact and hazefree.

This wouldbe taxicab rolls on Michelin X whitewall tires; size P215/75R15 at all four corners. Each tire surrounds ivory steel wheels with factory caps. The cars bodywork is straight and solid and the trunk is in good order despites its age and there is a fullsized spare tire included. The engine bay is tidy, the battery appears new and the bumpers fit well to the cars body.

Under that hood is the optional General Motors 350 CID smallblock V8 engine with a twobarrel carburetor producing 250HP. It is mated to a dualrange automatic transmission and backed by a 3.31:1 rear end. Driver convenience features include airconditioning and power steering.

Inside, the red vinyl (code 2652) interior is in overall good order. The red bench seats are in very good condition, while the gray carpet is in good order. The contrasting light headliner is in fair order. The red metal instrument panel is in very good order and maintains that 1960s vibe, however the fuel gauge is inoperable. The twospoke steering wheel and locking column look great and are straight out of the Chevrolet parts bin. The inner door panels, mirror glass and shift lever are all in good order. Completing the interior is a factory AM radio.

Included with the original owners manual, original service certificate, hard to find original factory wiring diagrams and original factory parts list.

The Marathon was introduced in September 1960 for the 1961 model year, alongside, and later superseding, theChecker SuperbaCustom and differing from the Superba with its better interior appointments. The exterior of the Marathon had a fullwidth eggcrate grille, differing from the Superba's narrower grille and inboard parking lights.

With the exceptions of United States Governmentmandatedfivemph bumpersin 1974 and ongoing mechanical changes, the Marathon remained virtually unchanged during its 21year production run. However, Checker did comply with all safety and emissions requirements while in production.

The final Marathon was manufactured in 1982, when Checker exited the automobile manufacturing business. The company continued operations for an additional 27 years producing body stampings for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, until January 2009, when it entered bankruptcy liquidation as a result of the downturn in the American auto industry.

Notably, the Marathon's front suspension Aframes interchange with those of a 1956 Ford. The engines used were originallyContinentalbuiltLheadinlinesixes(OHVunits for the wagons), but these were exchanged for Chevrolet sixes andsmallblock V8sfor the 1965 model year.These continued to change as Chevrolet introduced modifications, peaking with the 1969L48 350 V8,which produced 300horsepower.

Checker did not have a nationwide dealer network and sold most of its production for fleet service. Police departments, most notably in Kalamazoo, where Checker had its factory, also bought Marathons.

Competition to this Checker in 1970 included AMCs Ambassador sedan, Buick LeSabres sedan, Chevrolets Impala sedan, Dodges Coronet sedan, Fords Galaxie and Torino sedans, Mercurys Montego sedan, Oldsmobiles Delta 88 sedan and Pontiacs Catalina sedan.

This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 35,933 miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, mileage exempt title. GET OUT AND DRIVE

Click here for our YouTube video of the Checker

VIN: A12578801204A

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