Book excerpt: From the origins of the Hackney carriage, the author follows the evolution of the taxi through early 20th century designs by William Beardmore of Glasgow to the dominance of later vehicles commissioned from Austin by Mann and Overton in 1929. Later designs follow a distinct lineage and despite continual improvement of the design over the years, coupled with a succession of more refined and cleaner diesel engines, the black cab remains an enduring icon of Britain's transport heritage. Part of a new range of Enthusiast Manuals from Haynes, this book traces the history and development of the ubiquitous Austin FX4 London Taxi, built between 1958 and 1997.