New York City’s famous yellow taxis have been an iconic part of its streets for decades. Among them, the 2011 Ford Crown Victoria long-wheelbase (LWB) taxis are some of the most well-recognized. One such vehicle, carrying medallion number 6H44, stands as a true relic of NYC’s taxi history. This car has been maintained with the help of USAutomotive over the last 4 years.
The Value of a Medallion
Medallion number 6H44 was once a valuable asset, representing the car’s official licensing for service in the city. At its peak, a taxi medallion could fetch as much as $300,000, with some transactions reaching an astonishing $1 million. These medallions were transferable, meaning they could be moved to another vehicle when the taxi was retired. The number was prominently displayed on the vehicle’s number plate, body, and a small 6-inch-wide metal medallion riveted to the hood or bonnet, which was changed every two years.
A Well-Preserved Workhorse
Despite its long service life, this particular Crown Victoria has relatively low mileage at 180,000 miles. To put that into perspective, a friend in St Helens owns a similar model with a staggering 576,000 miles on the clock. These cars were built for endurance, designed to handle the rigorous demands of daily taxi operations in one of the world’s busiest cities.
Functional Features and Historic Touches
The functionality of this former taxi remains largely intact. The taxi meter still works, operating in the same manner as it did when in service. When the medallion number 6H44 is illuminated on the roof, the taxi is available for hire, and once the meter is engaged, the roof light turns off—just like traditional taxis in the UK.
While the credit card reader remains for display purposes only, the vehicle has retained another nostalgic feature: Taxi TV. Originally installed for passenger entertainment, the original monitor has been creatively repurposed. Using a tablet attached with Velcro, vintage taxi footage can now be played at car shows or during filming, preserving the authentic experience for enthusiasts and historians alike.
A Glimpse into NYC’s Taxi History
The iconic Ford Crown Victoria taxis began their service in 1998 and were officially retired in 2011. At the height of their reign, approximately 13,000 yellow taxis filled the streets of New York City. These vehicles were equipped with special safety features, including a trouble light—a yellow signal located on the trunk (boot) and in the front grille. If a driver felt threatened or had an unruly passenger, activating this light would signal nearby police officers and fellow taxi drivers that they needed help.
A Rolling Piece of NYC’s Past
Medallion number 6H44 isn’t just another retired taxi—it’s a piece of living history. With its fully functional taxi meter, preserved Taxi TV, and authentic trouble lights, this Crown Victoria offers a glimpse into the golden era of New York City’s yellow cabs. Whether displayed at car shows or used in filming, this vehicle keeps the spirit of the city’s taxi legacy alive.
