Which company manufactured the classic New York Checker cab?

The company that manufactured the classic New York Checker cab was Checker Motors Corporation.

The company began in 1922 as the Checker Cab Manufacturing Company, formed through Morris Markin’s merger of Commonwealth Motors and Markin Automobile Body. Production moved from Illinois to Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1923, where the company built purpose-designed taxis known for their durability, spacious rear seats, large trunks, and occasional jump seats.

Checker changed its corporate name to Checker Motors Corporation in 1958. Its taxis became strongly associated with New York, although the company also supplied cabs to cities across the United States and built passenger versions for private buyers. The best-known later model was the Checker Marathon, introduced in 1961.

A common mix-up is confusing the cab manufacturer with Checker Taxi, the Chicago-based taxi operator. They were closely connected historically, but Checker Motors was the vehicle manufacturer. Checker ended complete vehicle production in 1982.