Checker Car Club of America

FUN CAR!

The Checker Marathon goes practically everywhere, thanks to extra rugged build. Holds the whole gang, with or without optional jump seats. Lots of room for camping gear and sports equipment, too. Sedans, station wagons, limousines, each with extra-wide opening doors, a design that never goes out of style, a go-go-go attitude that never stops.

Checker Car Club of America was organized in April 1982 for the preservation, enjoyment, and information on Checker automobiles from 1922-1982 (year production ceased). Ownership is not a prerequisite for membership. Free Ads to members in "Checkerboard News".

TAKING A STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE...

Checker Motors, founded by Morris Markin in 1922 in Joliet, Illinois, has been a part of the Kalamazoo community since April of 1923, with the production of the first taxicab rolling off the assembly line on June 18, 1923.

Prior to the onset of World War II, Checker Motors produced several cars, including the Checker Limousine and the Landau in 1924, and the Series "K" (a real traffic stopper) in 1928. In 1929 Checker acquired Yellow Cab of Chicago and produced a new Series "K." A year later, the new "M" was introduced.

In 1931, Checker expanded to produce the station wagon-type vehicle that could be converted into an ambulance in addition to accepting a new contract for 1000 cabs from Chicago Yellow Cab. Times were rough during the depression, but in 1935 the Series "Y" (similiar to the Ford V) caught and business seemed to improve steadily through 1939 when the final design for the Checker was started.

During World War II, when Checker Motors wasn't building Checker Cars, it was producing trailers for Sears-Roebuck, truck cabs for Ford and an Army Jeep. There were only three jeeps made to Government Specs, one of which is still located at the Checker Plant.

David Markin took command of the Checker steering wheel in 1970 and began leading the company down different avenues. The Aerobus was reintroduced and Checker Motors was down to 4 models...never to introduce another again.

A sad day indeed-July 12, 1982-the last iron horse Checker rolled off the assembly line bearing the green and ivory colors. The "Roll Royce" for the taxi industry retired.

MEMBERSHIP

Dues are $25 (North America) $30 (Foreign) U.S. Funds. A quarterly newsletter is sent out in January, April, July and October.

CHECKER CAR CLUB OF AMERICA
Attn: Tony Mattern
Treasurer & Membership
160 Willard Drive
North East, MD, 21901-1631

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