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.
Next
Back to Index
