The New York Observer has reported on the death of the city’s oldest yellow cab drivers. Johnnie “Spider” Footman passed away, aged 94 after a brief illness.

Mr Footman began driving in 1937; he had famous passengers such as John Wayne and Rock Hudson. Although Mr Footman was still driving at 92, having successfully passed a medical test, he had recently stopped taking passengers.

He had been in several films about taxi drivers, with the latest “Drivers Wanted” featuring 55 Stan, the taxi company where he was working. He was considered as one of New York New York’s most interesting and beloved taxi drivers. According to the New York Times’ obit, he wore a spider pendant around his neck and a hat that said “Old Dude made of Achey Breaky Parts!” so hence his nickname.

He would warn passengers that he was a slow driver due to his age, though he had an impeccable driving record and had never had an accident while working at 55 Stan, the taxi company where he was working. David Yassky, the commissioner of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, said: “He’ll be missed. He was one of those drivers who knew the streets, knew his cab and knew his passengers, and he balanced all three perfectly.”

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An example of a 1935 12/4 Austin Taxi is to be auctioned. The taxi first took up duties far removed from the commonplace cab trade; it became exclusive guest transport of the world’s first luxury boutique hotel, Blakes, in Roland Gardens, South Kensington.

Plucked from its more humble street life in the 70’s by the hotel’s creator – film star and actress turned hotelier and interior designer – Anouska Hempel – the 1935 Austin Taxi Low Loader became the exclusive hotel transport soon after the hotel opened. Many famous guests including Ali McGraw, Neil Diamond, Robert Redford, Bob Dylan and Jane Russel may have travelled in the cab.  Anouska Hempel now Lady Weinberg – who has retained ownership of the taxi since it was retired from its celebrity transport role – has revealed that Blakes’ guests were welcomed to have use of it all day to take them anywhere within and around London whilst staying at the hotel. Unlike the blue/black livery of the standard 12/4 Austin Taxi of the day, this taxi is resplendent in dark green coachwork, reflecting the colour of Blakes Hotel.

The luxuriously-appointed interior is said to be in exceptional condition with excellent seat coverings, aluminium low loader area for luggage and a landaulette hood are in good order and fully functional. The vehicle also includes exemplary finishing touches such as a woven silk passenger hand-hold. A further nod to its heritage comes by way of an orange illuminated ‘BLAKES’ sign on the roof-mounted taxi lamp in place of the normal ‘TAXI’ symbol. The 1935 12/4 Austin Taxi is powered by a 1.8 litre, four-cylinder engine, whilst the specification includes a sliding privacy window, Bell Punch (London Model) taximeter, fare table, drop down seats, roof luggage rack, electric windscreen wipers, and stately Lucas ‘King of the Road’ lamps. For more than a decade, the taxi has rested in the elegant surroundings of a coach house on Lady Weinberg’s estate.  Requiring only gentle re-commissioning, the vehicle is expected by Historics at Brooklands to attract vigorous bidding in view of its unique appeal and the fact that it is offered at no reserve. So if you have cash it’s yours.

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