Hailing this yellow taxi on the streets of Vancouver might give the impression of being in New York, but unfortunately the vehicle doesn't stop for a ride.
The owner of this old taxi, Giovanni Porta, who lives in Burnaby, bought it on Facebook in September for $5,000 (C$6,600). He picked it up in upstate New York and then drove it to Vancouver from dawn to dusk for five days.
This 2011 Ford Crown Victoria is one of thousands of taxis that have graced the streets of the Big Apple, designed specifically for the New York taxi market. Now there are only two left on the streets of New York, and according to the New York Times, they are expected to retire soon.
You see them in films, in television series; It's truly an iconic car, says 22-year-old Giovanni Porta.
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Giovanni Porta says his next project is operating the television system at the taxi divider.
Photo: Provided by Giovanni Porta
The car, which is a piece of history for the Brit, was decommissioned in 2018 in accordance with city regulations due to its age.
In New York, taxis and limousines must be renewed every seven years. Ford Crown Victoria vehicles have largely been replaced by newer car models.
Giovanni Porta's taxi is complete, with a working meter, a medallion on the front hood, a partition between the front and back seats and of course a lantern on the taxi. There is legroom in the rear and the ventilation can be controlled by the passenger.
Giovanni Porta spent several thousand dollars maintaining and restoring the taxi. In particular, he added New York license plates and plans to operate the television system on the route.
I am very satisfied because it is difficult to find such a taxi in good condition. […] I think I got a pretty good car for the money spent.
Giovanni Porta has four cars in his collection, including another Crown Victoria used by the Vancouver Police Department. He enjoys riding them for fun, going to work with them or taking a walk with friends or family; of course free of charge.
He admits that he sometimes gets confused looks from taxi drivers or pedestrians who wave at him. Some of them even tried to get into the car, thinking it was a working taxi; For this reason, the British Columbian drives with the doors locked. This is part of what makes it truly unique. […] It is really very far from its original cradle.
With information from Michelle Gomez and Maurice Katz