In 1922, Checker Motors Company of Kalamazoo, Mich., makes the first Checker taxicabs. In the 1970''s, there were about 5,000 Checkers make up almost half of New York City''s taxi fleet. In 1982, production ceases for economic reasons. By 1993, there were only 10 Checker cabs left in New York. July 26, 1999, the last day of New York''s last Checker cab, as the owner, Mr. Johnson prepared to retire. Our model not only tells the great story of the Checker taxicabs, but it also reminds us of the NYC''s icon, the yellow cab, which is falling in number due to fierce competition from rideshares such as Uber, Grap...You may not see them as often in a few more years. This model is 100% handmade out of tin and hand-painted yellow with checker symbols along both sides and on the roof. Features: - 100% handmade out of tin - Taxi sign on the rooftop - Checker symbols along both sides and on the roof - Turnable black-painted wheels - Handpainted yellow It''s a great item for office decoration or any passionate collectors.