FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CHECKER AEROBUS
Who makes the Checker Aerobus? -- The Checker Aerobus was made by the Checker Motors Corporation. Checker was its own car manufacturing company from 1923 to 1982.
Why have I never heard of Checker before? -- You probably have. Checker was best known for all the Checker Taxi Cabs on the streets of major cities until 1982 when they went out of business.
Why did they make this kind of vehicle? -- This was constructed primarily for use as an airport limousine in the days before commuter vans. Many other commercial operations used them for transportation.
Why do they look like they were made in the 1950s? -- Checker went to this body style in 1959 and did not change it significantly until they went out of business in 1982. With a few exceptions a 1959 looks identical to a 1982 except to the Checker hobbyist.
How many years did they make Aerobuses? -- For 15 years from 1961 to 1976.
How many did they make? See: http://www.aerobus.homestead.com/Production.html/
What kind of engine does it have? -- Checker went to Chevy engines in the 1960s and stayed with them until 1982.
Why does it have a cage in the back? -- The cage was to protect the windows from luggage that would be piled there if it was used for airport passengers.
An excerpt from the 1964 Checker Motors Corporation sales brochure for the Aerobus gave the following description:.
The Checker Aerobus was the result of persistent requests from fleet owners to create a special purpose vehicle with the economy of a taxicab, the comfort of a limousine and the ruggedness of a bus. Built at the same plant, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and using the same skills, craftsmen and materials as on the billion-mile Checker taxicab. The Aerobus was conceived as the first and only totally effective method of transporting 12 people short or extended distances and with complete comfort, outstanding safety and true economy. Checker built special purpose vehicles for over 60 years. Taxicabs that defied weather and time, fleet cars that provided the utmost in passenger satisfaction and operator efficiency. The Aerobus, however, took the taxicab and fleet economy, convenience and safety several steps beyond, and provides a totally satisfactory service for 12 passengers, and with room for luggage, packages or equipment and with style and power features never before offered in a commercial car. The Aerobus was built from the ground up for the purpose of moving people. Not a stretched car, not a converted stock car, but a built-for-the-purpose, built-to-last vehicle of amazing stamina and comfort.
"A subsidiary function of the Checker Aerobus seems to be to cheer people up. Wherever it goes smiles spread across peoples' faces as they see such a long and elongated car."
Motor Magazine, March 1966.
