By the end of next year the archetypal cabs both loved and loathed in equal measure by the drivers will not be seen plying for hire in London.

The FX4 first appeared on London streets in 1959, its shape beloved of tourists, has sold more than 75,000 vehicles and was the first diesel cab with an automatic gearbox.

Later rebranded the Fairway, along with Leyland’s original Mini has become the longest lived of British car designs and remained in production for 38 years….