1981 Checker A11E Limo review from North America

The usual Checker rust areas needed repair when I got it - had it painted in 1998 (it was Mary Kay pink and primer - now dark blue) and a few bubbles showing 11 years later - minor frame rust to be repaired next week. Car was originally from Oklahoma and is not driven much during our Canadian winters (but it ALWAYS starts).

NORMAL maintenance done - can do most work myself - currently needs valve cover gaskets but does not burn oil.

Replaced two starters, one alternator, front disc rotors, rear brake shoes, ball joints.

Original 267 - Chevy V8 was replaced by a 305 by a previous owner - MUCH more power for this 9 passenger beast than that anemic 267.

Many parts are GM 1500 series truck but some are unique to checker and need MUCH searching on eBay or fellow owners.

The interior has been redone - with the jump seats folded, there is some serious stretch room in the rear - once put 2 mopeds and a drum set back there.

Performance is decent considering the 2.72 axle - cornering is not up to par with my Caprice SS (love those big cars) but I do not push it - need to beef up the front end - sway bars?

Great ride on the highway - the long wheelbase (129") soaks up the bumps - although lots of wind noise from the vent windows.

It has the aerodynamics of a big box store so high speed runs are not its forte - decent gas mileage if not pushed (22 mpg?)

Although the car is not concours quality, it turns heads.