Location: Kalamazoo, MI - Checker Motors Plant

Checker Motors was organized in 1922 and operated an assembly plant in Kalamazoo for its unique large, taxicab automobiles. It was a merger of the Commonwealth Motors and the Markin Automobile Body company. It moved to Kalamazoo in 1923.

Image Info: A view of a 1923 Checker Cab, posed later with a Michigan historical license plate.

Notes

Most vehicles were manufactured for the commercial cab market, however the Mackinaw City Police Department purchased and operated a bright blue Checker vehicle as their police car in the 1980's.

The Kalamazoo plant was located along N. Pitcher Street, south of W. Mosel in northern Kalamazoo. It received service from the GTW and possibly the CK&S. [SBM-1932]

Time Line

1980's. Checker operated a former Rock Island SW-8 in the early 1980's. It had been re-engined and designated a SW-900. The unit was ultimately sold to the Adrian & Blissfield railroad and used on their Detroit Connecting railroad at A&BR 836. [CGJ/GTWHS-2021-Sum]

1982. The final automobiles were produced this year. It went on to produce parts for GM and Chrysler. [Wiki]