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The Volvo NY Taxi designed by Carrozzeria Coggiola.
The Volvo NY Taxi, designed by Carrozzeria Coggiola, was a significant entry alongside Italdesign’s Alfa Romeo New York Taxi in the 1976 exhibition The Taxi Project: Realistic Solutions for Today at the New York Museum of Modern Art. This exhibition explored innovative approaches to urban transportation, and the Volvo NY Taxi stood out for its blend of functionality and futuristic design. Coggiola envisioned the Volvo NY Taxi as a compact, secure, and efficient vehicle tailored to the unique challenges of city driving. Its design addressed urban transportation needs while providing a modern, visually distinctive alternative to traditional taxis. The taxi’s compact size made it ideal for navigating congested streets and fitting into tight parking spaces—essential features for taxis operating in densely populated areas. A primary focus of the prototype was passenger comfort and security. The doors and side panels incorporated tubular steel reinforcements for added safety. The right-side sliding rear door was electrically operated by the driver, ensuring easy access. Inside, the cabin was designed for both convenience and flexibility. The anatomically designed armrest provided ergonomic support and could be folded up to accommodate a third passenger. Additionally, the right-hand section of the seat folded to create space for a wheelchair user, enhancing accessibility. Instead of a traditional safety bar, the passenger could pull down a secure restraint for added protection. The driver’s compartment was equally well-equipped, featuring a writing table with a reading lamp, a secure safe box, and a built-in refrigerator. These features not only enhanced the driver’s convenience but also demonstrated the taxi’s forward-thinking approach to comfort and functionality.With its blend of safety, accessibility, and modern design, the Volvo NY Taxi was a pioneering concept in urban transportation, redefining the standards of city taxi services.
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in an endless sea of honking taxis in New York City, you might have wished someone—anyone—had figured out a way to make urban transportation smoother. Well, believe it or not, back in the 1970s, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) gave it a shot.
