The story behind Sampson's replica Hong Kong taxi turning heads on the Gold Coast

Making the replica was a way for Gold Coast resident Sampson Wong to remind himself of home.

Key Points

• A homesick Hong Kong migrant has fashioned an imported Toyota Crown into an iconic Hong Kong taxi.
• Sampson Wong personally sourced components from Hong Kong taxi dealerships and junkyards.
• He first hatched the plan decades ago while studying and working as a part-time taxi driver in Adelaide.

Watch how Sampson built the replica taxi in the video above

One wouldn’t bat an eyelid if they saw a red Toyota Crown taxi in Hong Kong and the iconic vehicle can now be spotted in Australia thanks to the handywork of one homesick Hongkonger living on the Gold Coast.  

Sampson Wong, who migrated 25 years ago, said it took him under five days to convert the Toyota Crown into a “taxi” and considered himself “lucky” for finding the model for sale online in Japan.

"It feels very familiar because it's a sight I grew up with," Mr Wong said.

It took under a week for Sampson Wong to modify the vehicle. Source: Supplied

“The model isn’t available in Australia,” Mr Wong explained.

“It’s a two-litre, six-cylinder engine (known as a) Mild Hybrid. Its production was discontinued in 2015 and replaced with a newer, hybrid model of taxis,” he added.

All the add-ons, including its roof light box, fare metre, price lists, yellow rule decals and no-smoking stickers, were sourced during personal trips to Hong Kong taxi dealerships and junkyards.

“I knew exactly how to fit and replicate it because I grew up watching these taxis in Hong Kong,” Mr Wong said as a car hobbyist, rather than a professional.

Mr Wong's 'taxi' has been fitted with all the knick-knacks, including the non-smoking and passenger rules stickers. Source: Supplied

He added that he was able to complete his project, including buying, importing, modifying the vehicle, for under $30,000.

“The taxi still lacks the multiple devices on the dashboard,” Mr Wong said.

The devices are used to check routes and accept bookings. But they’ve also sparked local debates about road safety.

He said he had sourced some of the fit-out items from a taxi junkyard in Hong Kong.

"I had a taxi driver take me to (where) taxis get dismantled," Mr Wong said.

"I remember it being a 30-degree summer's day ... Under the sun, I told (him) what my plans were.

"He was able to extract the taxi meter and the printer while sweating profusely. I am grateful to him."

The idea to make the replica was first born during Mr Wong’s previous life as a part-time taxi driver while studying in Adelaide.

“I thought, wouldn’t it be fun and funny if I drove a Hong Kong-style taxi in Australia one day?” he said.

A couple of decades on and those dreams have become a reality with pictures posted online during and after the modification having already attracted plenty of attention.

“Can I have your number? I want to order one,” one netizen said.

“Feels so familiar,” wrote another.

Mr Wong intends on replicating another familar sight in Hong Kong - a cream-coloured public light bus. Credit: Opla/Getty Images

Mr Wong said he had plans to go on a long road trip to post pictures of his “taxi” in front of famous Australia landmarks.

"I want to stopover. take some pictures and add them to a blog," Mr Wong said.

My Hong Kong taxi in Australia can also serve to promote the country as a fun place.

Sampson Wong

Beyond that, he has already set his sights on his next creative endeavour: retrofitting a Hong Kong public light bus – one of the city’s other familiar sights.   

“This represents (the) personal affinity I have for Hong Kong,” he said.