...Can't have been doing her any good.

Yes, they are almost the same.

I lived in the same block of flats as did most of the London Cabbies I knew (right behind Westminster Abby on Abbey Orchard Street).

I can't say for sure, but I seem to remember that there was a SD back in the 70's, but now there is a regular door and a small SD next to it.

And they do ride higher and are easier to get into and out of with plenty of legroom. They also had jump seats, but I didn't like them since they faced the wrong way

Short neckties were surprisingly common back then. The man on the far right at the corner is wearing a tie like Lou Costello usually wore.

Those "suicide" rear doors are one of the features that made those Checkers the best cabs ever in the US. I've never ridden in a London cab, so I don't know if they compare. But they are high, with a nice erect seat, lots of leg room, jump seats (which we loved as kids), and the doors made ingress and egress very easy.

The woman on the left bears more than a passing resemblance to Lauren Bacall.

The cut and details of the man's jacket suggest he's at least as fashion conscious as the model he's observing.

The model's handbag is a bit out of synch with the rest of her outfit, and might be more appropriate for a messenger for the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The taxi turning the corner is, somewhat improbably, a pre-1948 Cadillac!

[More than "somewhat." The cab is a circa 1950 Checker. - Dave]

As you've irrefutably established! I keyed on the cab's "face" (though the suicide rear doors should have given me pause). Still, the strong resemblance to the '41-'47 Caddy front end suggests that some designer at Checker had aspirations beyond drawing hacks.

neither the ogling man nor the model would be much longer for this world.

Could you blame the poor slob? Get a load of that dame on the left. The model ain't no great shakes, but easier looking than that hard looking character.

Looks like fashion models were more mature persons back then.

And physically a tad more substantial.

Although, a BMI of no less than 18 might still be a close call.

Not to mention "Curious full page Playtex ad with woman bowling in her bra and girdle."

http://2neat.com/magazine/product/look-magazine-november-4-1952/

Lady on the left is watching the man on the right look at the model in the middle. Or that's her husband and he's going to be sleeping on the couch tonight.