I moved away from Brighton over 40 years ago. Compared to other places I've lived in, I think the uniformity of the present day white/turquoise cabs with the silhouette of the Pavilion help contribute to the image of Brighton & Hove. But I agree. The old black cabs with the cream bonnet looked classy to me as a lad. Never went in one though as they were for 'posh' people.Back when taxis were a proper colour!
My dad worked on Brighton Streamline from the late 1950s until his retirement in the 1990s. From the front grill it looks like a Morris Oxford which was a popular model for cabs back then. My dad had a couple. The Streamline office is still in Clifton Hill and part of the building was a taxi only garage where "Uncle" Bernard used to work.
Did your dad wear a peaked cap and, unless it was a myth, open the door for his passenger?
Long time admirer of this thread. Keep up the great work.