An historic tramcar will carry fare-paying passengers on Merseyside for the first time in 58 years this month.

Tramcar 245 – the last surviving Liverpool Baby Grand steamliner –  has undergone a six-year restoration by Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society (MTPS) and will launch the operation on Wirral’s Heritage tramway on 12 September.

The route will take the tramcar between Woodside Ferry and the Transport Museum at Taylor Street, Birkenhead.

The four-wheeled 70-seater tramcar was originally built at Edge Lane Works and entered service on 3 July 1978, until 14 September 1957 when it took part in the parade to mark the end of Liverpool’s tramway operations. Since then the iconic vehicle, owned by National Museums Liverpool, has been in storage.

Tramcar 245 passengers on 12 September will be able to enjoy a special commemoration ride including a Liverpool Last Tram Souvenir Ticket, before a regular daily service takes place from 13 September.

Janet Dugdale, director of the Museum of Liverpool, says: “We are delighted with the work completed on Tramcar 245 by the skilled volunteers from Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society. They have restored the tram so beautifully that it’s thrilling to see such an important object from the museum’s collections back in operation.”

Terry Martin, chairman of the MTPS, who was the project leader for the restoration, adds: “Though the car was in a very poor state, we have conserved as many original features as we could and replaced any rotted timbers with new ash hardwood. The car has been completely rewired and has a new underframe. The finished product looks absolutely stunning and I am sure the public will love it.”

The project was funded by a £50,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant and National Museums Liverpool, with support from Wirral Borough Council.

Tickets for the tram can be purchased from Woodside or the Wirral Transport Museum depot.

Related posts:

Walker Gallery to host major exhibition City landmarks to commemorate Hillsborough National Museums Liverpool’s economic impact revealed New funding to help older people enjoy the arts in Liverpool Liverpool to commemorate Hillsborough anniversary this weekend Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards winners announced