The Museum acquired its first battery-electric road vehicle in 1986. Since then an important collection of these vehicles has been established with a sustained restoration programme.
Our unique collection of these humble vehicles contains many reminders of a way of life that is rapidly disappearing. The dairyman delivering door to door every day is still found in most areas, although declining in numbers. Once upon a time the bakeries carried out similar rounds, also using battery-electric vehicles which were ideal for such stop-start work, not using any fuel during the very frequent stops. Birmingham Co-operative Society was locally very important in this field, also using battery-electric vehicles on laundry rounds, all their customers receiving a dividend on everything they bought from the Co-op, to spend later. Another very important regional dairy was Midland Counties Dairy with many depots. Our battery-electric collection portrays a number of dairies now lost to the conglomerates.
Occasionally vehicles may be stored off-site or away on excursions or private hire. Please check beforehand if you are planning a visit to see a particular vehicle.
Date
Info
Reg. No.
Original Operator
Chassis
Type of Body
1935
AOX 653
Manufacturer’s demonstrator then Fowlers Forest Dairies
The Transport Museum, Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX Tel: 01564 826471 | email enquiries@wythall.org.uk The museum is operated by The Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Trust, a registered charity no 507191
