Iconic Jersey Shore tramcar rescued, to be restored for museum

Preservationists have rescued an iconic piece of history at the Jersey Shore.

Weathered and worn, retirement took Sightseer Tramcar number eight off the Wildwoods boardwalk where it was seen and heard for decades.

“Everybody knows the tram car no matter where you go,” Larry Lilli, with the Wildwood Historical Society said.

The old tramcar was donated to the Wildwood Historical Society by the non-profit organization that operates the Sightseer tramcars.

Wildwood Historical Society saved the legendary treasure from the scrapyard with the intention of restoring it to have it on display at the George F. Boyer Historical Museum.

“We just wanted to get it and make sure it was safe,” Wildwood Historical Society president Taylor Henry said.

They had it towed from the boardwalk to a lot outside of the museum ahead of restoration.

Currently, there’s a Coca-Cola wrap on the paint that will be removed along with getting the engine sandblasted, repainting the car yellow and blue as well as getting the roof reattached.

Once it’s restored, the historical society wants people to be able to sit in the engine for pictures.

The next step? Figuring out how to get the tramcar inside the museum.

“We’re either going to have to put in a bigger door, or, if it’s possible, take it apart and put it back together inside,” Henry explained.

“We’re thrilled that the Historic Society has taken on this mission. We’re going to support them in any way we possibly can,” Patrick Rosenello, with the Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District, said.

They say that they think the restoration and move inside will cost tens of thousands of dollars.

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