A 100-YEAR-OLD tram car is to be sold at a Dorset auction. 

The tram car 113 ran a service in Bournemouth, between Lansdowne and Southbourne, according to the book Bournemouth and Poole Tramways. 

When it was decommissioned, it ended up in a garden nursery in Milton Abbas before moving to a farm elsewhere in the village. 

Eventually, about 10 years ago, it was rescued from the farm by Richard Lee of Plankbridge in Piddlehinton to be used as an office. 

It still features many of its original features including coloured ruby glass panels and painted signage with ‘NO SMOKING ALLOWED’, ‘15 SEATS EACH SIDE’ and ‘DO NOT SPIT IN THE CAR’. 

At 23 feet long and 7.5 feet wide, auctioneer Charterhouse in Sherborne has said it could be used by its next owner as an office or studio. 

They added it could even be developed into an Airbnb business or possibly be restored back to its former glory from 100 years ago by enthusiasts. 

Richard Lee said: “It seemed a great idea to use the tram car as an office as it perfectly complements our shepherd hut manufacturing business. 

“Whilst it has served us well over the past 10 years, it is now time to let the next custodian look after it.” 

Auctioneer Richard Bromwell added: “We never know what we are going to be asked to auction. 

“In nearly 40 years of working in auctioneering, this is certainly the first time I have been asked to sell a full-sized tram car.” 

The tram will be sold at Charterhouse auction on April 3 and is expected to fetch between £3,000 and £4,000. 

It’s currently stored in the dry at Plankbridge HQ, The Grain Store, Piddlehinton, where it is available to view by appointment through Charterhouse on 01935 812277. 

Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for this specialist auction of automobilia and enamel signs on 3rd April. 

Richard Bromell and the Charterhouse team can be contacted for advice and valuations at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, 01935 812277 or via rb@charterhouse-auction.comtwit