1930s Wolverhampton ambulance restored to former glory

For three decades, it did the rounds at the historic Guy Motors factory.

This 1936 Wolf ambulance was at the centre of the bustling vehicle plant in Wolverhampton, rushing to any worker who may have been injured putting together the iconic cars, lorries and trolleybuses.

But with the passage of time, the ambulance, which was made at the famous Fallings Park factory, became neglected.

However, enthusiasts at a transport museum in Walsall have now restored it to its former glory and put it proudly on display.

Director Alan Bishop along with member and volunteer Tony Land with the recently restored ambulance at Aldridge Manor Transport Museum in Shenstone Drive, Aldridge.

The vehicle, which was used at the factory until the 1960s and also once featured in a BBC production of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple in the 1970s, has been at Aldridge Manor Transport Museum for around 10 years. The decision was made to bring it back to life to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of Guy Motors earlier this month. The dedicated team decided to strip the paintwork back to its original green and get the engine started.

Martin Fisher, chairman of the museum ,said: "At one point, the ambulance was painted cream to look like a public ambulance from its time for use in Miss Marple. It became a little neglected and so as part of the celebrations we decided to restore it."

The ambulance at Aldridge Manor Transport Museum in Shenstone Drive, Aldridge.

Work started on the vehicle at the start of the year and the first task was to carefully strip back parts of the paintwork to uncover the original colour and then match it and repaint.

Next, the team had to work on the basic maintenance of the engine and the fuel system.

Mr Fisher said the most difficult part was to update the electrics.

"Getting the vehicle up and running has been relatively simple. The vehicles of that time are simple in comparison to today's motors but we were surprised with how little we had to do. We now just have one or two more things to finish but we are almost there," he said.

Director Alan Bishop inside the recently restored ambulance at Aldridge Manor Transport Museum.

Since its renovation, the ambulance has been visited by a number of former Guy employees who have all made positive comments about how well it has been returned to its original colours and features.

It will now be a permanent feature at the Shenstone Drive museum, which displays a variety of historic and unusual vehicles on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30am - 4pm.

It has been open at its current base for more than 12 months and around 20 volunteers help to run the attraction. It was the second time the charity has had to move its belongings.

Alan Bishop and Tony Land look at the engine of the recently restored ambulance.

It relocated from its original home in Birmingham after a row with the city council over rent.

It moved to Beecham Business Park, in Northgate, before Christmas 2011 before being informed that it needed to relocate again last year.

Alan Bishop behind the wheel of the old ambulance.

Guy Motors operated out of Fallings Park factory from 1914 to 1982. It played a vital role in the development of the British motor industry.

For more information call the museum on 01922 454761.