Wildwood Tram Car Set for Restoration After Decades of Service on Boardwalk
Wildwood’s iconic tram cars, a staple of the boardwalk experience for generations, are preparing for a new chapter after decades of ferrying beachgoers along the shore. Tram Car #8, one of the few remaining traditional Sightseer trams, has been retired from active service this past summer and is now awaiting a careful restoration effort.
The Wildwood Historical Society has taken the lead in preserving this piece of local history. The tram, recognized for its distinctive blue-and-yellow design, will be returned to its original colors as part of the restoration project. Once completed, Tram Car #8 will be displayed at the society’s museum as a hands-on exhibit, offering visitors a glimpse into the boardwalk transportation experience of the past.
To support this ambitious project, the historical society has launched a fundraising initiative. One of the key efforts includes the sale of the 2026 Wildwood Calendar, which features historical images capturing life along the Wildwood boardwalk over the decades. The calendars are priced at $16.99 and are available for purchase online, with proceeds directly funding the restoration of Tram Car #8.
Restoring Tram Car #8 is not only about preserving the physical vehicle but also about safeguarding a cultural memory for the community. For more than 70 years, these trams provided a unique way for visitors to navigate the boardwalk, making stops at popular shops, restaurants, and entertainment spots. Now, by transforming the retired tram into a museum exhibit, the society ensures that both locals and tourists can experience this iconic part of Wildwood’s heritage.
The restoration project reflects a broader commitment to preserving local history and engaging the public in hands-on learning experiences. Once operational as a museum display, Tram Car #8 will serve as a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to explore and interact with a piece of Wildwood’s transportation history in a way that photographs or stories alone cannot provide.
For the Wildwood community and history enthusiasts, the restoration of Tram Car #8 represents both nostalgia and education. The project emphasizes the value of maintaining historic artifacts and highlights how communities can come together to protect and celebrate their shared heritage.
Sources:
Wildwood Historical Society
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)
State of New Jersey Official Archives
