We often report on various tram moves across the country (just in case you haven’t noticed) but one which went under the radar in 2022 involved a Portuguese tram which now calls the south of England its home. Lisbon 715 was the tram and its move was so that it could become a movie star with it needed to film some scenes for a new spy action thriller which has recently been released on Netflix.
Owned by the Southampton Tram Project, 715 is a 1930 built tram in the classic Lisbon style which was acquired initially as a source of spare parts but with its condition being better than expected it has been retained and is currently being restored at the Solent Sky Museum alongside Southampton cars 11 and 38.
Although not the only Lisbon tram in the UK (the Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society own 730 and 711 has been restored as hauled stock on the Crowle Peat Railway, Lincolnshire are the most obvious examples), its location in Southampton was advantageous with filming for the movie taking place in London.
The Southampton Tram Project were approached for the tram to be used for the filming last year and 715 made the trip up to London in June 2022. Filming took place on 11th June 2022 featuring actress Alia Bhatt.
The finished film was released on Netflix on 11th August 2023. Reviews haven’t been too kind though but at least it has a tram in it!