Amsterdam, 23 January 2026 – Catawiki, the leading online marketplace for special objects, announces a truly extraordinary lot. From today, it’s possible to bid on a rare Type T2 tram from the 1930s. Originally numbered 212, the vehicle was groundbreaking at the time of its construction thanks to its fully welded steel body, replacing the traditional wooden structure. Never before has a complete tram been auctioned on Catawiki.
Photocredits: Zbigniew Mazur
A piece of transport history
The tram was built for Kasseler Verkehrs-Gesellschaft, the public transport operator in the German region of Kassel. It served for many years and even survived the heavy bombing of the city in 1943. After its active service in regular passenger transport, this tram began a second life in 1972 as an instruction vehicle under number 702. Until 1986, the vehicle was a striking sight in its orange safety color, complete with ‘Urlaubsträume’ advertising from TUI. Later, the tram became part of Amsterdam's museum tram fleet: in 1986, it joined the collection of the Public Transport Museum. The vehicle has been in action on Amsterdam's Mercatorplein, once again bearing its original number 212 and the modern blue KVG paintwork with white stripes.
A remarkable collector’s item
After its active service, the tram found a home in 1986 at the Public Transport Museum in Amsterdam. In 2011, it was purchased by Frank and Irma Appel, who at the time ran a bed & breakfast in Hoogwoud (North Holland). On their property, they housed a collection of trains, trams and other unusual vehicles. For years, the tram was used to serve breakfast to their guests. Christophe Hendriks Franssen, Model Train Expert at Catawiki, explains: “For rail history enthusiasts, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Normally, you would only encounter this type of tram in a museum. A tram has never been auctioned on Catawiki before, and the fact that one is now up for sale is exceptional and likely a one-off. The tram’s preserved condition, combined with its remarkable history—from Germany via Amsterdam to Hoogwoud—makes it an outstanding collector’s item.”
The auction will run exclusively on Catawiki from 23 January until 6 February 2026.
