Built in 1914, 765 was one of a third series of combination cars built for routes with low bridges. The combination cars were built with a central saloon and open smoking compartments at each end. 

The conversion of the ’53’ route to buses in 1930 led to most of the combination cars being sold or scrapped. By 1931 only 6 remained, being confined to works duties. The last – 847 – survived until 1948.

The only surviving combination car of those sold was 765. Its body was stored at Pioneer Farm, Blackmoorfoot, near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. In 1960, members of the then Manchester Transport Historical Collection (later to become the MTMS) set about preserving the tram.

After temporary open-air storage at Crich, 765 was moved to Birchfields Road depot at Old Trafford for restoration. 

Upon completion of 765s restoration it to Crich, running for a couple of years before finally returning home to Manchester in 1979 operating reguarly until 1985 where it became one of a number of visiting trams celebrating the centenary of the Blackpool tramway.

Returning to Heaton Park later in the year 765 settled down into regular service.

June 2010 to April 2011 saw 765 once again return to Blackpool celebrating the tramways 125th anniversary. Following completion of the loan to Blackpool 765 moved directly to Beamish, operating for a month before moving back to Heaton Park.

2014 proved to be another busy year for 765, not only celebrating its own centenary, but also being Displayed outside Manchester Town Hall for a day in October, commemorating WW1.

Following a few more years of regular operation at Heaton Park, 765 was once again moved onto a low loader, returning to Beamish to operate at the 2019 annual steam fair.

Returning home a few months late, 765 has once again settled down as a regular performer in the park.