Treasures on wheels

Norway Post has played an important role in the development of transport in Norway. Postal transport has been undertaken in most ways. There has been close cooperation between new means of communication and better carriage of post.

Among other things, visitors can see Norway's oldest roadworthy, registered lorry, a Fiat 15 Ter Lorry, 1914 model. The lorry was delivered to Kristiansund Post Office in 1920 where it was in use until approximately 1932. The lorry was sold and had several owners for differing uses, up until Norway Post bought the remains of the lorry for restoration. The work of restoring the lorry was undertaken by Norway Post's vehicle workshop in Oslo. The lorry has taken part in many veteran car rallies and has won many prizes.

There is also a Volvo Duett 1956 model at the Norwegian Postal Museum. Norway Post had many vans of this type during the 50s and 60s, This van was used in Drammen postal district until it was sold and later ended up as a farm van. Norway Post repurchased the van and it was completely restored by Norway Post's own authorised workshop for the 350th jubilee in 1997. Norway Post has received a restoration plaque from the Norwegian Veteran Car Club for good, correct restoration work.

In the museum visitors can also find a Harley Davidson 1200 cc from 1932. Norway Post was one of the first to introduce efficiency measures and as early as 1926 it started using motorcycles of this kind for emptying postboxes in Oslo. During the winter the postal motorcycle drivers suffered a good deal from illness and frostbite, and this was part of the reason for the motorcycles being exchanged for cars in 1936.

• The Norwegian Postal Museum is open from 1 June to 31 August.