The collection started in the 1960s with a few enthusiasts collecting derelict buses to restore. These were kept in yards and barns around the area, but often needed rehousing as the premises owners needed or sold the space off. The group formed into a formal charitable trust in the 1970s known as "The Birmingham and Midlands Motor Omnibus Trust" and then acquired the present site in Wythall a few miles south of Birmingham city centre ( its actually in Worcestershire a couple of miles north of J3 of the M42). A small workshop was erected on site and vehicles restorations could then be under taken by the volunteers in better surroundings and vehicles stored under cover to protect them.