Classic cars taken up Lynton and Lynmouth cliff railway

A blue MGB and a white Citreon DS were among the cars taken up on the railway

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway Blue MG and white Citroen — A blue MGB and a white Citreon DS were among the cars taken up on the railway

A water-powered Victorian cliff railway has been used to transport cars for the first time in 50 years.

A selection of classic cars were loaded individually onto the Lynton and Lynmouth cliff railway in Devon, to be transported 862ft (263m) to the top.

The last time cars were transported on the funicular railway was in 1952, to get them out of Lynmouth after major flooding.

It was also used in a marketing stunt in the 1960s to carry an E-type Jaguar.

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The cars were taken up the railway, which links the two coastal towns, as part of a photo shoot for a magazine.

Rob Shaddick, director of the railway said: "We got involved with Practical Classics magazine who were originally trying to locate a car from an old photo, and it sort of got out of hand.

"Now here we are sat on the railway in my Triumph, on the railway that my great-great-grandfather built."

The cliff railway was formerly used to transport goods and cars from between Lynmouth at the bottom, and Lynton at the top

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway White car — The cliff railway was formerly used to transport goods and cars from between Lynmouth at the bottom, and Lynton at the top

The railway has not been used to transport cars for more than 50 years

Cars being transported — The railway has not been used to transport cars for more than 50 years

Cars can no longer be removed at the top so they were returned to the bottom

Lynton & Lynmouth cliff railway Cars — Cars can no longer be removed at the top so they were returned to the bottom

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway Blue car — The cliff railway was founded in 1890

The rail track rises 500ft (152m) with a gradient of 57%

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway Red car — The rail track rises 500ft (152m) with a gradient of 57%

It is one of only three fully water-powered railways left in the world

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway Blue and white car — It is one of only three fully water-powered railways left in the world