Aa1235 was built in 1912 in the Petone Workshops in Wellington as a wide body 50' car mainly for use on the North Island Main Trunk Railway. Originally built with a centre toilet it was rebuilt to its present form in 1922 with a end toilet and seating for 46 passengers. In 1235's later life it was used on Suburban trains around Wellington and was withdrawn in 1975. After some negotiations 1235 (along with Aa1266 which was later scrapped) was donated to SSR by the Minister of Railways.