It was constructed by Firema specifically as a high-floor, articulated bi-directional tram to operate solely on the Manchester Metrolink system.

The first 26 T-68s were built in 1991 by Firema with bodyshells constructed at various plants in Casaralta (8), Casertane (7), Cittadella (4) and Fiore (7).

As low-floor tram technology was in its infancy at the time, Metrolink was in its planning stages, and in order to be compatible with standard height railway platforms used by Metrolink, the vehicles were high-floor, using the same 900 mm (35 in) platform height as British Rail trains.

[7] Vehicle 1022 underwent an interior modification layout trial in 1995 that saw non-standard seating fitted with higher backs and more rounded grab handles.

They were similar to the original fleet, but built with modifications to allow for a high proportion of street running on the Eccles Line with other traffic.

In July 2012, Transport for Greater Manchester decided that it would be more cost effective to withdraw all of the T-68s/T-68As and replace them with M5000s with the first T-68 withdrawn in 2012.

It is destined for the Heaton Park Tramway but remains at Metrolink's Trafford Depot until it can be accommodated.

[25] 1023 remains under the ownership of Transport for Greater Manchester and moved to Crewe Heritage Centre in March 2021.

[30] A single car prototype bodyshell numbered 1000 was built in Italy in 1990 and delivered to Manchester for public exhibition to promote the system.

As well as a mock-up tram for scenes after the crash, real life T-68 1015 was also used, numbered as 1030 and temporarily vinyl wrapped in the new yellow and grey livery.

[33] Trams 1019 and 2001 appeared in the 2001 comedy drama The Parole Officer starring Steve Coogan but the lengthy scene featuring 1019 was eventually cut.