Scothall Eastleigh preparing LHD MINIs?

[KTF]

Not sure if this is the right place but I have noticed that Scothall in Eastleigh has the occasional LHD MINI in US specification turn up on the back of a Boarhunt truck. Scotthall then do the PDI, valet, etc. before Boarhunt comes back and takes it to wherever.

Any idea why they are doing this? If it was for export then why not have a dealer in the intended country do the work?

My other thought is that it could be for one of the American forces based over here but then why not have a dealer closer to the base to the work instead?

[dtmpower]

Might be better in: PistonHeads » Gassing Station » Minis » New MINIs ?

[daydotz]

theirs a bmw approved bodyshop in Boarhunt(near Boarhunt recovery) id have a guess the cars been repaired before its shipped abroad

Edited by daydotz on Tuesday 19th February 18:20

[ecain63]

Or maybe the owners have a house over hare but are from abroad. I see loads of UK plate cars in LHD around the B'mth area. Often the drivers are Arab or Asian and living in the wealthy coastal hotspots. No cost issue for them as they are usually minted types.

[KTF]

When they are collected they dont have any registration plates on them but have been fully prepared as if for delivery. Similar to the cars that have been sold to fleet buyers but are delivered to their work on a transporter.

The latest one that arrived today was a Cooper Works GP but its been a mixture of specs although they are always 3 a door MINI and never any BMWs.

I dont think they have been ones that have been repaired after being damaged in transit as they always arrive with the job sheet in the windscreen, 'do not' open stickers on the doors, etc. and I would expect any transit damage to be fixed at the import centre. Plus why prepare them if they are just going to be shipped with none of the protective covers, etc.

Next time I see one being delivered or collected I will see if I can have a word with the driver to see what the story is behind them as its about 1 a month.