Not been on the drink or drugs trail, and it was definately not a dream, but today I (and 3 other people in the van) saw .....

A Silver Wagon on a **51 plate.

Nothing out of the ordinary there I hear you say,

BUT!

this was a new shape **03 with the new front end!

Surprised would be putting it mildely, this car was brand spanking new, no question. With no badges on the car whatsoever. Middle aged suited chap driving.

Saw the car between Oxshot and Esher leaving a petrol station.

This is no wind up. Definately Impreza and Definately on **51.

Anybody any ideas how this could be....

Must say what a car!

Did`nt mind working all day in the rain after seeing it I can tell you..

 

It has been known (allegedly) for IM to have cars well in advance of release date and drive them around (not sure for what reason, maybe to see what we will claim for under warranty?).

 

Ron, I remember seeing an XK8 up in Preston before they were released (not that I knew that at the time !!) - as said above, sometimes the occassional car is released for press trips / testing etc tho pretty amazing when you're not expecting it ! Oh to have a £40 digi camera on you huh !!

 

Yes, could well be, "51" plate means nothing, probably a transfer.
I saw mini cooper s's regularily around Aylesbury ages before their offical release etc.

 

Go to the Nurburgring, common as muck to see cars years away from oficial release.

They are easily spoted, just look for teh car covered in tank tape.

 

Quite common i think, my mate, who worked for BMW had the Cooper S 8 months before release. He basically gets to drive it around and report any bugs, faults back to the company.
He now works for Aston Martin, but doesn't get the sames perks