Police stockpiling unregistered SD1s

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.24.035558

I note you seek access to the following information:

It is often stated that at the end of production of the Rover SD1 in the mid-1980s, the Metropolitan Police stockpiled a large amount in reserve. For example, quoting a 2016 article from former MetPol officer Carlton Morris, "In fact, when I joined the Metropolitan Police in 1993 there were rumours that they’d kept a fleet of unregistered SD1s in the garage at Hendon as a hedge against an unspecified apocalyptic event and then forgotten all about them. No one would admit to having misplaced a couple of dozen cars, so they just sat there slowly deteriorating until someone could figure out what to do with them. It seemed like a sad but fitting end to such an extraordinary car."

In order to set the record straight, can the Metropolitan Police either confirm or deny that such a stockpile of Rover SD1s existed? And if they did, are there any records available to be made public on this stockpile order?

As an aside, have the Metropolitan Police (or neighbouring forces) held a similar kind of fleet stockpile for vehicles other than the SD1?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

I have been advised that with regards to the MPS having a stockpile of Rover SD1’s in 1993, this information is not held.

In relation to have the MPS had a stockpile of any other fleet since 1993, I have been advised that at times the MPS may stock a small number of vehicles for a variety of reasons however this is not considered as stockpiling. We are unable to answer any questions in relation any other police service.