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Delve into the history of Hendy Bodyshop


At Hendy, our commitment to providing unbeatable repair services has been a cornerstone of our business from the beginning. Since opening our first depot on Palmerston Road in Southampton in 1926, we’ve consistently expanded and improved our services to ensure the highest standards of vehicle repair across the South Coast.

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The early years

Our dedication to exceptional servicing predates Hendy Bodyshop’s existence. The First World War significantly impacted Hendy’s original car business and focus was redirected towards servicing tractors to assist vital food production. This marked the early days of Hendy’s vehicle servicing expertise.

The birth of Hendy Bodyshop

In 1926, Hendy opened the Palmerston Road depot in Southampton. Here, Hendy brought servicing and repairs under one roof, setting the precedent for what was to come as the group quickly expanded across the South Coast, earning a reputation for excellence in vehicle repairs in the process.

Relocating and reorganising

Over the years, Hendy have moved servicing operations to better meet customers’ needs. In 1938, Hendy redeveloped the Vincent’s Walk site in Southampton; 25 years later, in 1963, they sold the site. Car sales and servicing returned to Palmerston Road where it all began while bodyshop operations moved to Chandler’s Ford.

Expertise, care and attention – that’s Hendy

Over the years we have developed and expanded our trade to continuously provide fantastic repair services across the South Coast – and today, that remains a top Hendy priority.

Here at Hendy Bodyshop, we offer a wide range of repair services to ensure that your vehicle receives the best care and is back on the road as soon as possible. These include:

• SMART repair – a specialised technique for cost-effective, high-quality repairs of minor cosmetic damage, including scratches, chips and dents.
• Accident repair – restores your vehicle to pre-accident condition, from structural damage to cosmetic restoration.
• Cosmetic repair – enhances the appearance of your vehicle by fixing any blemishes in the paintwork, trim or upholstery.
• Alloy repair (up to 3.5-tonne vehicles) – repairs and refurbishing of alloy wheels, addressing issues like cracks, bends or scuffs.

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Hendy has your accident repair covered! Find out more about each repair below or find your nearest Hendy Bodyshop.