In Hamilton, like any other city, car dealerships tend to cluster together on the outskirts — where rent is cheaper and space more plentiful.

So when a life-size Mini Cooper appeared on the Church Street sidewalk across from City Hall last month, many pedestrians were taken aback.

"It was an opportunity to open a showroom in prime real estate," explained Michael Butler, general manager of Bermuda Motors, which moved into the new Washington Mall building two weeks ago.

The opportunity arrived when the tenant committed to the space was not ready to move in by the opening day. The location was then rented temporarily to Bermuda Motors, with the dealership moving in 16 cars to create the Island's first downtown showroom.

Though its second location is a temporary one, the company has already enjoyed the benefits of a presence in the heart of the city.

"We've had loads of through-traffic already," said Mr. Butler, adding that salesmen at the new showroom have already given out several quotes to potential customers.

The success of the new location has led Mr. Butler to wonder whether inner-city showrooms in Hamilton might one day be the norm. Still, when the dealership moves out within a few months there are no plans to find a replacement.

"The margin on cars is not that brilliant, but everyone assumes you make a fortune," said Mr. Butler, who believes one permanent showroom to be sufficient in a market the size of Bermuda.

In the interim, though, the dealership will make the most of its new exposure — with an open day planned for later this month.

Meanwhile, a representative for Washington Properties — which manages the Washington Mall — said last night tenants had been found for nearly all available spaces in the new building.