I suppose the French (who re-used half of the class) either weren't bothered or had competent, economical workshops.
WAO
"Half of the class"? Really - evidence or an explanation - would be nice; I know that some were repurposed but not that number. Oh and SNCF, 55% owners of Eurostar and operator of lots of TGVs which the 373s were derived from, keeping the best examples in use wouldn't be wholly surprising.