Citroen XM Forum

Here are some photos of the latest member of my fleet, which is a 1990 V6.24 Pallas imported from Hamburg in Germany earlier this year. It has been an interesting journey, from the original acquisition via ebay, through transportation to the UK and re-registration - only achieved in the last fortnight. I think I was fortunate in that the previous owner was a very nice and helpful chap who spoke good English, only wanted quite a modest sum and was also upfront about the condition of the car. Apart from the usual minor niggles, the main defect was with the exhaust system including a cracked rear manifold of which I luckily had a spare, but it was a nightmare to change!! Although manufactured in late 1990 bizarrely the car was not registered until early 1993, which with the relatively low mileage of 110K and lack of road salt explains the good condition of the bodywork etc. The Diravi steering was a little unsettling at first, mainly the extreme lightness at rest and slow speed and self-centring feature, although above 40mph all feels fairly firm and the cushioning effect of the hydraulic linkage is impressive. I think I have found the ultimate XM spec.!! Regards, Matthew T.

Very nice Matthew Looking forward to seeing it (and you of course!) at a rally in the New Year....

I was wondering if this new project was that burgundy 24v Campbell posted piccies
of a few month back showing a beached car in someone's driveway!

I'd imagine the costs trailering it back cost almost as much as the car's purchase?
I know as I've brought a GS back from Nantes years ago towed by a CX GTi turbo!

I guess you're another one who hates sunroofs on Xm's!?

Matthew, you need to update your signature now

Stunning car! I take it the engine has to come out in order to be able to change the manifold? Mighty car, love it!

Thanks Guys and as it turned out the burgundy car was the donor of the manifold and a few other bits! The cost of the car and transportation were pretty reasonable in the end and the lack of a sunroof seemed to be standard on early continental XMs and is another unusual feature. I did the manifold insitu but it was necessary to juggle the engine about quite a bit!! With regards, Matthew T.

I would rather not have a sunroof in any car, let alone an XM, where headroom s at a premium anyway.

That is a lovely looking 24v, Matthew.

The DIRAVI on XM has been criticised for being too low geared, how do you find it? Talking of steering, it's interesting to see the wheel has a black badge even in 1990. My first car must have been a very early car to have had a red badge.

Excellent purchase Matthew!

That Landrover and Trailer combo' looks very familiar to me - was the driver's name Chris? If so, he's funnily enough a good friend of ours and used him on a number of occasions. Small world eh?!!

AHA...I knew you were up to something....Wow Matthew what a unique car. you have a set..both RHD and LHD you lucky chap. I knew it had to involve something to do with a 24 valver!
I Love Diravi steering, it works so well, and makes the car feel even more different.
I look forward to seeing it. Enjoy the new toy!

Will - the sunroof is an interesting feature that did not seem to be at all common on earlier French and German cars due to being an option but were standard on UK models from the outset, even with basic spec. The steering certainly is very low geared at slow speeds but you quickly get used it! I think the red steering wheel badges were only fitted up until around May 1990 (ie. pre-24v) as one of my 12v has one and one does not with only ten days between production.
Franklin - the Driver was indeed Chris, who carried the car from the Original Transporter's depot at Canterbury, and I gathered you were regular customers of his!
Russ - you guessed well and I certainly hope to show the car next year!
Best regards,
Matthew T.