Oldest XM in the UK - Now with registration!!

[Dean]

It would appear they are no longer in existance, presumably the site was taken over by Longstones or the plot built on as there are some new houses just up the road, Irvine was a Citroen dealer though, back in the day.

D

[White Exec]

If you could identify and/or provide the logo font I am sure that would also be helpful.

You could have a bit of fun by googling either Identifont or Find-a-Font.

[MTXM]

I have now put a few miles on the car and also done some of the more essential jobs to improve the driving experience. As mentioned elsewhere, I hope to attend the Chevron Rally this time next week and I look forward to meeting up, presenting this very early XM, and discussing experiences to date. In brief, my main tasks were to replace all six suspension spheres as the ride quality was poor and to address a very noisy exhaust that was clearly blowing in several locations. On the suspension I had no idea when work was last carried out, although as it turned out the spheres were dated between 2008-11, except the rear corner spheres were undated and possibly older. I knew there are a couple of leaks in the front and centre silencers and one front manifold-exhaust flange bolt was missing, but I then found the front manifold casting was also badly cracked and leaking. Fortunately I had a better manifold available that I fitted with new gaskets which has made a big difference and I also replaced a shredded lower engine mount adjacent to smoothen take up. The suspension was certainly improved but did not feel completely soft which then pointed to electrical issues and I had noted some odd behaviour in that when the front doors were opened while stationery with engine running the car dropped and sport light illuminated!! A resolution to the suspension appears to have been found after thoroughly cleaning the two ecu multi-pin connectors and the ride is now floaty and smooth with the odd behaviour thankfully gone. There are still a few other tasks on my list before thinking about paintwork and trim, but touch wood the car does now feel reliable enough to venture further afield!! With regards, Matthew T.

[MTXM]

The L.J. Irvine dealership does appear to still exist Dean but sells VW's now!!
http://www.isomerset.co.uk/profile/6321 ... -Sons-Ltd/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
With regards, Matthew T.

[MTXM]

I thought I might also just list some of the quirky features I have found to date with this early car, presented in no particular order:

- Both petrol cap and slam panel relays are in red plastic, rather than black.
- Rear reflector panel between indicators is almost silver colour, rather than usual orange.
- Rear light bulb access panels in boot have press studs to secure at tops.
- No indicator wing repeaters are fitted although wiring is in place (car was for French market).
- Although car is top spec there are no seat heaters in front or rear.
- Front wheel arch plastic liners have no access slot for bumper fixings.
- Paint colour code is located directly underneath air cleaner unit and not below and only visible after removal of unit.
- Suspension ecu has green and white sockets rather than black and white, which I recall being mentioned by John M., although harness plugs are the same, while ecu does not appear interchangeable with later cars and even early models.
- Rear seat has no centre waist belt.
- Trip computer button has noticeably softer action.

Please forgive this rather 'anorak' exercise, but I do think it is interesting how changes were made so early on during the production.

With regards,

Matthew T.

[russ92xmsed]

If it is a preproduction car, many cars are altered before proper production starts. I remember Shaun Lilley had a very early C5 mk1 and it was in an odd French spec which UK cars didn't get, and also had a very high brake pedal which was to be adjusted for main production.

I'm looking forward to seeing it Matthew. You'll have to give me an anorak tour!

[MTXM]

That is interesting Russ, although I think early production rather than pre-production in this case! I shall be delighted give you the full tour but please note that the bodywork is still a bit ropey at this time!! With regards, Matthew T.

[xmexclusive]

There is an entry in the 1989 XM dealer network booklet:

Bridgwater
L.J.Irvine & Sons Ltd
Longstones Garage
Cannington
TA5 2JN
Tel. (0278) 652233

If you google the above postcode you end up seeing that Cannington garage still trading, same site, same names and same telephone number (extra 1 in area code).
The Bristol road location in Bridgwater looks not to be the original supplying garage but perhaps a branch of the same company.

John

[Dieselman]

I hope you being an anorak doesn't mean you will be bringing bad weather with you, Matthew.

[MTXM]

Hopefully not Will although I will be bringing mine just in case!! The latest forecast available for Tuesday of next week is overcast but dry! With regards, Matthew T.