) of your XM collection, or perhaps searching for those elusive headlight washer covers? This is the place to do it.Now is your chance!
Artcurial are Auctioning off the Heuliez Prototypes! Not 1, but 2!
http://www.artcurial.com/en/asp/fullCat ... o=10394702
No title
Chassis n° HZ1992-1
- No reserve
- Unique prototype
- Presidential car
- Running condition
- Official car for the official visite by Président Chirac in January 1996
When Citroën presented the top-of-the-range XM in 1989, to replace the ageing CX, there was no estate car in the catalogue and it was 1991 before this version made its appearance. The task of designing and building the car was given to Heuliez, who was already assembling estate versions of the CX and BX. In fact, the coachbuilder from Deux-Sèvres was completely familiar with the platform and had all the necessary equipment. It was therefore straightforward to produce variations that could be produced in small numbers.
That was the case with this first limousine project given the name "Palace", in reference to the former Pallas versions of the DS and CX. The car, built on the base of a saloon, was presented officially at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1992. The wheelbase had been extended by 13cm, to provide more room for passengers in the rear. It had the classic-shaped boot and rear styling and lights of the saloon, and a more balanced profile than the standard XM, due to a 20cm overhang at the rear.
La XM "Palace" was intended to win over the government, and to infiltrate the ministerial fleet, as well as attract business leaders. As such it would have been the logical successor to the Peugeot 604 limousine and the Renault 25 limousine, both flagship Heuliez models. It didn't happen and the XM " Palace " remained a one-off.
Originally benefitting from a specially styled front end, the XM Palace was reconfigured and repainted in metallic blue in 1995. It served as the official car for the President of the French Republic, Jacques Chirac, when he visited the Heuliez factory on 15 January 1996 to unveil the only production line producing 100% electric cars in the world.
The vehicle has been very well preserved and is in running condition. It sports aluminium-alloy wheels, flag posts on the front wings, black leather interior with wooden trim, anti-theft device, and radio. Under the bonnet, there is a V6 turbo fuel-injection engine with five-speed gearbox.
Exclusive on two counts, this car has the status of a presidential car combined with that of a running prototype. As such it will attract fans of the 'double chevron' as well as admirers of great figures in French political history.
http://www.artcurial.com/en/asp/fullCat ... o=10394704
Chassis n°HZ1996-1
- No reserve
- Unique model
- Presidential history
- Upmarket French image
The XM "Limousine" was the second proposition for a top-of-the-range French vehicle, offered to complement the XM "Palace" which had appeared in 1992. This time, the designers at Heuliez-France-Design had decided to use the platform of the XM estate, a car that Heuliez produced for PSA. Despite its name, this wasn't a true limousine, as it only had two opening doors on each side.
This three box saloon retained the XM boot and lights, but had a more vertical rear window, which provided enough room for a standard boot lid. The rear of the vehicle was modelled in clay to show its size. The model was shown to President Chirac when he visited the Heuliez factory in 1996.
This non-motorised model is presented in good condition, with some cracking to the clay section at the rear. It has no manufacturer's plate or serial number. The dark grey velours interior is presented in reasonable condition.
This is a fascinating style project of enormous interest to 'marque aux chevrons' collectors, who will appreciate its unique and exclusive nature. A gem worthy of a place in the collection of any true citroëniste.
They can leave them where they found them as far as I'm concerned 
