Citroen XM Forum

Following on from my earlier thread 'Another S1 24v for sale' I called in at WHM earlier this week as planned and was greeted by the car parked just outside the gate that is indeed David Hallworth former steed! It made sense to pop over and look at an XM that I had heard so much about as the garage is fairly local to us and in an area I visit for work.

I had a good chance to inspect the car although not to start and drive her sadly and I also spoke briefly to the Owner, Danny, who confirmed a little bit of background. Overall I was not disappointed by the condition, which I recall from earlier posts by David and the owner before being very good. The recent history tied in with what David had said, a chap in Kent had bought the car for commuting to London believe it or not and found the transmission a bit harsh – surprise, surprise!! The engine and box were removed by Brodies and a new clutch and engine mounts fitted with no significant (if any) improvement sadly and around £2,000 spent.

Unfortunately the car did not look its best being a bit dusty, but the bodywork is indeed quite tidy. The only faults I could identify were a few missing spots of lacquer on the driver side front wing and door and a small crease in the rear wing as once mentioned by David. There are some light scratches and touching up on the painted bumpers as usual and the nose cone is quite heavily stone chipped. The front nearside jacking point has been badly crushed but otherwise the cills looked quite solid and rust free on the outsides at least. There was no rust that I could spot inside any of the lower doors which is extremely unusual and I also noticed that the front and rear subframes had seen a bit of recent underseal. The interior is certainly very neat with the original radio intact and including the boot and I checked the mileage that is around 127K.

Otherwise in terms of appearance the only other defects I would highlight are that the front and rear door chrome strips are all badly discoloured and the wheel nuts corroded (all quite simply fixed) and the tyres are also not great. The nearside strut top rubber is a little perished and the engine bay would benefit from some tidying up (mostly wiring) but all the trims are in place and appeared undamaged. I also spotted that the windscreen is original and the spare wheel carrier appeared better than most (also rust proofed).

I understand that Danny does want to shift the car and is looking for offers in excess of £2,000 that seems quite fair and I for one hope she goes to a really good home next time, having been somewhat buffeted about in recent years! We all know how rare this XM model is and although not everyone’s dream car, I really do not think you will get a better example in the UK at present. If I can help any further please do let me know and I also have a number of other detailed photos should anyone be interested.

With regards,

Matthew T.

Well done Matthew for calling in. It looks good. But would look better given a good polish. At least it is in capable hands at the moment.

It does look in a sorry state since I let it go

I spent a long time tidying the wiring in the engine bay up when I had the inlet manifold etc off to replace the coolant pipes that run through the vee.

The stone chips weren't on the nose cone when I sold it and the jacking points were unmarked. The chap who bought it from me said he was hopeless at working on cars and always paid someone to do it. Unfortunately it looks like it's been let loose in the hands of a grease monkey. There were a couple of small lacquer marks on it when I sold it. I think he's done about 5 or 6 thousand miles in it since I sold it. The tyres were good when I moved it on too.

I was told it was going into a garage and was going to be pampered and used sparingly, not for a minute did I think it was going to be used for commuting in and out of London every day.

Fingers crossed it'll get a loving home. Seeing it like that does make me want to buy it back.

David.

Matthew, is that a dent in the front wing or is it just a reflection?

D

Looks like a dent, you can see it in both shots. One in the o/s rear wing too.

I can understand you must be a bit disappointed David, although I would emphasize that the condition was really quite tidy and mostly the car just needed a clean. If I am honest the door chrome strips and rusted wheel nuts also took the edge off but they are simply fixed. To be fair to Danny he had not long had the car, which was yet to be properly advertised. The engine bay wiring is not too bad and probably just disturbed by the recent removal and the damaged lacquer is really minor. I certainly do not remember a dent in the front wing and I think it is just a reflection. With regards, Matthew T.

Here she is chaps for the princely sum of £3,495, resplendant with new number plates!!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/91-J-CITROEN- ... 2a2cf31350
Regards, Matthew T.

Thats more like it...the look of it..not necessarily the price!

Those number plates must be gold plated.

As I recall David originally advertised the car for £3,500 although it eventually sold for £2,750, so it is possible a dealer closeish to London might achieve this figure. From my experience at that price I would be rather more tempted by a lhd car with Diravi which would probably work out cheaper even with transport costs and the bodywork might also be better due to lack of salt! I still hope she goes to an enthusiast and ideally a Forum/CCC member so we might see her again in the future! Regards, Matthew T.