Charles's 2.1 SD Manual (formerly Citroenxm's)

[russ92xmsed]

Very nice indeed.

[captainhaddock]

Fabulous, always loved it. I'd love to drive one, one day...for a day:)

[Richard2cv]

Very nice sm.
Would love to own one........... one day.

[Charles M]

Just back from dropping it off in Holland, where it will be sharing its own workshop with three other SM's, one British. Nard van der Meer promised to make it as economical as an XM V6.

I was staggered to find out though that the road tax on an LPG fitted CX there is about 300 euros - a month! He said it is wiping out the post 73 classic car market there, both sales and work.

[russ92xmsed]

Just back from dropping it off in Holland, where it will be sharing its own workshop with three other SM's, one British. Nard van der Meer promised to make it as economical as an XM V6.

I was staggered to find out though that the road tax on an LPG fitted CX there is about 300 euros - a month! He said it is wiping out the post 73 classic car market there, both sales and work.

That's outrageous. Must be Europe at its worst again.

Sounds good, an SM with XM V6 economy.
There is an SM about swiss?...Dutch?....can't remember now, with a full XM hydractive suspension conversion. Cost a pretty packet to do apparently.

[captainhaddock]

Yes. Staggering, is the right word.It's sickening what's happening there. It's designed by short sited, power hungry foolish idiots, if you don't mind me saying.
In your example: any CX no matter what fuel type, of 25 years or older, was tax free. The LPG version which is by far the most environmental friendly compared to Diesel or petrol, will be hit hardest. And this new law here, was designed over environmental issues rather than just money generating measures.
It is to generate money but it will only, cost the Dutch state, far far more. It'll never be revealed how much this thing will COST instead of BRING IN because those things are hardly measurable. Many old timer related business will either go bust or will have to scale down. I'd imagine Renard will suffer too. The majority of vintage Diesel and LPG cars will be sorn, sold or scrapped because they are far more worse hit than petrol cars.. Values of vintage cars have dropped enormously Everybody will loose out in this. Very sad. It's called modern democracy, but there's not an ounce of common sense here. Even though it won't hurt me, it's really upset me because of the stupidity of it all.

[Charles M]

A totally dumb and destructive decision, Jaap. Nard mentioned how much his turnover had declined (the entire segment between proper classics which are still ok and contemporary cars has just disappeared). Fortunately he still has DS and SM work, but he said you can't give the youngtimer cars away. So if anyone wants some tasty CXs etc in LHD (not a great problem) then perhaps time to see what's available there.

I really felt for him - yet another stupid governmental decision that destroys jobs and businesses for nothing.

[Dieselman]

How much is the tax on diesel cars there?

[Charles M]

About the same as lpg I believe on the cars, and a lot more on the fuel.

[Charles M]

There is an SM about swiss?...Dutch?....can't remember now, with a full XM hydractive suspension conversion. Cost a pretty packet to do apparently.

The cost I hate to think about but it would address the one minor downside of that era Citroens, namely the bodyroll. I happen to like that bit of it, it keeps my inputs under control, which is a much better way of driving. Of course, on a long drive at speed, the Diravi showed exactly what I am missing on the XM, namely beautifully weighted steering with a lovely small wheel. Surprisingly everything worked, although the glovebox decided to blow open (the tiny bit of plastic fitting into the lock sheared off), the interior mirror fell off (glue and duct tape sorted that) and the driver's side mirror needed some viagra. Who needs mirrors anyway!?