Oldest XM in the UK - Now with registration!!

[Dieselman]

You're making me feel better...

[MTXM]

It is some time since I have added to this post, partly because of the issues I had starting the car now thankfully resolved! The other interesting development is that I managed to acquire both the original handbook and maintenance booklet from the previous Polish owner. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the early date of the car all the paperwork is in French with the main feature of the handbook being the coverage of only two engines available at the time of the launch. The service history is really fascinating as the car was looked after by a dealership in Paris, Citroen Paris, from its original registration in March 1990 until October 1991 (70,000km), despite apparently being owned by a German Catholic priest. From 1992 servicing was by another dealership in outer Paris and then at a town south-west of Paris. The last stamp is October 1991 (110,00km) and the car was acquired by its second owner in around 1995, which was the Polish family from whom I bought the car. As there is no history between the car’s production in May 1989 and March 1990 I think that supports my theory the car was in the original batch of 1,000 XM displayed at the Monte Carlo launch and then gradually sold on. The chassis number ends 0999 and the engine number is 0000912. I attach photos of the papers including the original service stamp. Regards, Matthew T.

[russ92xmsed]

Wow! Amazing find getting more information on its history, but it is a pity you can't get that first period from 1989 to 1990. Kind of suggests Citroen was its first owner and they were using it as a demo/ launch car. But as you say, it must be one of those first cars from the launch as the colour alone suggests it could be. You must be delighted Matthew you have more info about it. More reason than ever to save it and keep it going. I look forward to seeing this at a future rally. How exciting!!

[citroenxm]

Isnt eddie nuffs gold G reg older then this v6??

[Eddie nuff]

I think Matthews is one of the first registered in May 89, whilst the first XM's registered in the UK was not until October 89.

Mine is possibly the third oldest known UK registered car behind xmcentrals blue one and the Mandarin base car.

[MTXM]

Neil's car has an RP of 4788 (18th December 1989) and mine is 4572 (16th May 1989) Paul so about seventh months newer actually! I think Neil's 2.0i must be one of the oldest UK XM, given the launch was only in September, although the mandarin car we saw at CXM last year was slightly earlier. As mentioned at the beginning of this thread my V6 rolled out of the factory exactly one week before the Monte Carlo launch! Regards, Matthew T.

[MTXM]

Sorry my thread crossed with yours Neil and I had forgotten about Mark & Jacquis car! I do not know when my V6 was actually registered, although the service history starts in March 1990. With regards, Matthew T.

[Dieselman]

As mentioned at the beginning of this thread my V6 rolled out of the factory exactly one week before the Monte Carlo launch! Regards, Matthew T.

That might throw suspicion on it being used as a launch car, as might it only being first registered to the priest, surely the first owner would be Citroen.

One week from actual production to being shown would be a tight time-frame considering launch cars are often built as specials, have further quality control, then go through an intense prep for showing. Add a days transport, at least and the time-frame looks too tight.
I wouldn't be hosting a major launch not having the cars actually built one week before the show date. What if there was a fire at the factory, they wouldn't have the cars to show.

[russ92xmsed]

Actually that is a good point. Also if they developed any faults they would be caught in time and fixed. But a 1000 cars in the same colour, would be nice to think it was at that launch.
I also would have expected the car to be registered by Citroen first, unless there is a different system in France. Someone used that car for something, be it launch, demo, whatever before the Priest.

[MTXM]

On the other hand Will they might have been struggling to prepare so many cars for the launch and taken whatever they could get off the production line - who knows!! I understand the car was originally owned by a German priest and the first service stamp is in early 1990, but as confirmed by Russ that leaves about a year between and it is very likely Citroen had the car until then. I think as they were showing 1,000 XM at Monte Carlo and the cars would anyway be carefully checked after production appearance at the launch is still possible, although I guess concrete proof shall be hard to secure. I have also sent enquires to other XM clubs abroad and one has highlighted the existence of a further V6 one week older than mine, while they also thought appearance at the launch was feasible. I shall let you know if I secure any other advice! With regards, Matthew T.