Citroen Classic Challenge

[MTXM]

I am pleased to report that yesterday (Thursday) went rather more smoothly and to plan with a fairly short drive to Nerac through more attractive scenery including many lovely villages. My sister-in-law has a house in the Bastide town of Eymet, a popular tourist destination, where Russ and I stopped for lunch that was very nice. A treat just before our lunch was a roadside breakers with several interesting cars on the forecourt that included most exciting a very tidy S1 V6 24v, the first seen to date. As we set off on our penultimate day there is steady drizzle but the landscape of densely wooded hills is attractive and who knows what is 200 miles ahead! Regards, Matthew T.

[captainhaddock]

Are you going to put an offer on the tidy V6? Sorry it's drizzling there, it's not fair. Have a very enjoyable day, pictures please!

[MTXM]

Yes it would be very tempting to bring the 24v back and thankfully that weather has now cleared with brilliant sunshine!! With regards, Matthew T.

[MTXM]

The highlight of today was an impromptu visit to a Citroën garage where a large collection of older cars was accumulated with some XM. Other cars parked up included an early 2CV van, Lancia Beta coupe, Renault 4s, a CX and several Xantia etc. There was also a handsome black DS apparently in use. The most interesting XM was a extremely early 2.0i with RP 4546 from which a few parts were collected. A completely different experience was the Memorial Village of Oradour-Sur-Glane, the site of a horrific atrocity in WW2, left in a state of ruin to this day and really powerful and moving. Otherwise the day involved extensive driving with countryside a little less inspiring and roads generally busier. Tomorrow will be our last day with another long drive to the finish in Normandy. Regards, Matthew T.

[captainhaddock]

Going home always includes a long way back to the ferry....Did you find me a nice donor Diesel?

[MTXM]

Fortunately we only have a 1hr journey tomorrow am Jaap and we would bring back another XM if we could, although probably the green 24v!! We passed through Limosin yesterday Russ asked me to mention! With regards, Matthew T.

[captainhaddock]

Oradour sur Glane, very impressive tangible piece of history, a stark reminder of what is happening now not all too far away History always repeats itself.

Good homeward journey, home sweet home and no more talking French

[MTXM]

The last day of the Challenge thankfully passed without mishap with another 200 miles approx covered through quite varied terrain. The countryside was slightly less attractive and interesting than on our way down and in the south and the roads quite a lot busier. We had two stops with the main one being at Sampur tank museum with a large and impressive collection of machinery. As a child I had been very much interested in WW2 and recognised much of the equipment from that period, although my perspective is somewhat different now and especially after yesterday's visit! Later in the afternoon we had a very pleasant tea stop at a traditional town hotel, rather appropriately with it's own H van and a splendid UK reg. DS parked alongside. An evening meal at historic Falaise concluded the event, at least formally, and very nicely we were joined by a French Citroën enthusiast from Brittany with a collection of 20 cars, including 6 XM! Tomorrow we have an early crossing to Portsmouth and hope to briefly meet John M (XM Exclusive) en route near Winchester. Regards, Matthew T. PS. Apologies for the late addition of the photos!

[MTXM]

Just to complete my blog we had an early start from Falasie with about an hour drive along a fast motorway to catch a ferry from Ouistreham back to Portsmouth. I was very impressed with the town of Ouistreham, which seemed very small and sleepy compared to Portsmouth with a lovely C12 church at the centre that I had time to visit. The crossing went well and was much quieter than the outward trip, partly because of the many vehicles earlier bound for Le Mans! As planned we briefly stopped to see John M. at Winchester on route and collected a number of alloy wheels that Russ eventually hopes to refurbish and fit on his car. After dropping Russ near Oxford I journeyed on home to Norfolk arriving back around 9.00pm with a total of just over 2,500 miles covered! Apart from the damaged steering ram pipe the XM performed superbly and was a joy to drive on the French roads. I would certainly recommend the Challenge experience to anyone considering attendance in the future and I believe Phil Chidlow is already planning a follow up event! With regards, Matthew T.

[Bertie-Bassett]

Loving that stug picture.