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Re: Classic Challenge 2017

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 7:22 pm
by russ92xmsed
That's right. I took on the role of supervisor and health and safety! :lol:

Re: Classic Challenge 2017

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 9:03 pm
by MTXM
Thanks for your comments chaps and today was something of a contrast. This may sound odd but the morning was spent shopping around for tyres in nearby Gap! I had meant to swap the wheels and tyres with the gold car that has almost new Michelin Energy but time ran out. The tyres on the car are servicable but close to the limit and with around 1200 miles to get home and time and resources available it seemed like a good idea! There was just enough left of the afternoon for a run around the nearby lake that is stunning and some more steep winding roads to negotiate. It was also the best day for XM spots with an apparently abandoned early S2 V6 in Gap and then on a village street a very early and tidy 2.0i in meteor grey. There is another free day tomorrow hopefully including a Citroën museum and touching the Med at either Nice or Cannes! Regards. Matthew T.

Re: Classic Challenge 2017

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 9:10 pm
by MTXM
And the lake!

Re: Classic Challenge 2017

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 9:39 pm
by Dieselman
Oooh. Early rust free XM are of inererst to me. If you see any that could be smuggled out of the country, make enquiries.

Re: Classic Challenge 2017

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 7:18 pm
by MTXM
Sorry Will but we did not make contact with the owner! It would certainly have made a great project as the bodywork was good and sills all straight and undamaged. Regards, Matthew T.

Re: Classic Challenge 2017

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 9:59 pm
by MTXM
There was another amazing drive today initially around the beautifull Lac de Serre-Ponton and then further twisted and steep mountain roads with dramatic sheer rock cliffs and tunnels in places. Also along the route were several attractive villages and towns with ancient stone churches and tree shaded squares. The eventual destination of the four hour drive was the Mediterranean coastal resort of Cannes that did not disappoint and we even managed a dip in the turquoise blue sea. On the journey home we also stopped at the impressive Castellane Citromuseum where around 80 cars are displayed including many DS and CX. To our delight the museum contained two XM with a 92 carb model and 90 V6. The last car was coincidentally the same colour as mine and just three days newer, in fact identical except for being lhd and manual! Tomorrow we start our journey back north with 200 plus miles to cover and more hills! Regards, Matthew T.

Re: Classic Challenge 2017

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2017 9:43 pm
by MTXM
Well the earlier mountain passes paled into insignificance compared with todays exploits! The highest point reached was around 2500m and the roads were quite scarily narrow and steep. It was hot engine on way up and brakes coming down but the cars coped amazingly well. In the case of the 12v auto it is a completely different experience and even with the heavy load the power was sufficient! The sight of the jagged snow capped peaks was breathtaking and it is difficult to do justice in any description. The afternoon was a high speed blast between the lower hills to a very nice lakeside campsite and a swim that was most welcome after temperatures in the low eighties! We have 200 miles to cover tomorrow but lunch is combined with a transport museum. Regards. Matthew T.

Re: Classic Challenge 2017

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 3:10 pm
by MTXM
Unfortunately I did not get many photos on my phone Friday, nor did I find the time to write a post so here it is belatedly! We had another journey of over 200 miles north eventually to St Dizier with a further lakeside campsite including a small pool! The route was less dramatic but still very attractive with many interesting towns and villages passed through. At around midday we convened and made our main stop of the day at a handsome chateau with a very large and extraordinary collection of cars, bikes and jet planes. The chateau cars were all Abarths with many racing models and the jets ranged from the early 1950s to late 1970s and included numerous Mirage! There were a couple of interesting car spots with a 605 during a supermarket stop and more excitingly we were overtaken by a silver SM and exchanged friendly waves. One final short leg of our journey remained to Reims with another car museum visit planned. Regards, Matthew T.

Re: Classic Challenge 2017

Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2017 3:38 pm
by MTXM
The distance covered today (Saturday) was mercifully short at a mere 60 miles although we nevertheless took the scenic route through open, expansive and gently rolling countryside and number of attractive villages, many with historic timber framed houses. On arrival in Reims we found the motor museum that had just shut for lunch! Fortunately the cathedral was close so we parked up, had some lunch and then walked to the very attractive city centre and breathtaking medieval cathedral. Although the cathedral east end roof and flying buttresses were partly shrouded in scaffold the building was nevertheless really impressive and especially the soaring interior, carved stone figures and modern stained glass. The museum started well with two XM in the car park collection of vehicles to restore and inside other modern examples included a shiny 605, Matras. R16, BX and SM etc. We are now resting in the cheap and cheerful F1 hotel before gathering for a meal to close the event. Regards, Matthew T.

Re: Classic Challenge 2017

Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2017 4:34 pm
by MTXM
Well we arrived back yesterday with the further 200 mile drive to Calais and the crossing and final leg of the journey to Norfolk via Chelmsford all went smoothly and to plan. The overall distance traveled was just short of 2,400 miles and there were no major problems with the car, which proved to be more than up to the task. Apart from the precautionary change of tyres at Gap - a good investment given subsequent mountainous terrain - the only issue was occasional stiffening of the suspension and a minor leak of lhm from the flow distribution valve return hose joints. The suspension defect is longstanding and easily resolved by briefly stopping and then restarting the car, with the ride otherwise very comfortable and smooth. I can also confirm that performance of the engine and gearbox was impressive and especially given the earlier failures and rebuilding work undertaken. In spite of the heavy load and gradients to be tackled the engine power and torque proved quite sufficient and with frequent use of first and second gear lock-down the autobox coped well and if anything seemed easier to drive than a manual. Due to the 100th anniversary of Citroen in 2019 and celebration event being planned the next Challenge may be delayed but I cannot wait! Regards, Matthew T.