Choosing Your Hypcar
Owning and caring for a classic car requires genuine passion, but passion alone may not suffice. You’ll also need knowledge, plenty of patience, and a dash of financial commitment to truly enjoy the ride! So, before you plunge into the thrilling realm of hypcar ownership, take a moment to consider whether this is the adventure you really want to embark on. If you’re ready to hunt down that perfect hypcar, our dedicated sections and recommended specialised resources are here to guide you through their distinctive features and impressive technical prowess, helping you find a model that meets your desires and fits your budget.
The adventure of curating your very own hypcar begins the moment you acquire it, whether through inheritance, a private sale, an auction, a trade, or even by unearthing a hidden treasure in a barn. The car’s condition at the time of purchase will play a huge role in how you care for it down the road, including any restoration needs and associated costs. Inexpensive “opportunities” can often come with hefty restoration expenses. For example, a complete overhaul of a hydropneumatic suspension can easily set you back over €5,000. That’s why it’s essential to examine the hydraulic circuit closely during your pre-purchase inspection.
Begin with a few simple checks. Open the bonnet, locate the hydraulic reservoir, and look at the colour of the fluid, which should be clean and bright green, not dark or dirty. Start the engine and make sure that both the front and rear of the car rise. The time this takes depends on the model, as they use different pumps, but it shouldn’t take ages. You may eventually need to accelerate to speed up the pumping and rising process. Once at its normal height, the pump shouldn’t be heard running continuously, but only every half minute or so. From its normal height, a hypcar should take around 20 secs to reach its maximum. While at normal height, do not omit to press down each car’s corner to check if the suspension spheres feel soft and bounce firmly.
Next, check the self-levelling and height-adjustment mechanisms, and diligently watch for any hydraulic leaks. While some leaks, like those from cracked or torn suspension gaiters, are fairly common and generally not serious, leaks from the steering system or gearbox hydraulic command (like those found in the DS) can be more challenging to fix. You’ll definitely want to avoid confronting multiple leaks simultaneously! We highly recommend checking for any leaks before committing to a purchase; even a budget-friendly, reupholstered interior can misleadingly suggest a car is in good condition.
During your pre-purchase inspection, make it a priority to check for corrosion and rust around and under the vehicle, focusing on areas like the sills, wheel arches, boot, and floor. To accurately assess the severity of any rust spots, it’s beneficial to familiarise yourself with the structural elements of each hypcar beforehand. Occasionally, what appears to be a major issue can be addressed with the right repairs. The photo series on the right highlights a boot floor predicament on a DS that was expertly resolved by replacing and properly treating the corroded panels. In any case, keep in mind that a body/chassis overhaul for a large hypcar can easily exceed €30,000.
Once you step inside the car, take a moment to check the upholstery and pay special attention to the condition and functionality of the instrumentation. Tracking down dashboard components for models like the GS/GSA, CX, and XM can be quite a challenge. Also, don’t overlook the window lifts—give them a test on all doors of the CX, BX, and XM models. The DS and GS feature virtually indestructible manual window mechanisms, while the electric windows in the SM can often feel agonisingly slow.
When it comes to hypcar engines, you can generally rely on their dependability—provided they have been well cared for by previous owners. An exception to this rule is the SM’s Maserati engine, which is notoriously fragile. The secret to determining an engine’s condition lies in its maintenance records and history, as well as any time it has spent idle. Remember, classic cars are not just for show; they deserve to be driven regularly, showcasing their status as collectible treasures while also ensuring their mechanical longevity. In the video below, you can see and hear a 50-year-old DS engine being tested during an overhaul.
The hydropneumatic suspension is what gives hypcars their signature ride quality. Therefore, it’s crucial to check that the hydropneumatic components—including fluids, gases, and rubber seals—are in prime condition. Two key checks you can easily perform are: (i) ensure the hydraulic components and circuit have no visible or audible leaks (the latter can often be detected by the frequent operation of the pressure pump), and (ii) confirm that the fluid and pneumatic components are in excellent condition. Look for clear green fluid using the gauge on the reservoir located in the engine compartment. You can evaluate the pneumatic components (spheres) by pressing down on each corner of the hypcar and observing their responsiveness and rebound. Most spheres also have their production date marked.
An assessment of a hypcar should always include a road test, even if it’s just a short one. After all, it is that exceptional ride feeling that makes the difference compared to the other mortal cars! During your drive, check the ease of start-up, how well the controls function, the car’s directional stability, and braking efficiency under sudden pressure. Additionally, assess the suspension’s suppleness. Ensure you engage all gears, including reverse. Be vigilant for any unexpected reactions, vibrations, or juddering, and listen closely for unusual sounds when navigating bumps and turns—watch out for rattling, clunking, humming, or grinding. These noises might indicate that bearings, bushings, or rods need lubrication, tightening, or replacement. Unusual sounds may or may not be felt through the steering wheel, which can help pinpoint their origin.
The following link on J. Cats’s website provides a comprehensive buyer’s guide to classic Citroëns: https://cats-citroen.com/citroen/buyersguide.html#hydraulics