Upkeep Tips

Classic cars require a bit more TLC than their modern counterparts, and hypcars even more so, as their mechanical and hydropneumatic components work in concert. In addition to basic maintenance, servicing and restoration are vital for keeping these beauties in peak condition. Unfortunately, restoration projects can come with a hefty price tag, as spare parts and specialised labour for classics can be quite expensive. To avoid unpleasant surprises and minimise the chances of a major service or complete overhaul, it’s essential to adhere to a regular maintenance routine—never skip it! While servicing and restoration may feel like a rollercoaster ride, maintenance is something you can easily plan and budget for.

That said, while shorter maintenance intervals can help offset the effects of low mileage for a hypcar, remember that some level of overhaul or renovation will eventually be necessary. However, diligent and thorough maintenance—coupled with the timely identification and resolution of issues before they snowball into major problems—can significantly reduce the chances of sudden breakdowns, prevent unexpected expensive repairs, and extend your vehicle’s lifespan. In short, being proactive is a valuable practice when curating your hypcar.

In the “Looking After” section dedicated to each hypcar, you’ll find specific low-mileage operation intervals. In addition to these model-specific guidelines, here’s a handy checklist for all hypcars:

• Develop a habit of frequently checking underneath the car for hydraulic leaks. If you spot any, locate the source and tackle it right away before they become many!
• Keep a close eye on the car’s ride height to ensure it remains consistent. While an experienced eye can give you a rough estimate, precise measurements from the anti-roll bar to the ground will provide accuracy.
• Regularly check the levels of engine oil, transmission oil, coolant, and hydropneumatic fluid. Always adhere to the recommended mileage and fluid types, especially for automatic gearboxes.
• Check the tyre pressure every two months and rotate the tyres every 10 000 km. Remember, the maximum lifespan of any tyre is about 10 years.
• Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them as needed. Be sure to replace the battery every 5 to 7 years.
• Clean the interior regularly to prevent dirt and dust build-up. This is also an excellent opportunity to inspect and, if necessary, repair or replace the upholstery.
• Clean the windscreen and windows, and check the condition of the wipers at the start of the rainy season.
• Wax the car once a year and polish as necessary.

A quick word on fuel. If you’re fortunate enough to own a hypcar manufactured before 1987, you’ll want to stick with E5 petrol, preferably with an octane rating of more than 95. Why? Well, E10 petrol, with its higher ethanol biofuel content, could lead to corrosion in the metal, plastic, and rubber components of your fuel system over time. For those with newer engines, you can try E10 in a pinch, but it’s best to avoid it, especially if you drive your car infrequently.

Now, let’s talk about the biggest enemy of hydropneumatic components: prolonged inactivity! Those rubber seals and hoses, along with their plastic connectors, can deteriorate quickly when not in use. We’re talking about drying out, hardening, and eventually cracking and leaking. If you notice any rubber hoses on the verge of failure, it’s advisable to replace them before it becomes a bigger issue. Hypcars from before the 1980s are particularly prone to high-pressure pipe leaks. These hydraulic lines can stretch over 50 metres and are susceptible to metal fatigue, especially if they are not securely fastened to minimise annoying vibrations.

Take the DS semi-automatic models, for instance: their intricate circuits can be somewhat temperamental. The SM, too, has its own hydraulic complexities. On the flip side, models like the ID and GS/GSA are relatively simpler since they skip power steering. If you’ve got a later model, like the XM, you might find them more reliable thanks to enhanced materials, but even these can develop hardened—and ultimately cracked—rubber hoses and plastic connectors as they reach the 30-year mark. Watch out too for the octopus-like junction hoses and the return Rilsan pipe connectors in the 1980s and 1990s models; they can harden and break, so regular checks are definitely essential!

As soon as you get your hands on a hypcar, make sure to renew the LHM fluid and clean or replace the filter. And don’t forget to check the sphere pressure every four years at a specialised workshop. Over time, the compressed nitrogen in the spheres can dwindle, leading to a harsher ride without sacrificing road-holding. If you have older sphere models (pre-1975), you’re in luck: they can be serviced by replacing the diaphragm and refilling. However, those welded sphere models can only be refilled once before needing to be replaced. For more tips and tricks, check out the BX Project for insights on sourcing those elusive hydropneumatic spheres.

If you encounter any issues with your hydropneumatic components, it’s crucial to tackle them head-on by replacing the damaged parts with top-notch replacements—ideally, a NOS (new old stock) piece or a high-quality refabricated option. Cutting corners here could lead to bigger bills later and might put your ride quality and safety on the line. This advice also applies to all mechanical components tied to your car’s safety, such as the steering, braking, and suspension systems. And remember, when it comes to body parts and trim, always select parts that are right for your specific model! While there are numerous online shops that focus on spare parts for particular models, platforms like the Classic Parts Finder can help you track down or sell parts for nearly any classic car.

It’s worth mentioning that, contrary to popular belief, finding spare parts for older hypcars isn’t always a daunting or expensive task. For example, sourcing parts for the CX and XM models can be significantly trickier than for the iconic DS. This predicament largely stems from Citroën’s infamous lack of support for its older models, a stark contrast to brands like Rolls-Royce and Mercedes. While there’s no one-size-fits-all trend, it’s often noted that as models age, their parts prices can increase—sometimes even exponentially! Interestingly, spare parts for the DS are now more affordable and accessible than they were 30 years ago, thanks to rising demand and the early cessation of Citroën’s official supply.

Like all classic cars, hypcars may need a full or partial respray, with a strong focus on preserving their original colour. When it’s time for a fresh coat, keep a couple of key factors in mind. First, don’t skimp on the quality of materials (including primer, paint, and varnish), as these directly influence the appearance and durability of the finish. Second, always ask for a paint sample before diving in. This is critical for two reasons: in a partial respray, the original colour may have faded over time, leading to a possible mismatch with the new paint. You may need a spectrometer or a thorough visual check to ensure everything lines up perfectly. Even in a full respray, the colour code may not be accurately represented in the paint, as modern formulations can differ from the originals, requiring tweaks for the best result. It’s also worth noting that an expert’s partial or local respray can yield results just as impressive as a complete paint job. In the video above, auto body repairer Kostas skillfully showcases this process, achieving remarkable outcomes.

Restoring or refurbishing a classic car to its original glory while also preserving its legacy is often the main goal of car enthusiasts. Whether it’s through retrofitting or restomod modifications, the choices ultimately hinge on the owner’s personal taste, with various aspects explored in “The Future of Hypcars.” One thrilling retrofit we’ve implemented in our hypcars is the upgrade of insulation materials alongside modern lighting and sound systems. These tweaks are non-invasive, easily reversible, and keep the historic character of the vehicles intact. A subtle resto-mod enhancement we regularly apply is upgrading the lighting with contemporary LED or Xenon bulbs. This adjustment maintains the car’s authenticity while significantly improving safety and driving comfort.

One last point on valuing classic cars is that they are seen as true collectors’ gems when they come with complete folders of preserved manuals and documents. Owning and maintaining authentic paperwork (such as bills of sale, car titles, and certificates of conformity), along with maintenance records and photos or videos of major repairs, helps to document your hypcar’s history and boosts its value for future sales. Thanks to digital preservation technology, classic car enthusiasts can easily digitise the documents and histories of their beloved vehicles. You can find more information on digital preservation here: “Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens.”