1972 Citroën SM

1972 Citroën SM
Chassis no. 00SB8050
2,670cc DOHC V6 Engine
3 Twin-Choke Carburetors
170bhp at 5,500rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Hydro-Pneumatic Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Beautiful example of Citroën's 1970s style and technology icon
*Carefully preserved condition with lovely patina
*Just 34,850 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloging
*Equipped with factory air conditioning and offered with owner's manuals

THE CITROËN SM

Combining Citröen's advanced chassis technology and Maserati's engine know-how, the SM (Série Maserati) featured DS-style hydro-pneumatic suspension, power-assisted, all-around load-sensitive disc brakes and fully-powered, self-centering steering that allowed the car to be set up with zero caster, thereby keeping the tires in full contact with the road at all times. Citröen had acquired Maserati in 1968, principally to acquire the latter's engine technology for its new top-of-the-range Gran Turismo Coupe, and the Italian firm responded to the brief with remarkable speed by the simple expedient of chopping two cylinders off its Indy four-cam 90-degree V-8 to create the required V-6. The styling of the SM was straight out of a 1970s' science fiction movie. The long sleek fastback body, with loads of glass and unadorned flanks, looked like some alien spaceship as it glided along on its self-levelling suspension with skirts over the rear wheels, hydraulically adjustable and swiveling headlamps under curved heated glass, and an asymmetric air intake on the bonnet.

Citröen was the world leader in passenger car aerodynamics at the time, and the SM's class-leading drag coefficient enabled it to reach 140 mph, making it the fastest front-wheel-drive car ever at that time. Fondly remembered, these technically advanced and functionally beautiful cars remain highly sought after today.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This fine example of the top-of-the-line SM model is in exceptionally well-kept and highly original condition. Previously in long-term ownership, the SM retains the original factory installed interior, and shows just 34,850 miles on the odometer - a figure believed to be original – at the time of cataloging. Some paintwork might have been performed in the original color, but many factory decals and markings are still present as expected on such an original car. Owner's manuals are offered with the sale of the Citroën. Shot on Michelin tires, one can just visualize Jane Fonda as a space-age Barbarella in the cult Roger Vadim film, grabbing the single spoke steering wheel of this SM to commute to her flying saucer.