Vehicle Description
In the realm of everyday transportation, the average consumer
generally prefers to play it safe, preferring safety and
reliability over exotic, untested technology. Despite the
conservative nature of the general public, a handful of
manufacturers have managed to build their reputations on bringing
high-tech engineering and advanced design to the masses, and few
car companies embraced the Avant-Garde more than Citroen. The most
essential of all French cars, Citroen pushed the boundaries of
engineering and design, with vehicles like the front-drive, unitary
body Traction Avant, the brilliantly simple 2CV, and the
brilliantly complex DS. The DS was so advanced that the company
nearly went bankrupt in developing its hydraulic suspension,
steering, and gear change systems. Luckily for Citroen, their
gamble paid off, and the car eventually sold in the millions,
becoming an icon of French popular culture. Buoyed by the success
of the DS, Citroen envisioned a DS-based sports car to compete
head-to-head with Porsche's all-conquering 911. In 1968, Citroen
had acquired the ailing Maserati, with the idea they would provide
the perfect engine to power the flagship sports car. The top brass
in Paris requested a new engine proposal from Maserati, who showed
them a compact, 90-degree V6 that was, in essence, an older
Maserati V8 with two cylinders lopped off. However, this engine was
merely a one-off that Maserati used to judge the perception of a
V6. Once the boys in Paris gave the go-ahead, Maserati's Giulio
Alfieri designed a new four-cam V6 from a clean sheet of paper,
specifically for the SM. When the SM finally debuted in 1970, it
was no longer the lithe sports car first envisioned, instead
morphing into a full-fledged, four-seat GT with an exotic,
Italian-built 2.7L V6, choice of a 5-speed manual or automatic
gearbox, and front-wheel drive. The science-fiction styling came
from the pen of Citroen's own Robert Opron, the brilliant designer
responsible for the facelifted DS. The long sweeping body tapered
like a teardrop when viewed from above, and skirted rear wheels
contributed to its futuristic appearance. Opron covered the
headlamps in a glass panel to reduce drag, and like the DS, the
main beams swiveled hydraulically with the steering. Many of the
chassis components came from the DS, including the fully adjustable
hydro-pneumatic suspension, and high-pressure load sensitive
brakes. New for the SM was the so-called DIRAVI self-centering
steering. The unique arrangement allowed the car to be set up with
zero caster thereby eliminating bump steer and making parking a
breeze - although it did require some adjustment on behalf of the
driver. Thanks to its unparalleled ride quality and powerful,
sonorous Italian V6 engine, Citroen's brilliant SM is long
considered one of the most exceptional GTs of the era; proudly
counted among the most technologically advanced automobiles of all
time. Offered here is a fine example of Citroen's ground-breaking
continental cruiser. This 1972 SM coupe is well-equipped with
numerous desirable features, including European-market headlamps,
air conditioning, and a 5-speed manual transaxle paired with the
carbureted Maserati V6 engine. It presents in an attractive
era-appropriate shade of light metallic green over a tobacco brown
leather cabin. For more than a decade, this car was part of a
private collection of significant sports and GT cars. It presents
today with a careworn character, making it ideally suited to
on-road enjoyment on tours, rallies, and events. Panel fit is even,
with crisp feature lines in the body, and the green paintwork is
attractive. A few minor paint blemishes are noted on close
inspection. Similarly, the original stainless brightwork is
straight and consistent, showing some superficial polish marks and
care-related wear. The car rides on its factory-correct steel
wheels with bright stainless wheel covers and excellent Michelin
rubber. The four-seat cabin presents in original condition with
well-preserved leather upholstery. Tobacco-brown leather covers the
seats and door panels, and is in good order overall; the only
notable demerit being a split seam on the outer driver's shoulder
bolster. Beyond that, the leather on the seats and door panels is
well-kept and in excellent original condition. The same goes for
the original brown carpeting, which is tidy and fits properly,
including in the large boot. Controls and switches are in good
condition, including the original oval gauges set into the correct
gold-finish inlay. The original, rarely-seen Continental-Edison
FM/MW/LW radio sits in the correct location between the seats, and
other desirable features include air conditioning, electric
windows, and heated rear glass. Maserati's excellent 2.7-liter V6
is placed well-back behind the front axle line, thanks to the
5-speed manual transaxle mounted ahead of it. Thanks to consistent
use and care, the hydraulic suspension, steering, and braking
systems currently function as they should, and it runs and drives
well. Like the engine bay, the underbody is honest and
well-presented, with good floors and the tidy appearance of a
well-maintained driver-quality car. This 1972 SM is an attractive,
collector-owned example of Citroen's grand-touring icon. Pleasingly
maintained and presented in desirable colors and specification, it
delivers the exciting performance and unique driving experience
that make Citroen's revolutionary grand tourer an automobile like
no other before or since. If you're a collector who has classic
cars for sale, contact us today and learn more about our classic
car consignment program. We're here to help! Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6536-1972-citroen-sm/
