VIN 00SC2891
- Highly desirable European model with fuel injection, air
conditioning, and 5-speed transaxle
- Finished in its original color of Gris Largentiere Metalisse
over a black leather interior
- Proudly maintained in a Citroen collection from 2016-2025
- Ideal for the collector/driving enthusiast
The most essential of French car companies, Citroen pushed the
boundaries of passenger car design like few others. With the
mold-shattering DS a tremendous success, Citroen considered a
sports car to compete head-to-head with Porsche's all-conquering
911, and in 1968 - voila - Citroen acquired Maserati. Paris turned
to Bologna for a new engine, and the Italians initially proposed a
90-degree V6 that was essentially a Maserati V8 minus two
cylinders. Once receiving the go-ahead, Maserati's Giulio Alfieri
penned a clean-sheet four-cam V6 specifically for the new Citroen
SM.
When the SM finally debuted in 1970, it was no longer the lithe
sports car first envisioned, having morphed into a grand four-seat
GT. The exotic Italian-built 2.7L V6 came with a choice of a
5-speed manual or automatic gearbox, powering the front-wheels. The
styling, looking straight from the pages of science fiction, came
from Citroen's own Robert Opron, the brilliant designer responsible
for the facelifted DS. Viewed from above, the sweeping body tapered
like a teardrop and skirted rear wheels made it look as if it was
gliding on air. Covered headlamps reduced drag, and like the DS,
the main beams swiveled hydraulically with the steering. Much of
the chassis was derived from the DS, including the fully adjustable
hydro-pneumatic suspension, and high-pressure load sensitive
brakes. The SM added Citroen's wild DIRAVI self-centering steering,
which virtually eliminated bump steer - although it did require
reprogramming of the driver's head! With unparalleled style, superb
ride quality and sonorous Italian V6 engine, Citroen's brilliant SM
is one of the most exceptional GTs of the era; proudly counted
among the most technologically advanced automobiles of all
time.
This 1973 SM has been in the care of Citroen enthusiasts since
being imported to the United States from Italy in 2016. It is a
highly desirable European model, with features including the
desirable covered headlamp design, electronic fuel injection,
factory air conditioning, and the 5-speed manual gearbox.
Attractively finished in its original color of Gris Largentiere
Metalisse (code ACO82) over a black leather cabin, with proper
details like factory wheel covers and period-correct Michelin
radials, this car is a prime example for driving enjoyment, with
the backing of an excellent service history.
Upon its arrival stateside in 2016, the then owner - a Citroen
enthusiast with several fine examples of the marque in his
collection - had it serviced and sorted by Citroen specialists
R&R Automobile Restorations of New York. Receipts show the
injected Maserati V6 was also tended by Italian car experts
Dominick European Car Repair in White Plains, New York. Records
show the hydraulics, braking, cooling, electrical and exhaust
systems were all tended, with the goal of making the car drive as
good as it looks. It has continued to be enjoyed with care under
the stewardship of its current owner.
The interior is in fine fettle, with an inviting, broken-in
character on the distinctive black leather bucket seats. This car
is equipped with electric window and air conditioning for touring
comfort.Details like the oval instruments, oval steering wheel, and
the chrome shifter make you feel like you're in a spaceship - while
the sophisticated hydraulics make it drive like one.
The SM is a masterpiece of design and engineering - a grand tourer
with a level of style and sophistication not seen before or since.
This wonderful example ticks all the boxes for the discerning
enthusiast - in the most desirable 5-speed, fuel-injected, European
specification, and a solid service history by marque
specialists.
Offers welcome and trades considered.
