For Sale at Auction: 1973 Citroen SM in Carmel, California

Chassis No. 00SD0906
Engine No. C114.04/1 400.361
Citroen No. 0059.009187

Andre Citroen's fascination with the American automobile industry began early. By the 1920s, he had even explored plans to establish a manufacturing facility in the United States. While those ambitions never came to fruition, Citroen USA opened offices on New York's Park Avenue, promoting the marque to American travelers touring Europe and supporting sales in the U.S. market. The first Citroen officially imported to America was the iconic Citroen Traction Avant in 1938, while the final model was the Citroen CX in 1977. This transatlantic chapter ultimately ended following Citroen's acquisition by Peugeot.

Produced from 1970 to 1975, the Citroen SM for Sport Maserati was Citroen's distinctly French interpretation of the grand touring car. Powered by a Maserati-developed V6, it was initially offered with a 2.7-liter engine before receiving a larger 3.0-liter unit equipped with three twin-choke Weber carburetors. Producing 188 horsepower and greater torque than the 2.7-liter version, the 3.0-liter SM was capable of 205 km/h (127 mph).

Its futuristic cockpit and distinctive instrumentation embodied the technological innovation for which Citroen had long been renowned. The formula proved highly successful, earning the SM international acclaim and the Motor Trend Car of the Year title in 1972, becoming the first foreign-built automobile to receive the honor.

Among the last Citroen models officially imported in the United States, the SM was also one of the final vehicles produced at Citroen's historic Quai de Javel plant in Paris. Production ended there in 1975, closing a significant chapter in the marque's history.

Completed at the legendary factory in March 1973, this example was delivered new through Citroen New York finished in striking Brun Scarabee (Scarab Brown) over Tabac (Tobacco) leather upholstery, a highly attractive and very 1970s color combination that it retains to this day. As expected, it is fitted with the distinctive exposed round headlamps in place of the covered European units. Exceptionally for a U.S.-specification SM, however, it is equipped with the highly desirable and sporting manual transmission.

Accompanied by a factory certificate issued by the Aventure Peugeot Citroen DS, this highly desirable 3.0-liter Citroen SM boasts a charming patina and retains its matching chassis, engine, and body numbers.