1971 Citroen SM Maserati

Begun in 1961, 'Project S' emerged from Citroën's requirement to develop a sports variant of the revolutionary DS. As was customary for the quirky French firm, many running concept vehicles were developed with increasingly complex and upmarket features to differentiate the 'sports' project from the popular DS. The acquisition of Maserati by Citroën in 1968 was motivated by the possibility of harnessing Maserati's high-performance engine technology to produce a true Grand Tourer, combining the sophisticated Citroën suspension with the power of a Maserati V6.

The result was the Citroën SM, which was first shown to rapturous appreciation at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1970. It went on sale in France in September of that year in left-hand drive only, although right-hand drive conversions were later offered in the UK and Australia. The SM was Citroën's flagship vehicle, competing with other high-performance GTs of the time from manufacturers such as Jaguar, Lotus, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo and Porsche. It was also Citroën's way of demonstrating just how much power and performance could be accommodated in a front-wheel drive design. As an example of Citroën's optimism and progressive technology, the SM was untouchable, and similarities drawn by pundits of the day to the design and futurism of aircraft such as Concorde cemented the love affair still borne by car aficionados today.

The SM was a two door, four seat coupé powered by a 2670cc, Maserati, four-cam, 90-degree V6 producing 180bhp at 6,250rpm, all fed through the front wheels. In 1972 the 2.7 was changed from triple Weber 42DCNFs to Bosch Jetronic injection although later cars returned to the Webers. It was capable of 0-60 in around 8 seconds and had a top speed in fifth gear of 140mph. Suspension was 'Hydropneumatic' and the steering was 'variable-assist' hydraulic. Everything about the car was complex and innovative which is probably why they continue to generate such interest.

This, 1971 SM, is a carburettor car that was originally supplied to the Italian market and was imported into the UK around five years ago where it was proudly displayed in the London Motor Museum as a design icon. It has recently undergone recommissioning and servicing including inspection and partial reconditioning of the suspension hydraulic system. The odometer is currently reading 106,000 kms.although we are unable to warrant this. The only non-standard part fitted to the car is the addition of a stainless steel exhaust built to the same design as the original components. Although the paintwork has been resprayed in the past the car has not undergone a full restoration, but it has been maintained well throughout its life and was still in use in Italy prior to being brought to the UK.

The coachwork is straight and dent free with good panel gaps all round. The paintwork is reported as “in excellent condition with no scratches or stone chips and has been resprayed in the past in the original colour”. The interior trim is lightly patinated but all present and in good condition. We are told the engine “runs smoothly having just undergone a service and had the carburettors balanced, and the gearbox runs through all gears faultlessly with no knocks or rattles”.

This exciting and rare piece of French exotica appears to run and drive well and is ready for a new owner to enjoy. Not currently UK registered, the car will have a NOVA number and a fresh MOT at the time of the auction and will be fully 'detailed' inside and out.