1972 Citroen SM 3.0 (Right-Hand Drive)

The acquisition of Maserati by Citroen in 1968 was motivated by the possibility of harnessing Maserati's high-performance engine technology to produce a true Grand Tourer, combining the sophisticated Citroen suspension with the power of a Maserati V6. The result was the Citroen 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 Citroen'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 Citroen's way of demonstrating just how much power and performance could be accommodated in a front-wheel drive design. As an example of Citroen'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 marque aficionados today.

Whilst the majority of SMs were powered by the 2,670cc, 90-degree V6, a capacity dictated by French 'puissance fiscale' taxation which made large displacement vehicles too expensive to sell in any quantity in France, a 3-litre power unit became an option towards the end of production. With a capacity of 2,965cc and fuelled by 3 Weber 42DCNF carburettors, this new engine offered 178bhp, only 10 more than its smaller sibling but with a significant increase in torque. 3-litre cars with automatic transmission were undoubtedly the rarest SM variant with just over 1,000 finding homes before the model was prematurely (some would say criminally) axed in 1975 following Citröen's acquisition by Peugeot.

Silverstone Auctions are very excited to offer this incredibly rare and interesting Citroen SM, being one of 20 or so known examples in right-hand drive. Sold new to the US in 1972, the car was subsequently owned by the high-profile Australian businessman and car racer, Laurie O’Neil, who also owned a DB4 Zagato at the time. Laurie wanted to use this car in Australia and in order to do that it needed to be converted to right-hand drive to comply with Australian regulations at the time. The conversion was professionally carried out in the US in 1974, early on in its life and the SM then spent the next few decades in Australia.

It was treated to a full restoration in Australia in 2000 and came to the UK in 2012 where it has resided ever since. The current owner, who enjoys a significant private collection, purchased the car a couple of years ago and has spent time, money and effort bringing it up to his exacting standards. The SM was sent to marque experts, Andrew Brodie Engineering, in May 2021 when over £3,000 was spent. Work included a full service and fluid level top up, updated alternator, updated cooling fans, replace ignition coil and low level pressure return pipe as well as checking solid exhaust valves in place. Stuart described the car as “Fantastic - body, engine and chassis are particularly outstanding”. It was also decided by the current owner to give the SM a fresh coat of Vert Argent whilst leaving the comfortably patinated Cognac leather interior largely untouched.

Showing just over 48,000 miles, this rare 3-litre automatic is ready for its next lucky owner to join a very exclusive club. We simply don’t know where you’ll find another one of these fantastic cars, in right-hand drive, anywhere else.