In the early 1960s, Citroën embarked on Project S, intended as a sporty version of its DS. Development followed a winding path, as the concept evolved from a version of the DS to a separately engineered, more upscale effort. Meanwhile, influencing the car’s final form was a flurry of empire-building by boss Pierre Bercot: mirroring efforts around the world to consolidate car makers, Citroën purchased a majority stake in Maserati at the same time that it bought Panhard and initiated joint ventures with Fiat and NSU… Much to digest, particularly while a new model was on the boards. But one outcome of all this activity was an engine solution for the SM. Maserati’s chief engineer, Giulio Alfieri produced an aluminum-block V6 capable of generating a theoretical 200 hp in mere weeks. The car incorporated other exotic technologies both from Citroën’s past as well as fresh innovations spurred by the peculiarities of the SM itself.
Compromises in the engine bay did not help sales of the SM. While the new 2.7-liter motor was light and compact – ideal for situating close to the cockpit to fulfill Citroën’s front-wheel drive edict, it was constructed with a 90-degree V – not ideal geometry for a smooth-running six. At higher revs, the motor was raucous. Decked with three Weber carburetors, output came in at about 170 bhp; acceleration was adequate but not as swift as Citroën’s competitors. Too, the four chain-driven camshafts were problematic, with failed tensioners causing fits among buyers. Aside from all this, Citroën used the SM to introduce its speed-sensitive steering system, called direction à rappel asservi, or DIRAVI. At low speeds, steering was power-assisted, with that effect fading as speeds increased. The feeling was unlike other cars on the market and took some acclimation. Underneath, the SM’s suspension was a refined version of the DS’s hydropneumatic system, and braking was discs all around. This car has an automatic transmission and its engine has had a valve job. The carbs have been rebuilt, the suspension was serviced, and the exhaust system and battery are new.
The interior is luxurious in the way that Citroën can be, with leather seating, plenty of gauges, contrasting trim, and that signature single-spoke steering wheel. An aftermarket gauge is installed under the dash, the leather could use attention, and the carpets need cleaning. The rear seats display a tear or two, and the rear parcel shelf is sun-baked. A prior owner installed speakers back there, too. The seller notes that the car could use new paint.
The SM was styled by Robert Opron, a designer with a long resume of work in aircraft, housewares, and finally, the automotive industry. Its looks remain like nothing else on the road; it is either the sexiest car you have ever seen or the most awkward. In terms of collector value, the market has spoken favorably as SM prices have been on a steady rise for years. This example is listed in a no-reserve auction here on eBay. Bidding has reached $11,600 and the car is located in Orange, Connecticut. Nothing about this technological marvel will be cheap to fix or maintain but with only 12,920 made and prices for nice examples starting at about $45k, do you think this one is worth a bid?
Fantastic cars, WAY over most Americans heads. Just curious, do the French motorheads, if any, say, “Hey Andre’, you know that beater SM down the way, what say we put that motor into grand-meres R5?” What? It would be their version of an LS powered Chevette, no? No question the swoopiest French car we had access to, and that wasn’t many. Fact is, I never remember a Citroen dealer in Wisconsin.
Y’say that, but Renault did something similar and stuck a V6 where the back seat usually is in the Renault Clio…
Unfortunately this one is an automatic which really hurts the resale value. I still need to get in my head there is no such thing as an affordable Citroen SM. You either pay for a good example up front or you buy one with needs and defer payments over the course of several years with the addition of blood, sweat, and tears.
Right you are Alphasud. An AT in a car like this is like a condom. You will miss the whole experience,
Everyone should drive an SM..its like nothing else.I love everything about them and wish I had not be scared off by the technology when good ones were affordable.
This same color 1972 Citroen SM was featured in the great Columbo episode “Identity Crisis” with actor Patrick McGoohan driving it.
https://www.imcdb.org/v061447.html
I have two of these that are Project cars. Free to a loving home ! Cleaning out the barn !!!
In the Sacramento, CA area. cell #707-484-1550
I remember being about 19 in the early 80s and going to see one for sale through the WantAds in Framingham Ma. It was around $1500 which was my usual car budget back in the day. It had belonged to some famous sports agent. I opened the hood and saw the accumulator bulbs which I knew nothing about and walked away. I remember thinking that what was under the hood looked more like a backyard grill than any car engine I knew. This was before the internet, youtube etc and all I knew at that point was MG and Alfa engines. It was good I walked away as I would have been massively over my head but if I knew then what I knew now, what a great car.
I also had the opportunity to purchase one of these 20 urs ago for $2k. Clearly had been sitting for a decade or two. Since my father had a 68 Citroen sedan wjenI was a child, i knew a money pit when I saw it!
I was a teenager when this car came out in the US. It was kind of OK. Strange but swoopy body. However, this car was very unreliable and sold poorly here. Typical Citroen.
By far the most reliable Citroen is a 2CV. Had mine for 11 years with only normal maintenance.
Happy for you Frank. My Dyane has given me nothing but fits.
Richard, you need to cultivate a heavy right foot. Rev it until it slows down and then change gear. Just don’t get 3rd to 4th wrong and go into 2nd by mistake…
They’re generally reliable if used regularly, and the Dyane engine has higher compression pistons than the 2CV.
I have a ’73 SM I bought in 1980 from SM World. the 73’s had the larger 3.0 engine. It is a great car. The only problem is now finding experienced mechanics who can work on them. Once after learning about the mechanics of the car, they are not that complicated.
When they were first being sold in Ca. I spoke to the main dealer and he said the automatics were “doctors cars”. They did not want to shift gears. Mine is a 5 speed and love to shift to find the real potential of the car.
I hope this car finds a good home.
I had one back in 73. Orlando. 20 yrs old. nowhere to service, in 6 mos the only thing that broke was the rubber flange connecting the systems to the engine. there was a box of them in the trunk, thank goodness. otherwise, and I am a car guy, the car was probably the most fluid and smooth car I have ever driven. it was the same shade of green with saddle tan, but it was a 5 speed, the only way to go with these cars. miss it but so remember it.
I have often wondered if the lovely SM would have sold better in the image conscious US if it had been marketed by its full name..Citroen Sport Maserati.Even in the Burt Reynolds”Longest Yard” his SM was a called a Maserati as I remember.In Europe Citroen’s are, rightly, very well respected cars..
Funny, I sent this to my brother about 2 hours before it closed and he was the one who bought it. I can’t wait to see it.