Gordan Mandich
Vice President, Bonhams|Cars Senior Specialist
LOT 115
1972 Citroën SM 3.0-Liter Coupe Chassis no. 00SD0822
Sold for US$61,600 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 115
1972 Citroën SM 3.0-Liter Coupe
1972 Citroën SM 3.0-Liter Coupe
Chassis no. 00SD0822
Chassis no. 00SD0822
2,974cc DOHC V6 Engine
3 Twin-Choke Weber Carburetors
180bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
Hydro-Pneumatic Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Beautiful example of Citroën's 1970s style and technology icon
*Extremely rare 3-liter/5-speed combination
*Presented in its original shade of Brun Scarabée
*Beautifully preserved Cognac leather upholstery
*Just 43,458 miles shown at the time of cataloguing
*Previously serviced by John Titus
*Updated with European exhaust headers by Davide Hume
*Equipped with factory air conditioning
*Includes original owner's manual
THE CITROËN SM
Combining Citröen's advanced chassis technology and Maserati's engine know-how, the SM (Série Maserati) was a stunning new Grand Tourer introduced in 1970. Citröen had acquired Maserati in 1968, principally to get the latter's engine technology for its new top-of-the-range Gran Turismo coupe, and the Italian firm responded to the brief with remarkable speed by developing a new 2.7-liter V-6 loosely based on the Indy four-cam 90-degree V-8. While the prototype engine was simply a V-8 with two cylinders lopped off, the production unit was actually a new design – developed in only 5 months! The advanced chassis featured DS-style hydro-pneumatic suspension, power-assisted, all-around load-sensitive disc brakes and fully powered, self-centering steering that allowed the car front-drive SM be set up with zero caster, thereby always keeping the tires in full contact with the road. The SM's styling, penned by the great Robert Opron, was straight out of a 1970s science fiction movie. The long sleek fastback body, with loads of glass and unadorned flanks, looked like some alien spaceship as it glided along on its self-levelling suspension with skirts over the rear wheels, hydraulically adjustable and swiveling headlamps under curved heated glass, and an asymmetric air intake on the bonnet. The cabin was equally space-age, with sophisticated design and detailing to complement the breathtaking exterior, resulting in one of the finest and most distinctive Grand Tourers of the seventies.
Citröen was the world leader in passenger car aerodynamics at the time, and the SM's class-leading drag coefficient enabled it to reach 140 mph, making it the fastest front-wheel-drive car ever at that time. Fondly remembered, these technically advanced and functionally beautiful cars remain highly sought after today.
THE CAR OFFERED
This SM is one of approximately 600 cars delivered with the 3-liter engine and 5-speed manual transaxle – representing a small fraction of the more than 12,000 SMs produced in total. Finished in an appropriately groovy early seventies shade of Brun Scarabée (Scarab Brown) over a cognac leather interior, this SM is a lovely and well looked-after example that benefits from specialist maintenance. Under previous ownership, it is said that this car underwent an engine rebuild by SM specialist Mr. Dave Hume, who additionally fitted European exhaust manifolds to free up some horsepower. It also said to have had additional fettling by fellow expert John Titus, who reportedly addressed minor concerns to ensure the car is in excellent working order. During its current ownership, the car was upgraded with the European headlight covers, which many consider to be an aesthetic improvement over the standard US version. As offered, this rare and desirable 3-liter SM shows just over 43,000 miles on the odometer. A unique and utterly fascinating automobile, the SM is worthy of consideration by Citroen veterans and newcomers alike.
Saleroom notices
Please note, this vehicle is a model year 1973.
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