1972 Citroen SM 2.7-litre V6 Manual (Carbs)
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Highlights
- 41,899Km indicated
- Stunning Vert Argenté paintwork
- Recent restoration and recommissioning
- Maserati 2.7-litre V6
- Manual transmission
The Appeal
When Citroën decides to do something a bit different – which is quite often – it’s time to sit up and take notice. They are the masters of the unconventional, and have probably created more iconic, industry-shifting, desirable vehicles than any other manufacturer.
Most would have run a mile from producing a luxury grand tourer with a teardrop design, complex hydro-pneumatics and a Maserati V6 – all wrapped up in some of the most striking bodywork the car world has ever seen. But not Citroën. The board simply ticked the box marked “oui” and the rest is history.
The result is fabulous – a futuristic, complex, mesmerising and capricious machine that still features some of the most unique and forward-thinking design and engineering touches we’ve ever seen.
Recently restored and mechanically recommissioned, with refreshed paintwork and a near perfect specification – Maserati 2.7 V6 on carburettors with a manual transmission – this example is everything we want from a SM. Ready to go and enjoy as it is, with a couple of minor finishing touches to the interior this could soon be a showstopper. It’s certainly not one to miss.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1972
- Apparently the car had one owner for many years, who barely used the car, keeping it in storage but never refurbishing it
- Purchased by the vendor 3 years ago
- Restored and recommissioned by the vendor
- 41,899Km on the clock
- Italian registration documents
The Interior
- Mostly original
- Black leather upholstery
- Electric windows
With an aesthetic blending mid-century design and optimistic retro-futurism, the cabin of the SM is quite unlike anything else on the road. Those lovely, deeply cushioned seats are finished in smart black leather and looks to be in good order, with some wear and patina from use, but no serious sagging we could see. One of the seams on the rear bench seat looks to have come apart, but this appears to be a fairly straightforward fix.
Grey carpets run through the cabin and show quite well. Naturally, there is some weathering and light wear, but only what we’d consider appropriate for the car’s age and mileage. It’s all very usable and still presents nicely. Similarly, the headlining looks good. We didn’t see any staining and, other than a section at the back of the cabin, the rest of the headlining is undamaged and secure. Again, it appears to be a burst seam and may be a relatively easy thing to sort.
That swooping dashboard design is certainly a bold design, dropping off sharply to the passenger side. It is faced with light coloured wood veneers which all look to be in good order, with no notable cracking or warping we could discern. A full complement of gauges, controls and instruments is present, with everything wearing a gentle patina and some light wear from use. From the oval gauges and dashboard brake light to the tall stainless steel gear selector and the wide grids of the air vents, clever and unusual design touches abound. It gives the cabin a very fine atmosphere, like a VIP airport lounge from the late 60s – immediately comforting but never anything less than compelling.
Like all SMs, the boot is generous and makes the car a genuinely practical grand tourer. It’s finished in dark grey carpet which wears a few light marks and stains.
The Exterior
- Vert Argenté paintwork, recently resprayed
- Iconic teardrop design
- Euro-spec enclosed headlight model
Resprayed by the vendor in its original Vert Argenté colour scheme, the car presents very well externally. The paint looks smooth, well-applied and free from significant marks or blemishes. We think the colour suits the car perfectly, being both of its time and yet still very contemporary.
That stunning bodywork presents in similarly fine order. We didn’t note any corrosion or damage to any of the panels, and the long, flowing curves are smooth while the creased details are nice and crisp. Panels gaps and shut lines look to be consistent, while those lovely frameless doors don’t show any evidence of “parking” dings or dents.
There is plenty of jewellery on the SM, from the polished stainless steel of the bumpers and sill covers to the gorgeous glass enclosure of the headlights. The sill covers look as if they may need their fitment adjusting, and we noticed some surface corrosion peeking through from behind the passenger side sill cover. It’s also worth noting that the door mirror glass and the driver’s side front indicator lens are both cracked. Otherwise, all the external trim looks to be in very fine condition.
The car is riding on the correct 15-inch wheels, with polished covers that look in smart, original condition. The tyres look decent too, appearing to have good tread levels.
Taking a moment to look underneath, the floors and sills look to be straight and solid, with no corrosion or damage we could see. There is a coating of underseal offering some protection too. Some of the drivetrain components show very light surface corrosion in places, but overall it looks extremely neat, clean and in fine fettle.
The Mechanics
- 2.7-litre naturally aspirated Maserati V6
- Manual five-speed transmission
- Diravi power assisted steering
- Disc brakes all round
- Hydro-pneumatic system
- Self-levelling suspension
Mechanically recommissioned by the vendor over the last three years, we’re told that the car is in excellent condition, running and driving well, with no issues or faults reported at all.
That Maserati V6 is a superb sounding unit too – especially in this model with its triple Weber carburettors providing an extra dose of induction roar. It makes the SM a superb performer, more than capable of keeping up with modern traffic.
The Diravi power steering is a thing of wonder too – the world’s first variable system, it takes a little getting used to at first, but makes the SM a joy to drive at any speed. In combination with the smooth self-levelling suspension and brakes, the result is an effortlessly smooth and cosseting ride.
Summary
Stunningly unique styling, gorgeous detailing and character in abundance – the SM is the car we always promised ourselves. And this example has been comprehensively restored and recommissioned to make it eminently usable. With a fantastic specification accompanying that iconic Maserati V6 and a manual transmission too, we think it’s an absolute gem…
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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Shipping and transfer
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email [email protected].
Vehicle specification
- Year 1972
- Make Citroen
- Model SM Carburettor
- Colour Green
- Odometer 41,899 Kilometres
- Engine size 2700
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Ostuni
- Country Italy
17
bids
- parker1•••• €36,500 21/04/23
- volupta•••• €36,000 21/04/23
- parker1•••• €35,250 18/04/23
- billhil•••• €35,000 16/04/23
- jan-ped•••• €30,000 15/04/23
- centur8•••• €10,250 15/04/23
- Jannema•••• €10,000 15/04/23
- yasar-m•••• €5,500 14/04/23
- Craig-H €5,200 14/04/23
- manfred•••• €5,000 14/04/23
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