1972 Citroën SM
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Highlights
- In current ownership since 20th July 1983 - that's over 40 years!
- Over £30,000 spent on an extensive mechanical overhaul courtesy of Bill McGrath Maserati
- Commendably well-preserved original Burgundy Strip Cloth upholstery
- Just three previous keepers
- Rare UK market example - one of just 327 officially imported by Citroën
- Matching numbers
The Appeal
After fifteen years of DS production, Citroën’s visionary engineers were not content to rest on their laurels. While the DS claims an extraordinary number of engineering firsts, its inline-four-cylinder motor was by far its most conventional feature. The recent acquisition of Maserati gave Citroën access to the Merak’s compact ninety-degree V6 and the rest, as they say, was history…
The SM burst onto the scene in 1970 and many enthusiasts still claim it to be Citroën’s most outlandish creation. Here we have an original and well-preserved UK-supplied 1972 example which awaits its next keeper. After forty years of ownership, the vendor is now ready to part with their cherished SM which has recently undergone a great deal of specialist work. In excess of £30,000 has been spent in all, with McGraph Maserati having overhauled the engine and other mechanicals in 2023.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in UK by Citroën Cars, Slough. 18.05.1972
- Matching numbers
- Just three previous keepers (with one individual owning it twice)
- The vendor acquired the car on 20th July 1983 when it was just eleven years old
- UK market example in left-hand drive (as this one was never converted)
- The five-figure odometer has fully revolved once before so the true mileage is 117,991
- Voluntarily MOT tested and valid until 13th March 2024 but it will come with a fresh MOT
- Carefully curated history file containing numerous invoices and other ephemera dating back a number of years
- Accompanied by several recent invoices which extensively detail the mechanical work carried out in 2023
- Full history dating back its whole life and the vendor requested all DVLA history from prior to their ownership, which was duly supplied
- Original brochure, associated sales material and manuals
- A box of assorted spares and accessories is also provided
- One set of Original Keys
The Condition
- Original Burgundy Strip Cloth upholstery
- Still painted in its factory white
- Fantastic paint finish and brightwork
- All new panels fitted over the years including the welded rear wings
- Underside cavities protected with Dinitrol
- Light wear to the original upholstery, but certainly nothing excessive
- OEM wheels all in lovely condition
- Complete original toolkit in very nice condition
- The vendor has added a right-hand mirror (not fitted from factory) - developed by the SM Owner's Club in the Netherlands
- An isolator switch is now fitted under. the dash for sir conditioning cutout (this was one of the SM's 'Achilles heel' points as the conditioning ran all the time so put extra strain on top chains)
- Hazard warning switch added (never fitted as standard) - takes up a blank position on the dash
- The electric window winder gear wheels were plastic from the factory and so break easily so the vendor has fitted brass hardware as a future-proof upgrade
- Slight Paint craze in middle section of Roof
- The vendor also includes a spare velour interior in Cherry Red, including the carpet set and various other components including door handles
It is perhaps an overused cliché, but the SM really does look like a spaceship - even next to today’s most futuristic designs. The same goes for this interior, with its bizarre dashboard, and quirky switchgear.
This example looks fabulous in white and has remarkably smart paintwork which has been professionally refinished. The brightwork too looks really good, as do those immensely stylish wheels. The interior is particularly noteworthy as we’re informed the upholstery is entirely original. Seldom does Citroen jersey cloth survive so long, which is a testament to how well this car has been looked after all its life. There’s a delightful light patina to the seats and controls, but certainly nothing we’d deem excessive.
The Mechanics
- 2.7-litre Maserati V6 recently overhauled
- Five-speed manual gearbox
- Lumenition ignition system, developed between Andrew Brodie (Hypertronics) and the vendor exclusively for the SM at that time in 1987 to replace the troublesome duel cassette points
- This car was used as a testbed for Hypertronics' new technology back in the 1980s
- Alternator Voltage Regulator - Ducellier has been replaced with an identical unit that is solid state (and therefore there are no contacts to burn out)
- Stainless steel exhaust throughout and running to original exhaust covers on the tail pipes at rear
Supplied by PD Gough of Nottingham. - The hydropneumatic system is reportedly in full working order
- Recently returned from McGrath Maserati, where the car has spent much of 2023 receiving copious mechanical attention which is extensively detailed in the various invoices (photographed)
- Specially prepared to run on modern E5 and E10 petrol
- Sodium-filled valves changed for solid stainless steel items
- All Maserati Engine Modifications were carried out when the engine was overhauled in 1999, including timing chain tensioners, oil quill drive and water pump turbine blade
- New oil cooler pipes made of Braided Stainless steel
- New water Hoses throughout the engine bay
- New chains fitted, carburettors stripped & rebuilt with new needle valves etc
- All Brakes overhauled, new discs fitted at rear
- All bump stops replaced with new originals (originals perished)
- 4x brand new Michelin XWX tyres and tubes fitted (original tyre as designed for the SM)
- All LHM spheres are original for SM with correct dampers re-gassed by Pleiades of Sawtry
- We’re assured that it starts readily, rises smoothly on its hydropneumatic suspension and drives beautifully
Having owned this car for such a long time, the vendor is intimately acquainted with this car’s servicing and their ‘no expense spared’ attitude to maintenance has paid dividends. Following this year’s extensive mechanical overhaul, it must be amongst the most well-sorted SMs in existence.
McGrath recently exchanged the original sodium-filled valves for modern stainless steel items and upgraded the fuel system to better suit modern E5/E10 petrol (which included the fitment of a new electric fuel pump).
McGrath recently exchanged the original sodium-filled valves for modern stainless steel items and upgraded the fuel system to better suit modern E5/E10 petrol (which included the fitment of a new electric fuel pump).
We’re informed that it now runs and drives impeccably, with no issues to report. The vendor has submitted the car for MOT testing to prove its roadworthiness, so it is ready to be enjoyed straight away by its next custodian.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1972
- Make Citroen
- Model SM
- Colour White
- Odometer 117,991 Miles
- Engine size 2670
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Sheffield
- Location Yorkshire
- Country United Kingdom
10
bids
from 8
bidders
- carter.•••• £28,250 29/04/24
- whiteha•••• £27,750 29/04/24
- whiteha•••• £27,500 29/04/24
- miller.•••• £27,000 29/04/24
- robinso•••• £26,500 29/04/24
- whiteha•••• £26,000 29/04/24
- Jasonm £25,000 27/04/24
- Denis 9•••• £10,500 27/04/24
- david-m•••• £10,000 24/04/24
- MapleFi•••• £7,500 24/04/24
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