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1972 CITRÖEN SM 2. 7 Coupé Manual | LHD
• Beautiful authentic condition
• Original American version
• By now 24 years in The Netherlands
• Manual gearbox, carburettor engine and air conditioning
• Rare version and colour combination
• Very pleasant driver’s car, get in and enjoy
The history of the Citroën SM
With the launch of the SM at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1970, the public was finally introduced to Citroën’s new flagship. The idiosyncratic French brand had always had its own views on matters such as ‘design’ and ‘driving characteristics’. Designer Robert Opron fitted the soft-suspension chassis of the Citroën DS in a remarkably streamlined GT outfit and adorned it with beautiful details. When the car had arrived in the showrooms of the French dealers in August of that year, they were flooded by customers. The wide nose with the glass front covering also the six headlamps, the narrow tail, the panoramic rear window and the beautiful chromed trims at the back – a design that appealed to many. In 1968 Citroën had taken over Maserati and had the engine built there. They went for a lightweight six-cylinder engine, which was exactly what the SM needed. The four-cylinder engines had always been the weak spot of the Citroën DS after all; it lacked prestige. Because of the French tax system cylinder capacity had to be no more than 2. 7 litres. Th V6 engine is based on Maserati’s eight-cylinder engine from which two cylinders were removed. With the overhead camshafts, the sodium-filled valves and the 180 hp it made a big impression. To guarantee excellent weight distribution the engine was positioned all the way towards the bulkhead. The transmission is in front of the engine and transmits the power to the front wheels. On the motorway the Grand Tourer brings in its hydropneumatic suspension and the sophistically streamlined body and the wide front track make it very comfortable and stable. Even more surprising is the fact that the car even holds its ground on winding roads. Once you have mastered the razor-sharp reactions of the power assisted DIRAVI rack-and-pinion steering, the car moves through the bend with great stability and in one fluent line. The SM succeeds in cleverly linking comfort and sportiness and does this in its own, exceptionally stylish way. The beau monde was only too happy to be immortalised with a Citroën SM, famous SM-drivers were Johan Cruijff, but also international stars such as Bill Wyman and Charlie Wats of the Rolling Stones, Carlos Santana, Jay Leno and Burt Reynolds. But also politicians such as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, the Shah of Iran, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and former Russian head of state Brezhnev owned an SM. In 1974 Citroën went bankrupt and was taken over by Peugeot. The Citroën SM was in production for only five years, and in 1975 after 12, 920 cars had been produced the curtain fell on this special car.
About the American Citroën SM
The SM’s unique design made a great impression and won the Car Of The Year award of Motor Trend Magazine in 1972 which was unprecedented for a non-American car at that time. The largest market outside France was the USA because the SM was a sporty and exclusive luxury car with a powerful engine, which by American standards was economical as well. The American version differed from the European version on several points. Swivelling headlights and glass covers over the headlights were illegal in America and therefore the car was fitted with four round fixed headlights without the glass covers. The export to America was short but in high numbers, beginning in 1972 and ending the following year, in 1973. During those two years 40% of the production went to the USA. The reason why sales ended so abruptly was the fact that in 1974 American legislation required bumpers to be positioned on a standard height which because of the variable height suspension could not be complied with in the SM. 134 cars of the model year 1974 had already been produced and were on their way to the USA but were not allowed to be sold there. Eventually, those last American versions ended up in Japan. A total of 2, 400 cars were delivered to America, usually these cars were more luxurious with leather upholstery and air conditioning.
This Citroën SM
A total of 2, 400 Citroën SM was exported to the USA; over the years some returned to Europe. In a large number of these the front was converted back to the European version because not everybody liked the way the four open round headlights looked. In the meanwhile, connoisseurs have changed their opinion and the American version is getting the recognition it deserves. As far as rarity is concerned, an American SM scores quite highly, especially this car because the colour scheme counts as well. The SM was produced in 18 colours but only a very small number in black. The colour with the factory name Noir, colour code AC200, was on the program from 1970 to 1974 but only 1% of the total production were black. This timeless colour suits the car perfectly the car, especially in combination with the many chrome details and the leather upholstery in the colour Tabac. Both the body and the interior are in a beautiful but authentic condition with signs of wear. This Frenchman with an Italian heart is unique and tasteful. As for the Maserati engine, over the years/ with the years its dubious reputation has changed. At that time for Citroën dealers the complex engine was a matter of concern, but in the five decades of its existence many critical parts have been further developed and perfected. Today the SM’s technology is no longer rocket science and there are many specialists who can be contacted for specific maintenance and repair works. Not long ago this SM received a complete new electronic ignition system and the DIRAVI steering system was overhauled. The Maserati engine is fed by 3 double Weber carburettors and is coupled to a very pleasant five-speed manual transmission. The car is ready to put a broad smile on the face of its new owner whenever he/ she drives it.
We would like to invite you to get to know this beautiful Citroën SM 2. 7. Please make an appointment in advance.
* Brooks Classics is a company affiliated with Broekhuis Groep and is a specialised, small-scale dealer in mainly British and Italian high quality classic cars.
