Highlights

• Copious mechanical servicing and improvement has been carried out in current ownership
• A usable example to be driven as is or further improved
• Reportedly drives well with a functioning hydropneumatic system

The Appeal

The History and Paperwork

• This Citroen SM was registered in early 1971
• We’re informed that the maintenance file contains invoices from 1984 to the present day
• After several changes of owners, it was acquired by a mechanic who thought of renovating it in 1991
• Subsequently lay dormant in a garage for around 25 years
• The owner then reached retirement, deciding they no longer wished to keep the car
• The current owner acquired it in 2017
• Copious mechanical work has taken place in current ownership
• On the Carte grise, there is an input error from the Finistère police headquarters recording the VIN as 580836 when it is in fact SB0836
• The vendor informs us that the FFVE should be able to help correct the exact number if the car remains in France

The Interior

• We’re informed that the interior is complete and largely original
• While a few areas would benefit from some attention, it’s currently usable and eminently restorable
• The leather upholstery exhibits some patina but remains in good overall condition
• The vendor points out some broken seams on the driver’s seat and we notice a few other areas have some slight damage as well 
• The clock does not currently work, nor does the radio which is apparently a faithful reproduction of the period radio to fill the space
• Otherwise, all the switchgear and instrumentation reportedly works well
• The old carpeting and boot liners have been removed but the vendor assures us that they remain with the car
• The headlining remains mostly intact with some deterioration towards the rear of the cabin
• There’s evidence of a few temporary repairs in places, such as some tape on the steering wheel

The Exterior 

• Attractive blue paint scheme displaying a rich patina
• Currently the tailgate is finished in a non-matching colour
• The bodywork appears really straight overall with no big dents immediately apparent
• The vendor points out six areas where corrosion has perforated the body which include:
  • 15mm hole at the bottom of the driver's windshield upright
  • 90mm x 20mm on the nearside rear wing
  • 30mm x 30mm perforation in front of the nearside rear wheel 
  • 20mm x 10mm perforation in the middle of the side member at the jack attachment point
• We’re informed that the rocker panels have been replaced with painted galvanised steel items
• The trim presents well overall with the usual blemishes and signs of age you’d expect to see
• We understand there is one wheel nut missing
• The wheels appear in reasonable condition and the vendor comment that the tyres are in good order

The Mechanics 

• 2.7-litre Maserati V6
• Manual gearbox
• Reportedly drives well with ample performance in all gears, with no untoward play in the steering and good brakes
• All six hydraulic spheres have been replaced along with the high pressure pump, circuit breaker and several high pressure pipes
• The four suspension cylinders have also been restored 
• Recent LHM change and the car’s adjustable suspension apparently works exactly as it should
• We’re informed that the DIRAVI system will need to be refurbished
• New front brake discs with all pads apparently still in good condition and the front calliper seals having been replaced
• Functioning parking brake
• The original sodium filled valves have been replaced with solid items which are more durable
• The timing chain has reportedly been changed and the vendor informs us that this needs to be completed at 60,000 kilometre intervals
• The secondary chains have been tightened to the recommended torque settings
• The vendor adds that the four camshafts have been synchronised thanks to the disengageable sprockets and this apparently needs to be checked every 10,000 kilometres
• We’re informed that all the servicing is up to date, with all the usual fluid, filter and plug changes having been completed recently
• New radiator and engine temperature sensors and the vendor has added fan override switch
• Refurbished starter motor / solenoid and a modern alternator has been installed too
• The air conditioning compressor has been removed but is apparently supplied along with the original condenser
• The DIRAVI steering rack has been reported by the vendor as the wheels do not return the wheels back to a straight line. However several craftsmen in France can renovate the DIRAVI for about €1500

Summary