Highlights

The subject of a meticulous four-year restoration, completed in early 2023
Rebuilt mechanics, restored bodywork and new interior
Around 1,300 photographs documenting the restoration
Presented in depth later in L'Automobileclassica magazine
We are told that the first owner was the primo ballerino of the Rome Opera, Giglio Teofilo

The Attractions

If there is one aspect of the Citroën DS that could be described as mundane, it is its engine. After developing a complex hydropneumatic system and devising one of the most original car designs of all time, Citroën's designers did not have the time or the funds to give the DS an equally innovative engine. The solution came in 1968, when Citroën acquired the Italian sports car manufacturer Maserati. Planning to launch a new grand tourer, Citroën borrowed Maserati's renowned 2.7-litre (and later 3.0-litre) V6 engine and fitted it to the SM.

The combination of French design with an Italian engine proved a winning combination, and the SM remains one of the most sought-after GTs of the 1970s. Styled more like a spaceship than the DS, an SM never fails to attract attention, even today. We are delighted to present this excellent restored example that has recently undergone four years of meticulous work.

It has been completely rebuilt to a very high standard and is therefore ready to be shown and appreciated. Finished in the seductive 'Delta Blue' shade with matching blue velvet interior, it is a particularly attractive example, further enhanced by the presence of the manual gearbox. Around 1,300 photographs document the restoration work and the car was even featured in depth in the magazine L'Automobileclassica.

History Documentation

Left-hand-drive example sold new in Italy
We have been informed that the first owner was the first dancer of the Rome Opera, Giglio Teofilo
Subject of a complete four-year restoration, completed in early 2023
Purchased by the seller in 2019
Original Rome plates are still fitted and we have been informed that the original registration papers are present
Original owner's manual supplied
Extensively featured in L'Automobileclassica magazine (copy included)

Conditions

Impeccably presented inside and out
Carefully preserved and rarely used after restoration
Delta Blue' paintwork applied to a very high standard
Anti-corrosion treatment and insulation applied to underbody, boot, engine compartment and wheel arches
Overhaul of headlights (new aluminium) and headlight pivot system
Revision of front position lights and direction indicators
Revision of radio and antenna
Matching blue velour upholstery replaced entirely sourced in Holland
Stainless steel and chrome trim is shiny and has been corrected where necessary
Original carpets retained and restored
New headlining
Steering wheel controls overhauled
Steering wheel replacement
Revision of fuel gauge
Replacement of number plate lights
Replacement of interior lights
Complete restoration of dashboard and overhaul of instrument panel
Replacing the engine lights on the dashboard
Complete cleaning of original upholstery and carpets
Leatherette panels cleaned and refurbished
Complete restoration of boot liner and tailgate with replacement of all panels
Complete restoration of rear bonnet and rear panels with fabric replacement

Having received such a high level of restoration and having been very carefully preserved ever since, there is very little to report about the condition of this MS. Every detail you look at is sublime. There are no notable signs of wear and the shiny paintwork is still beautiful. The bodywork has undergone extensive repair work prior to painting and is therefore now free of corrosion or defects.

Everything looks in excellent condition inside and the seats are particularly fabulous design pieces to admire, especially with the blue finish. The controls, switches and instruments look to be in fantastic condition, as do all the carpets, headlining and boot lining. We are told that the cabin electrical system is in good condition and the seller reports no problems.

Mechanics

Maserati 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine
Five-speed manual gearbox
Fully functional hydropneumatic system
The seller demonstrates that it works properly and drives very well

During the restoration, the following mechanical work was carried out

Engine restoration with cylinder replacement
Adaptation of cylinder protrusions on cylinder block
Cylinder grinding
Replacement of main bushings and connecting rods
Rectification of valve seats and check of valve tightness and valve play
Replacement of exhaust valves
Installation of piston rings
Installation of hydraulic chain tensioner
Replacing timing chains
Replacement of all gaskets, oils and rubber seals
Replacement of clutch disc
Overhaul of drive shafts, replacement of guards
Overhaul of front and rear brake callipers with replacement of all seals
Steering overhaul
Complete overhaul of LHM pump and suspension
Replacement of all hydraulic balls
Overhaul of fuel injection system
Replacement of fuel pump
Replacement of exhaust system (silencers and tailpipes)
Complete overhaul of the electrical system
Overhaul of alternator
Starter motor overhaul
Overhaul of the window motor

Although there is much to admire externally, the true beauty of the SM goes beyond the surface, as one discovers when one begins to understand the intricacies of the engineering solutions under the bonnet. As demonstrated by the restoration details above, virtually every aspect has received attention and, as a result, we are assured that this car runs and drives exactly as it should - which is no small feat for a hydropneumatic Citroën. No problems have been reported and we are informed that the car is ready to be enjoyed.

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