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Citroen SM 1973

General description : Model History

The Citroën SM was launched in 1970 as a direct result of the marriage of Citroën and Maserati. This took place in 1968 and in two short years the SM had been created, which was quite a feat in the days before computer aided design or manufacture. The body styling was classic idiosyncratic Citroën, and under the bonnet lay a 2.7-litre V6 that Maserati designed especially for the car. No existing Maserati engine could be used because it would have fallen foul of France’s excessive taxes.

The SM featured numerous technological innovations, many based around its central hydraulic system. These include self-levelling suspension and headlamps, rain-sensitive wipers, fierce in-board brakes, and DIRAVI steering; the latter is a self-centering system with speed-sensitive assistance. With two turns lock-to-lock it is a precise system after a little practice.

When the SM was launched is was not a success. There was an initial problem with the engine chain tensioning system, which could cause spectacular issues. In most cases the problems were exacerbated by over revving the engine when it was cold. Being similarly priced to a Porsche 911 (and a semi-detached house) also didn’t help! Unfortunately, the onset of the Oil Crisis shortly after its launch only speeded the car’s demise, and in 1975 production halted after just 12,920 examples had been produced – just 1,612 of which had an automatic transmission (along with the later 3-litre Maserati V6).

Despite the limited production run SMs were popular with the rich and famous. The late, great Mike Hailwood drove his SM to every European GP when he raced for John Surtees; he thought it the finest Gran Turismo available at that time. Leonid Brezhnev, Johan Cruyff, Bill Wyman, and author Graham Greene were converts, along with Idi Amin who actually owned two.

Equipment

Gris Nacre paintwork, Black leather upholstery, Three-speed automatic transmission, Air conditioning, Self-leveling hydro-pneumatic suspension, Power-assisted and speed-sensitive steering, Dual circuit four-wheel disc brakes, Rain-sensitive wipers, Electric windows, Original Motorola radio, Height adjustable front seats, Front head restraints, Rear armrest, Spare wheel.

Exterior

A 1970s vision of the future, the SM’s aerodynamic body styling presents beautifully in its original colour of Gris Nacré (pearlescent grey). The paintwork presents to a brilliant standard all round with a lovely deep shine to every panel, the only negative being a discreet blemish on the bonnet lip. Finer details such as the delicate glass headlamp covers show no signs of age, and irreplaceable features like the rear reflector panel are perfectly preserved. Considered to be the lowest mileage SM in existence this is, without doubt, the finest example we have ever seen; a truly stunning car worthy of any collection.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

The cabin is wonderfully Seventies in its design while also boasting modern comforts such as power-assisted steering, electric windows, ice cold air conditioning, and height-adjustable front seats. Period features like the single-spoke steering wheel and gold detailing really add to the sense of occasion, and remarkably all the switchgear still operates as it should. The un-restored leather upholstery remains in fantastic original condition with only the lightest of surface patina to report. There is no wear or damage to either the dash or centre console, and even the original US-spec SM/Motorola radio is still fitted.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

As one of only 1,612 SMs produced with an automatic transmission, this car is equipped with the later 3-litre Maserati V6. With its intricate mix of both French and Italian engineering, the engine bay of this example remains in superb original condition. An extensive mechanical overhaul was carried out in 2011 by marque specialists, SM Australia (see HISTORY FILE below for more details), with all the recommended engine upgrades done as a matter of course. Since arriving in the UK in 2014 the SM has been looked after by French car specialists, Salters Garage, in Devon.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The 15-inch steel wheels are shod in a matching set of Michelin tyres, each with plenty of tread remaining. The wheels, finished in black, show only very light marking to the outer rims, while the original stainless covers still present in excellent undamaged condition. Out on test the brakes do a reassuringly good job of pulling the SM to a halt, quickly and in a straight line.

History File

Barely run-in with a mere 8k miles on the clock, this rare automatic example is considered to be the lowest mileage SM in existence. It was built in Paris in December 1972 and, after being shipped to the USA, was delivered new to Mr and Mrs Romary of New Jersey by Lee Layton Foreign Cars in April 1973.

An elderly and respected local businessman, Mr Romary drove the car sparingly. He had it serviced in June 1974 at 4,172 miles and then in September 1975 at 5,712 miles. However, in September 1976 at 7,291 miles the engine failed and the car was taken back to Layton’s for investigation. The head was removed and a cylinder liner was found to have cracked. A dispute arose over warranty and the matter was referred to Citroën for consideration, however Mr Romary died shortly after and the matter was left unresolved. Mrs Romary would not take the car back and so it remained dry stored at the back of Layton’s for several years.

In the mid-1980s Lee Layton Foreign Cars was sold and so the SM was transported back to the home of Mrs Romary. It remained in her heated garage with the head still removed, but otherwise complete and original. The car resided there until 2009 when, following the death of Mrs Romary, the estate was settled and it was sold through a Californian agent to Peter McLeod of SM Australia.

Despite the cylinder liner issue and some faded paintwork, the SM remained in remarkable original condition, having been saved from inexperienced mechanics and incompetent drivers during its 35-year hibernation. The original tyres were still fitted and unworn, as was everything inside the car – a real time capsule; the spare wheel had never been uncovered and the original tool kit had never been opened.

However, despite its originality and incredibly low mileage, the SM was painstakingly stripped from top to bottom. Every mechanical part was examined, serviced, cleaned and reassembled with all new gaskets, seals, and bearings as required. The engine was repaired with all recommended upgrades included. The diff and automatic transmission were overhauled, and the carburettors, alternator, distributor, fuel pump, and water pump were reconditioned. The fuel tank was removed and cleaned, as were the radiator and oil cooler, and a stainless-steel exhaust system was fitted. The hydraulic spheres, pump, and accumulators were reconditioned with all new hydraulic seals. The steering rack, brake calipers, and slave cylinders were resealed. All oil and water/heater hoses were replaced, as were all service items. The electrical system was tested and all connections were cleaned, along with every gauge and switch. A modern rotary air conditioning compressor was also fitted to relieve pressure on the timing chain and to be more effective at cooling the cabin.

Inside, the carpet, leather upholstery, and brightwork were still as new. Outside, the faded paint was stripped and the body was fully resprayed in the original Gris Nacré colour. The SM was then lovingly reassembled and the wheels fitted with all new Michelin tyres.

Arriving in the UK in 2014, the car was purchased by the current owner directly from Peter McLeod of SM Australia. Since landing in the UK the SM has driven a further 1,200 miles, the odometer now reading just 8,760 miles. Under current ownership the car has been carefully dry stored and the engine has been run at least once a week. A clear coat of protective Waxoyl has also been applied to the underside to preserve its amazing condition. All maintenance work has been carried out by marque specialists, Salters Garage, in Devon.

The car’s History File is complete with the original service booklet, owner’s manual, US dealer network booklet, and amazingly the original 1973 bill of sale from Lee Layton Foreign Cars. The SM was fully UK-registered in 2014, and the V5C shows only one UK keeper. The MOT is valid until March 2021.

http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/citroen-sm-for-sale/

1973 Citroen SM is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £54995.

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