1973 CITROËN SM - LHD

This Citroen SM is a well-presented example benefiting from a recent restoration and bold colour palette. Under the bonnet is a Maserati-derived 3.0-litre V6 – thanks to the French manufacturer’s ownership of the Italian brand at the time – which produces around 178bhp, delivering its power to the front wheels via a manual gearbox. The odometer reads 90,423 miles.

The Citroen SM is a car that captivated motorists around the world with its forward-looking design and technical innovations. It combined the exotic appeal of a Maserati engine with the comfort and sophistication of Citroen’s hydro-pneumatic self-leveling suspension. It was favoured in period by royalty, world leaders, and numerous celebrities from the worlds of music and film. It was also the first foreign car to win the coveted ‘Car of the Year’ accolade from America’s Motor Trend magazine.

All examples of the SM rolled off the production line in left-hand drive, and this car is understood to be a US-market model, identifiable due to its four fixed headlamps, as the SM’s original swivelling light arrangement was not legal there. It is further understood to have been initially registered in January 1973. The current vendor has owned the car for the past five years.

The SM’s bold teardrop body style is accentuated by its metallic gold paintwork. The car has been resprayed as part of the full restoration, presenting remarkably well with only minor stone chips found around a rear wheel arch panel. The body presents well, with the stainless steel accents also in very good order. Its rides on the original steel wheels with hubcaps, which are in excellent condition howing no kerbing damage.

Inside, the SM’s esoteric design motifs continue, with the inclusion of one-piece seats and oval dashboard gauges. The tan leather interior is in good condition with no rips or tears to the material, while the car is believed to retain its original switchgear including HVAC controls. The original radio is also present but not working. The vendor notes only age-related fading to the buttons and switches, with no known electrical faults other than the inoperative stereo.

This elegant French grand tourer was last serviced in November 2020 by Whitegates Garage of Cheshire. This entailed a full service, with replacement engine oil and filter. In recent years, the car has been treated to a comprehensive restoration, which included a total rebuild of the 3.0-litre V6 engine.

The most recent MOT test was on 20 November 2020 at 90,423 miles. This was passed at the second time of asking, following work to rectify an emissions fault, and the retest resulted in no advisories. The SM rides on Forceum tyres, which are in good order with virtually full tread remaining.

This Citroen SM is an elegant example of a landmark car, which presents in superb restored condition. Blending unique design features with opulent luxury and non-conformist engineering, this SM would be a fascinating addition to any collection of classics. It is equally well-suited to occasional weekend jaunts as it is to cross-continental road trips, and remains a thoroughly captivating grand tourer.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.