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The 1972 Citroën SM is a car that uniquely combines avant-garde design with advanced engineering. Developed at a time when Citroën was known for its innovations and technical daring, the SM was the result of an ambitious project: a sporty grand tourer with the comfort and refinement of the legendary DS. With its streamlined bodywork, futuristic cockpit and groundbreaking hydro-pneumatic suspension, the SM was a car ahead of its time that still evokes admiration today.
This particular example is an original American version, delivered to its first owner in Chicago. The American version of the SM was equipped with a 2965 cc Maserati V6 engine, a modification necessary to meet the stricter emissions requirements in the US. Although the engine had slightly less power than its European counterpart, it remained a masterpiece of engineering: compact, light and with characteristically smooth running. Combined with an automatic transmission, this SM offered a relaxed and refined driving experience that perfectly matched its status as a grand tourer.
The SM was a paragon of innovation, with its self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension, variable power steering and aerodynamic design that contributed in part to its impressive driving performance. Where other GTs of the era emphasized brute force and classic mechanics, Citroën took a refined, technologically advanced approach. The result was a car that could effortlessly maintain high speeds while offering unprecedented driving comfort. Even on bad roads, the SM remained stable and smooth, a characteristic that made it one of the most comfortable fast travel cars in the world at the time.
With only 41,000 miles on the odometer, this SM is in exceptional condition. Never fully restored, the car has been carefully preserved. The beautiful brown leather interior exudes pure luxury and enhances the timeless character of the car. The combination of high-quality materials and the characteristic Citroën dashboard with its unique clocks and controls make the interior a particularly stylish and futuristic place to be in.
A well-maintained Citroën SM is a rarity these days, and this example is a perfect example of that. With a recent service, performed by a reputable specialist, everything has been checked and brought into top condition. This is an important aspect with an SM, as the advanced technology only comes into its own when handled with care. A properly functioning SM offers a driving experience that is unique even today: a combination of refined performance, effortless floating ride comfort and a look that no other car can match.
To get a good idea of the lot, we recommend that you come to the viewing day.