The Citroen SM model, shown to the public more than half a century ago, was one of the most distinctive and comfortable cars of those years. Interestingly, for the first time in its history, Citroen developed a model together with Maserati, known for its sports cars. The fact is that back in 1968, Citroen, having paid about 1 billion liras, bought the ownership of this Italian company. And in 1970, a striking result of this merger appeared.
The car body was designed by Citroen. It featured a catchy, original design in the best traditions of the company. It was emphatically dynamic in shape, a two-door coupe with four seats. Noteworthy was the transparent front cladding, behind which six headlights were installed, including four rotating ones.
The car was distinguished by a high level of comfort and rich equipment, even in the standard version. Smooth ride was ensured by an independent, active hydropneumatic suspension. High-performance disc brakes were installed on all wheels.
The Italian contribution to the design of the car was powerful V-shaped “sixes” with a displacement of 2.7 or 3.0 liters. The first of them was initially produced with a carburetor and developed 170 hp. With. But in 1972, it was replaced by a unit with a Bosch Jetronic injection system – and its power increased to 178 hp. With. As for the three-liter engine, it was a carburetor unit with 180 hp. With.
The transmission was either a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. Moreover, injection engines came only with “mechanics”. The maximum speed reached 225 km/h.
The production of the Citroen SM reached its peak in 1971, when about 5 thousand units were produced. And then it began to decline and was aggravated by the 1973 fuel crisis. In 1975, Citroen stopped production of this model. And the Italian branch, Maserati, was bought by the De Tomaso company. Over the entire period, 12,920 Citroen SM cars were produced.