Franco-Italian Connection: 1974 Citroen SM
Swoopy! That’s one way to describe this 1974 Citroen SM – the profile reminds me of a backward dust buster. It possesses an unforgettable look and is instantly recalled in the event one hasn’t been spotted in a while. The current owner, who is originally from France, purchased this SM two years ago, performed the appropriate maintenance, and now wants to find it a new domicile. Residing in Beverly Hills, California, this Citroen is available, here on craigslist for $55,000. Thanks are due to Pat L for this tip!
Offered between 1970 and 1975, Citroen produced about 12K copies. Research indicates that the U.S. was the primary destination for the SM’s export market but the federal five MPH bumper standard scotched Citroen’s plans, reducing export volumes in ’74 to only a bit over 125 cars. Citroen was acquired by Peugeot in ’75 and the slow-selling SM was given the bum’s rush.
With an odometer reading of only 3,700 miles, though not claimed as authentic, this svelte French coupe shows as new. The ebony finish is a mile deep and the minimalist stainless trim adds just the right amount of highlight. This car’s stance and ride height are adjustable, just like Citroen’s DM, thanks to its hydro-pneumatic suspension. All in all, I guess it’s a look that can grow on you.
The Italian connection is courtesy of this Citroen’s Maserati-supplied, 190 HP, 3.0 liter, V6 engine, connected to a five-speed manual transaxle. As it turns out, Citroen acquired Maserati in 1968 so the engine sourcing decision is logical. The seller tells us, “I did the major maintenance with a Citroen Specialist such as the oil change, multipoint check, new battery, check all the electrical, new rear and front boots, new axles boots. The hydraulic system was fully checked, a new main accumulator was installed and new rear suspension spheres, a new steering rack, and the 3 carburetors were tested and adjusted, the chain was inspected as well and showing good health. This car is running beautifully and definitely one of the kind“.
The black leather-clad interior has a very continental bearing about itself. Note the center console with its very spindly gear shift lever, positioned just in front of the radio. The radio’s location is a bit dicey, talk about having to take your eyes off the road, a channel change could prove to be dangerous. The seller claims that the interior is in “good condition” but from what’s visible, it looks like it’s a notch or two above just “good”.
My thought is that this Citroen will probably have limited appeal. There’s definitely a bee-hind for every seat but with a $55K ask, those bee-hinds might be few and far between don’t you think?
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Comments
Beautiful car! Actually the asking price is within reason. A quick search on BaT will show these cars have a strong following among enthusiasts like myself. The SM isn’t a car for the average enthusiast but for someone who appreciates all the design elements that went into this car and it’s engineering achievements. If this car had the European spec headlamps that turned with the front wheels over those silly DOT headlamps the ask would be much more.
Yes I admit to being biased towards European cars. I have always avoided mainstream cars even for winter beaters. I choose to be the only guy in town with one over reliability. Someone who prefers precision and quality over an appliance. That means no to electric vehicles.
Hate to say it, but if I had 55 Large in my wallet, I’d buy this. That’s a lot of money, but certainly fair if this Citroen is as striking in person as it is in photos.
I know of all — or at least most — of the drawbacks to SM ownership, but I’ve driven one extensively, and that wipes out all the qualms and quibbles. It was a unique and wonderful experience.
Yes, the Euro headlights under their glass covers are far more attractive. I’d at least investigate the difficulty of converting to them. The hydraulics don’t worry me (routine maintenance is the key) and the three-liter engine in this late example is a definite improvement.
I guess I’ll just have to console myself by remembering my dislike of black cars….
The French historically get picked on, but they can lay claim to one of the coolest passenger cars made. I know, a hefty claim, but I always thought the SM was the most beautiful car, the engine is the frosting. Anything more complicated than a 4CV might be a challenge, but I know a low mileage car when I see one, where ever it came from and for whatever reason, this is it.
So,,,who drove a SM? Well,,they weren’t cheap by any means, almost $14,000 new, or around $100K today, a new Corvette was half that, and they weren’t exactly sold next to Chevys, and I have a feeling, an Italian motor in a French car would cause some conflict. I’d also have to think, it would turn heads anywhere on the planet. Not many cars will do that. Awesome find if you got the nerve.
As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder ; to me this is just another ugly looking car by Citroen – better looking than earlier models , but still ugly . I know they say they ride great and are really comfortable , but I just couldn’t get past the looks.
I couldn’t agree more. French toast yes! Citroen no.
Hey, it’s cool, see, I’m just the opposite. I love the looks, but couldn’t get past the mechanical part. Ugly is indeed a relative term, and it really is one ugly car, BUT, remember, I come from Milwaukee( and I ought to know), AMC made a fortune on “ugly”,,,so go figure. I’d wonder if the ’63 Grand Prix seems odd to the French?
Strange. Those that hate Citroens unique designs usually drive SUV’s.
As for ugly cars, I have what most Americans say is a very ugly car, a Tatra T-603 [well I have a later T2-603]. While it may be ugly to many people, if you can find an owner willing to part with his Tatra T-603 in restored or beautiful original condition, it’s going to cost around 100,000 Euros, while the T2-603 often exceeds about half that amount for a nice example. I paid about $600 for my T2 about 30 years ago. Perhaps it’s ugly, but not to me or my banker!
Say RoyBoy, any stats to back that random claim?
Merci!
I remember that Car and Driver used to refer to these as the Citroen S&M. That, and the Mercury Marquis de Sade. Ah, good times!
I’m working my way up to owning one of these. I ocaissionally see them on the highways around the world moving effortlessly through traffic turning heads as they go Right now I have to be content with a 1997 BMW 740i. that seems invisible in traffic even in its gold color.
Wow, I always felt the BMW 740’s of that area were gorgeous cars.
Isn’t that what Jason Statham drives in the Transporter movie?
Very exotic looking, very cool. I would want to learn all I could about them before buying one, to the point of going back to school, before I made the leap to Citroen. Very little under that hood looks familiar!
Bought one in ’85, I was 27.. It was an auto, so pretty sluggish, but what a ride!
Got it for $3000, drove it for 2 years and sold it for $5500, not easy to find buyers from a Pennysaver ad !!
Mon dieu!
These always take my breath away. Not only a Kamm-back sort of shaped back end, but one that tapers to the tailights.
I had to look it up, but I recalled a low CD for these:
“At launch, Citroën claimed a drag coefficient of 0.26, although it later published a revised figure of 0.339.”
Either way, for the times, pretty slippery, svelte and downright sexy….
bt
The $55K ask is very much in line with market trends. It may be a bit of a bargain, in fact.
I’d buy it in a heartbeat if I had the cash.
The first time I laid eyes on one of these was back in the 70’s at the Watkins Glen GP in beautiful Seneca Lakes region of NY. Interesting vehicle with a beautiful blonde driving the car. The only French car that I actually like was the
Renault R5 Turbo. A rocket ship!
Not for the faint of heart but https://youtu.be/Y9v-kf0489s
Wowzers! I’ve never seen one of these in black before. Très élégant! It really shows the sleek, futuristic design to advantage. This car from 1974 still makes everything else on the road look old-fashioned!
I had a new one in 73 or 74 when I was about 20. I lived in winter park florida and it was probably the only one in all of central florida. the car was (of the 50 or so I have owned and I worked for both mercedes and BMW so I have driven some amazing cars) without compare. it is smooth, exceedingly comfortable and just a complete joy to drive. the exhaust note is pleasing yet not overbearing, the ride is without a rival. and they are fast when pushed. I am a huge fan of the car but it is not for the faint of heart or for those with small budgets. one of the finest engineering feats yet in terms of cars. and to this day I believe it still has the lowest drag coefficient ever.
I’m surprised that no one mentioned Burt Reynolds driving one in the opening scenes of the original Longest Yard. The French always seemed to have the market cornered with their comfortable seats. This one is in beautiful condition. Citroens also had those distinctive steering wheels.
I was just going to mention “THE LONGEST YARD” gives you a good view of what the air ride control can do in action!
great scene. on YouTube. pity he dumped the car.
So, THAT’S where AMC, then Chrysler got their cushy seats from. BRAVO!
“You’d better take a ride with the
Pharoahs.”
This is actually a very decent price, especially as it’s a car sold new in the USA, not a gray-market conversion. PLUS it’s got a manual gearbox, something that’s incredibly rare in a US SM.
The US cars did have a problem with exhaust manifolds, especially with cars that were used in higher ambient temperatures. The manifolds couldn’t handle the temps and they cracked. The seller probably is aware of this already and has had them checked or repaired already, but it’s something to mention, as exhaust manifolds are getting hard to find.
As a 40 year owner of an SM which I bought from SM World, I had a problem with the exhaust manifolds getting red hot . It was caused by the air pump for the smog system pumping air to the manifolds to burn unburned exhaust gasses . Jerry at SM World told me to disconnect the air pump. It solved the problem.
Roy, thanks for the explanation. I knew they were a problem from repairing the manifolds on a customer’s car 25 years ago, but I couldn’t remember the cause of the cracks. And now that you mentioned it, We did leave the air pump drive belt off.
It’s a ‘74 car so no need for a smog certificate, luckily for the new owner.