Description
Combining Citröen’s advanced chassis technology and Maserati’s engine know-how, the SM (Série Maserati) featured DS-style hydro-pneumatic suspension, power-assisted all-round load-sensitive disc brakes and fully-powered, self-centering steering that allowed the car to be set up with zero caster, thereby keeping the tires in full contact with the road at all times. Citröen had acquired Maserati in 1968, principally to acquire the latter’s engine technology for its new top-of-the-range Gran Turismo coupé, and the Italian firm responded to the brief with remarkable speed by the simple expedient of chopping two cylinders off its Indy four-cam 90-degree V-8 to create the required V-6.
After some juggling of engine dimensions, a capacity of 2,670 cc was settled on for a power output of 170 bhp. Citröen was the world leader in passenger car aerodynamics at the time, and the SM’s class-leading drag coefficient enabled it to reach 140 mph, making it the fastest front-wheel-drive car ever at that time. Fuel injection arrived in 1972, an automatic transmission option became available the following year and the engine was enlarged to 2,974 cc before the model was prematurely axed in 1975 following Citröen’s acquisition by Peugeot. Fondly remembered, these technically advanced and functionally beautiful cars remain highly sought after today.
Built in May 1974 and delivered to Citroen dealer Enrico Masi in Prato , Italy in its current gold leaf colour the car was sold to its first owner in May 1975 and spent most of its life in the Tuscan town of Montecatini Terme until recently. Having just two owners from new it was recently (10,00km ago) subject to a engine rebuild. Complete with service books and original manuals , this wonderful Classic French GT comes directly from the collection of Dott. Fabio Lamborghini.
