Chassis Number: 00SC3494
Combining Citröen’s advanced chassis technology and Maserati’s unrivaled engine know-how, the SM (Série Maserati) featured DS-style hydro-pneumatic self-leveling suspension; power-assisted all-around disc brakes; self-centering steering; and steered headlamps. Maserati was responsible for the 90-degree V6 engine, and after some juggling of bore/stroke dimensions, a capacity of 2,670 cc was settled on for a power output of 170 bhp. The man responsible for styling the SM was Frenchman Robert Opron, who had managed to persuade the Citroën management that it would be a good idea to have a prestige Gran Turismo at the top of the range. Citröen was the world leader in passenger-car aerodynamics at this time, the SM’s class-leading drag coefficient enabling it to reach 225 km/h (140 mph), making it the fastest front-wheel-drive car ever at that time. This particular Citroën SM is of some historical significance, as it was previously owned by none other than Robert Opron, the driving force behind the model’s creation. In 2014, the SM was sold to a respected collector of the marque, who commissioned Citroën specialist Guy Stoeckel in Alsace to carry out a thorough restoration, incorporating updates to the electrical and hydraulic systems, the infamous distribution-chain modification for greater reliability, a full respray and more detailed work which was completed in 2017, making this a superior example of the model.
