Citroen celebrates 40 years of the SM

The luxury sports tourer, borne of an alliance between Citroën and Maserati, was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1970.

Technically innovative, with a dynamic yet surprisingly comfortable ride, the Citroën SM was highly regarded for its futuristic styling, prestigious quality, 'magic-carpet' suspension and outstanding performance - a unique combination of characteristics not available in any other car at the time. Powered by a Maserati V6 engine, the SM was one of the fastest front-wheel drive cars of its day, with a top speed in excess of 220km/h. A competitive performer in motorsport, the SM won its first race at the Morocco Rally in 1971.

Pioneering innovative technology, the SM introduced a new type of variable assist power steering, which made it easier to manoeuvre at lower speeds and provided greater resistance at higher speeds for improved control and handling. The car also featured hydro-pneumatic suspension with automatic height correction and six headlamps with automatic levelling. Four power-assisted disc brakes, with independent front and rear circuits, automatically adjusted brake power according to vehicle load and weight distribution.

Renowned SM owners have included U.S. comedian Jay Leno and Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, while French Presidents from Georges Pompidou to Jacques Chirac used two specially modified 4-door convertible 'présidentielle' models, created by coach builder Henri Chapron.

Source: JUST CARS, October 2010, Collectors Issue #176