1972 Citroen SM Prototype Coupé

This vehicle was built by the Italian Carrozzeria Frua in 1971 using SM mechanical components. It was first displayed at the Geneva Salon in March of 1972. At that time Citroen owned Maserati and this prototype bore a resemblance to the Maserati Khamsin. The Khamsin had made its introduction at the 1972 Turing Auto Show and wore coachwork by Bertone. A production model was introduced at a year later at the Paris Motor Show. The Khamsin was powered by a V8 engine whereas the Citroen SM had a 90-degree Maserati V6 engine.

In 1968, Maserati was bought by Citroen, mainly to acquire the engine technology for its new top-of-the-line Gran Turismo coupe. Introduced in 1970, the SM (Serie Maserati) came with Maserati's engine knowledge along with Citroen's advanced chassis technology, featuring DS-style hydro-pneumatic self-leveling suspension, power-assisted all-round disc brakes, self-centering steering and steered headlamps. The SM class-leading drag coefficient enabled it to reach 140 miles-per-hour, making it the fastest front-wheel-drive car at the time.

After Citroen was purchased by Peugeot in 1975, production of the SM came to an end.

The Frua Citroen SM Prototype was shown at the Geneva Auto Show in 1972 and 1973, and at the 1973 International Motor Show in Barcelona, Spain. It then passed into private ownership in Spain before coming into the care of its current owner in Italy in the late 1980s. In 2011/2012, the car was given a partial restoration. The car displays a total of 41,946 kilometers on the odometer.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Monaco sale presented by Bonhams. The car was estimated to sell for €140,000 - 180,000 but bidding failed to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2012