1973 Citroen SM Hatchback Coupe

The Citroen SM was a combination of the French automaker's technology with the performance of a Maserati V-6. The engine was placed in the front of the car, but far back in the chassis, predicting the 'front-mid-engined' layout. It was given Citroen's own pneumatic suspension, which could be adjusted to suit the road surface. The bodywork was aerodynamic, helping the car achieved a top speed of 140 mph. This made it the fastest front-wheel drive automobile ever built at the time.

Famous owners of the Citroen SM included Bonanza actor Lorne Greene, the Shah of Iran, both Cheech and Chong, Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, two members of the Rolling Stones, and Carlos Santana. Between 1970 and 1972, 12,920 were made, of which only 2,400 were originally delivered to the United States.

This particular example was maintained in Italy prior to its current ownership. It is finished in Pearl Grey with its original black interior, and is equipped with the five-speed manual gearbox. It is a European-specification model so it has the iconic headlamps that turn with the front wheels to 'see' around corners. The engine is a Dual Overhead Cam V-6 unit fitted with fuel injection and offering 180 horsepower. It has a five-speed manual transmission, hydro-pneumatic suspension with front parallel control arms, and four-wheel disc brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2016