KMII
[Montblanc Moderator]
50311
Just checked
In the Long & Claverol book on the SM ('SM: Citroen's Maserati-engined Supercar' ) and it is stated that the C114 V6 was a 'clean sheet' design by Alfieri, albeit based on a V8 architecture (and capable on being produced by the same tooling), as evidenced by the 90 degree angle. The cylinder dimensions were relatively similar, too. Legend has it that the first prototype was ready 11 days after the initial management decision, Citroen actually gave them 6 months time.
Whichever time figure you use, this probably had something to do with the odd initial difficulties. In the end it was the combination of the high price and the oil crisis that ultimately killed it off. Now finding a black one (the rarest colour) in good shape, with AC would probably be too much temptation - hence I look only infrequently 
In any case, the question prompted me to take the book onto a business trip and read it on the plane - a wonderful decision 
Some pictures of the Citroen SM.
A car which was born in 1970, for a short 5 years life, and a very short production of a bit less of 13 000 examples. Starting with a 2, 7 engine, it ended with a 3 liters. From 170 to 190 HP all along these 5 years. The car was quite unique with its looo...
Yes I love it, no I will not get one, for two reasons.
The car was not very reliable, and I don't like hydraulic suspensions . Best, Nicolas
Reliable?
Cars of this age are as much dependent on the quality of the restoration as of the original engineering... That said, the hydropneumatic suspension is not very ddifficult to keep in good order. The Maserati/Citroen engine and the engine bay are... I've dr...
The Merak is smaller and much lighter, Ben, if I am correct.
So the feelings are much better, if so. I know what you mean with these mushrooms brakes. I was on to have an accident, once, with a CX, just because of that and the waaay to light assisted direction. Best, Nicolas
I drove one in the 80's
It was a really fun car. Also drove a DS21, amazing ride for such a funny looking car. Was not my car but I seriously thought of buying one. Wish they would bring the line back to the US. JerryW
The DS is mythical, this one had a short production, hit by the petrol crisis.
But lovely, yes... Best, Jerry. Nicolas
It always reminded me of Col. Straker's car in the enigmatic TV series ...
UFO: http://2. It was so futuristic! Marcus ...
Interesting car dear Nicolas...
the Maserati shared engine adds to that interest of course. I guess I can find the ADN of my own old faithfull C4 from 2008 in that car with its 4,60 mts length and 1.300 kilos of weight. Mine is not a collector´s car for sure but has been faithfully serv...
Thank you Nicolas for your comment. Yes, it is about the size of a C5...
... but it was made here in Argentina for local market and for export to Spain and Turkey. Very comfortable and with a really big big trunk. Discontinued now. Citroen is now offering the current C4 which though much better technically, it is regrettably a...
Such a neat car
The SM is not attractive in any conventional sense. Maybe "grotesquely attractive" is about as close as I can get, but however one describes it the car definitely exudes a certain aloof elegance, though not to the same extent as does the DS. As I get long...
Subjectivity
Again, this falls into subjective territory. I simply find the 2CV an ungainly car from an aesthetic point of view. Also, mechanically, there's something less than appealing the way they sort of pootle around, which is, I suppose, only to be expected give...
Appalling?
Did you hear that sweethearts? Don't take offense, he doesn't really mean it ... Although the build quality can sometimes appear to be appalling, the cars are quite charming On multiple continents and for unexplainable reasons, they appeal to me ...
I think I could do an Uber 2CV
and not get a single customer - "what? No air bags? No air con? No luggage space? No music? No doors?? The deal is off!!" Cheers, Mike ...
A car from my youth
It was featured in the opening scene of the movie "The Longest Yard" in a very famous chase scene, and it met with a bad end. Despite the Citroen badging, it was referred to in the film as a Maserati. Thanks for posting these pics.
Wow... jaw drops...
Wow, I need to check out the Automotive forum more often! This was an absolute dream car from my teenage years. I was the "car guy" among my group of friends, and the SM was a car that haunted my dreams in the late 1990s and early 2000s. If these are rare...
Thanks for your feedback, Tim, and for sharing this love from your childhood.
Did you know that Yves Montand drove one, in a movie whose name just escapes me? Best, Nicolas
Love it
It also has a special aura for french people as it was on the road at teh same time as the Concorde and TGV came some years later. Citroen are always very special, a friend is considering buying one seriously, and he is a true Citroen lover. I also consid...
Are you saying that you are considering matching a vintage watch with a vintage car?
If yes, you are intriguing me a lot.... Which car? Hmmm? ;) Best, Nicolas
Definitely on the 'to try' list
I have long been drawn to classic cars and once I finally succumb, something tells me the SM will be high on the list of candidates, in spite of the reliability and engine problems it has been known for. It is not conventionally pretty but certainly strik...
I didn't know that one. Thanks, KMII.
As for driving old cars... Yes, they are, in more than one way, not as efficient as modern cars, but they have an incomparable charm. Best, Nicolas
You're welcome
There was also the 4 door Opera version of the SM - another rare version, and I belive a single prototype with the Maserati V8, too. ...
The advantage...
... of the decades past and the relatively lax regulatory standards was a much higher diversity of cars, with many adaptations and one-offs, which were much more affordable than today's handful of remaining efforts.
some infos/corrections
-Quattroporte II was conceived under Citroen but axed when De Tomaso came in´which asked for the quattroporte III with more power (with the legendary V8) underpower for so much weight. 13 built "pre Serie" built, didn't reach production. Very intesresting...
Thanks
For the additional comments. Will see if I manage to check the SM book at home today, for additional details - but do not promise anything ;)
I am with you...
...that the V6 wasn't just a chopped V8. Too many differences in architecture to be reasonable. Alfieri only did 90deg engines even (stupidly/ignorantly?/point of difference with Lancia/tooling limitations) on his V6s - his Laverda V6 was 90deg ... As an ...
You're welcome guys
The Frua is a beautiful one off, but, as much as I love italian cars and style, I think the SM is more interesting with the typical Citroen Style and Quirkiness :)
Just checked
In the Long & Claverol book on the SM (' SM: Citroen's Maserati-engined Supercar' ) and it is stated that the C114 V6 was a 'clean sheet' design by Alfieri, albeit based on a V8 architecture (and capable on being produced by the same tooling), as evid...
The car seemed to sit down.
While my husband had an Alfa, his friend Claud had a Citroen. It was the strangest car I'd ever seen. It must have been one of the earlier models built being that it didn't have the long front. Did the newer versions also appear to sit? Curious, Helen
You have wound me up, so I have to contribute my favorite SMs
I have driven this car (delightful) and considered buying one (frightful) but the normal version isn't extreme enough for me (insightful). Thus my imagination reaches farther into impossibility ... The most unattainable version would be the 4-door preside...
Mylord is really the one to get if you like your life interesting ;)
But very, very cool it is, too!
Ah, the interior; the seats an
Much trouble for the upholstery shop! and an easy way to collect spare change without having to use up the ashtray. I think some of those bars can be sewn in and/or attached with Velcro for adjustable back pressure.