CITROEN SM 1970-1975 by 3DClassics123456
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Description
The Citroën SM is a high-performance coupé produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1970 to 1975.
Citroën purchased Maserati in 1968 with the intention of harnessing Maserati's high-performance engine technology to produce a true Gran Turismo car, combining the sophisticated Citroën suspension with a Maserati V6.
The result was the Citroën SM, first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1970. It went on sale in France in September of that year.
Factory produced cars were all left-hand-drive, although RHD conversions were done in the UK and Australia.
The thriving French luxury car industry was decimated by post-World War II puissance fiscale regulation, which has hamstrung French manufacturers for decades.
The SM did not find a sufficient customer base in the European GT market, but much of the SM's technology was carried forward to the successful Citroën CX, launched in 1974 the DIRAVI steering being the most obvious example.
The same basic engine in enlarged 3.0 L form (some in Italy had 2.0 L) was used in Maserati's own Merak (1,800 units) and later with some modification in the Biturbo (40,000 units).
The Merak, Khamsin, and Bora, used Citroën's high-pressure hydraulics for some functions, and the Citroën gearbox in the Merak, during the Citroën-Maserati alliance.
Michelin developed a unique solution - a lightweight carbon-reinforced resin wheel, which became a factory fitted option. These plastic wheels weigh less than half the standard weight and were decades in advance of similar applications.
A total of 12,920 SMs were produced during its lifetime ( 1970-1975 ).
SM sales declined starting in 1972. This appears to be attributable to maintenance issues. Like an exotic Italian car, the Weber carburetors require frequent adjustment.
Many engines experienced failure at 60,000 km - it was unclear to most owners that the interference engine design has timing chains that require manual adjustment, an issue not corrected until long after production ceased.
The 90° engine timing was unfamiliar to mechanics in the 1970s.
Another issue that has been resolved with retrofit was unreliable ignition breaker cassettes.
Certain vehicles — like Citroëns and Ferraris — require specialist care due to their unique design.
While a sturdy car if maintained rigorously, the SM did require two sets of specialist care — Citroën specialists, which are widespread in Europe, and a rarer Maserati specialist, to keep the engine in tune.
Once potential buyers began to realize this, sales dropped precipitously.
Soon available on Nationale7 store on RR.
Comments (22)
Mondwin
Splendid work my friend!!!Bravissimo!V:DDD.Hugsxx Whylma
Freethinker56
Congrats LOOKs great
Maxidyne
A wonderful model of a beautiful car. The first time a read about one of these it went head to head against an Alfa Romeo Montreal and for me the Citroen was the clear winner. Like a lot of Citroens they do need to be maintained properly but the owner is rewarded with style and comfort not seen in most cars.
ontar1
Great looking car, thanks for all the info!
Domi48
Je la trouvais superbe à l'époque. Je la trouve maintenant un peu lourde, quand j'en vois ici (il y a en au moins une au village). Ton modèle est évidemment impeccable!
Richardphotos
never cared much for the design, but many people like them. certainly a classic and superbly modeled
Lucien_Lilippe
Toujours au top. J'attends d'avoir fait les photos de détail, (intérieur, moteur etc) pour la Studebacker avant de t'envoyer les fichiers.
gaius
Ce devait être la première auto de Juppé à Bordeaux, vu la plaque !!! Je suis scié, admiratif, sans voix (tu me diras, j'écris !) devant une telle merveille...en plus je me cultive ! Le patron d'une boutique de HiFi où j'avais mes habitudes possédait une SM et nous étions admiratifs devant la ligne, le luxe...nous ignorions les dessous de l'affaire ! Mer* on est limité à 5...
steveHolden
Excellent work. :)
claude19
splendid S M revisited ! wonderful designs ! what a splendid work !!!
Navi
Joli modèle, beau travail ! Un de mes oncles en avait eu une, et effectivement, il a fini par s'en séparer pour des problèmes d'entretien ;) .
ArtistKimberly
really very Delightfully Wonderful Work,
Artformz2
Stunning and gorgeous models and renders. You always get the car's "Personality" too . A joy to see.
AliceFromLake
Very nice model. I remember this car.
Dreamdesigner
Again,an outstanding model of an gorgeous French car Alain,,I always like the Citroen SM,nearly impossible to find one in here! :-)
arlivre
One of my all time favourite cars in a superb model, congratulations Alain !
Gotta (as our American friends sometimes say) love French cars :)
Joao
jmb007
c'etait un gouffre, ce truc !!!!
bodo_56
Cool! This was my father's dream car!
DukeNukem2005
Very beautiful and very nice! Very good! Fantastic!
KarmaSong
Une modélisation bluffante: c'est superbement réalisé, j'ose à peine imaginer les heures de travail qui vont avec ces modèles tellement de chez nous ! J'ai lu les explications avec intérêt aussi ...Au fait....Bonne année !Cyve
C'était une superbe bagnole ... dommage qu'elle soit sortie en plein "choc pétrolier" elle aurai pu avoir une grande carrière! Quel fabuleuse création tu a fait ici mon ami... J'adore !!!
ACue
Super. Excéllent travail Belle voiture classique. 5+