Citroen SM (1970 – 1975) Review

Given Citroen and Maserati's diverse engineering heritage, it seemed like an unlikely partnership which ended up creating the SM. But it might explain why this car has such a wide variety of talents - otherworldly styling, superb high speed comfort and growling V6 engine. But as France's 1970s flagship car, it was perfect - only that it was lainched into a worldwide energy crisis...

The SM took DS technology such as Hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension and powered brakes, threw in a Maserati V6 engine, high geared self-centring steering, and finished it off with a swooping, highly aerodynamic body that was distinctively Citroën, but also looked very prestigious and expensive. It was solid and well-made, and had huge inherent strength.

Utterly original and technologically advanced, this charismatic French super-cruiser demanded careful care and developed a reputation for engine fragility which harmed sales. When Citroën effectively fell bankrupt in 1974, was taken over by Peugeot. And in 1975 the accountants closed down non-essential projects; the SM was one of these casualties.