Lot 231 - 1971 Citroën SM *WITHDRAWN*

DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL, THIS LOT HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN FROM THE AUCTION.

In 1961, Citroën began work on 'Project S', a sports variant of the revolutionary Citroën DS. As was customary for the firm, many running concept vehicles were developed, increasingly complex and upmarket from the DS. Citroën purchased Maserati in 1968 with the intention of harnessing Maserati's high-performance V6 engine technology to produce a true Gran Turismo car combining the sophisticated Citroën suspension. The result was the Citroën SM; first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1970 and which went on sale in France in September of that year. Factory produced cars were all left hand drive, although right hand conversions were supplied to the UK and Australia. The origin of the model name 'SM' is not completely clear. The 'S' may derive from the Project 'S' designation and the 'M' perhaps refers to Maserati; hence SM is often assumed to stand for 'Systeme Maserati' or 'Sports Maserati'. Another common alternative is 'Série Maserati' but others have suggested it is short for 'Sa Majesté' (Her Majesty in French) which aligns with the common DS model's nickname 'La Déesse' (The Goddess).

This SM was supplied new to Italy in 1971, Italy being the biggest export market for this model. This is an unrestored car which has been in regular use throughout its life. It is finished in its original defining and rare French GT colour, Brun Scarabee, (a sable hue which changes in different lights)  with SS valves,  Michelin XWX tyres, air conditioning and other upgrades. The car was imported into the UK in 2015 and in UK ownership, this SM has been enjoyed a great deal, with two European holidays completed. To make for a reliable and more usable car, this SM has had nearly £15,000 in receipted expenditure for upgrades and servicing mainly by Brodie Engineering.

The paintwork has been renewed and is unmarked and presents with a high lustre. Glass is all very good, the stainless trim all complete – down to the rare sill covers – and in good condition.

Some of the work carried is as follows:

Upgrade of air conditioning to rotary compressor (blows ice cold)
Upgrade of alternator
New HD battery
New clutch
New exhaust
4 x new Michelin XWX tyres
Other works that have been carried out are, work to the  brakes, electrics, hydraulics and running gear. This wonderful car is fitted with a nice black leather interior which has some patina. The carpets are the originals with wear in places; the steering wheel has been restored and new inertia seat belts are fitted together with a flush fit JVC stereo. The boot has been re-trimmed and is in unmarked condition.  The spare wheel and cover are in place and it comes with a full SM toolkit and also supplied is a SM workshop manual, rare English text owner’s handbook and spare keys. There is also a current MoT test certificate which expires in March 2019.