I’d driven past this Citroën specialist many times and the possibly-immobile DS had been a regular fixture. While not a bad CC find in itself, one day two years ago there was something extra special sitting in front of it!
For example, another time there was a Holden ute and another DS parked, with the first DS peeking into the side of the photo. Apparently they specialize in restoring and turning DS’ into replica convertibles. Suffice to say the SM was an exceptional car; a luxurious Grand Touring car in the traditional sense of the word, and its history has been well-covered on Curbside Classic (see links below).
While you might think that the 1973 fuel crisis would have the largest influence in the demise of the SM, it was actually changes in US safety regulations in 1974 that effectively banned all existing Citroën models from the US market (unsold cars were shipped to Japan), and Citroën going into bankruptcy also in 1974 that were the big items. Citroën’s factory on the banks of the Seine in Paris closed and production was transferred to new owner Peugeot’s factory, while Maserati was sold in 1975 and with it the source of engines was gone.
RHD interior photo from a car previously auctioned by www.shannons.com.au
It goes without saying that the car is rare: fewer than 13,000 cars were built from 1970-75. As few as 12 cars originally came to Australia through the importer at the time Duttons, converted to RHD by specialists Chapel Engineering because Citroën only produced the cars in LHD.
Since then however there have been many more private imports and it is believed that as many as 80 cars may now be in Australia. The car above would appear to be RHD based on the lack of visible dashboard in the photo above, but equally it may have the US-spec four round headlights behind the curved covers.
At the time (two years ago) I just took a couple of quick snaps as I was on my way past to work on my own car, for which I had little enough time as it was. Perhaps a CC reader will know more about this car?
Further Reading:
Curbside Classic: 1972 Citroen SM – Gran Touring, Franco-Italian Style
Curbside UFO Sighting: A Citroen SM Parked In Washington, DC For 15 Years
I have always liked the SM, and indeed got to see one curbside in Paris last fall. The complexity probably scared off most USA buyers. This is perhaps wrong as so many seem to have survived given the low production.
As an aside, wouldn’t it be great to be able to drive past a Citroen restoration specialist in the USA and see the love given to all Citroen’s classic models, from Traction Avant to the XM. Does anybody know if that CX outfit in Pennsylvania still exists?
Another weird and wacky French car ~ you either love ’em or not .
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There used to be a Citroen Specialist Garage in Hollywood , I’d buy my 2CV – AZ parts from him , Jacques was always bemused by the oddball items I requested but he always had everything in stock…
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-Nate
It’s a great advantage being anywhere near Hollywood, where exotic cars are numerous enough to make such garages (and dealers) viable. Even driving past the area on US-101, one is likely to see some rarities.
Yes but ;
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Hollywood , Ca. is also a nasty filthy place I avoid like the plague .
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On of my ex girl friends moved there for some odd reason and it was simply awful visiting her .
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Vehicles , even battered junkers are not safe , the junkies and losers break into them hammer and tongs only to discover there’s no radio or anything else to steal .
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Did I mention the wild street people ? .
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The CC’s used to be _amazing_ , as I no longer go there I don’t know the current CC situation .
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-Nate
I only meant from an automotive perspective, but thanks for the travel advisory, which doesn’t surprise me.
For awhile some fellow in Tucson, near a Post Office, had a bunch of old Cits in his front yard, but they’re gone now.
It’s definitely a freak show , fun to watch I guess ~ we used to ride our Motos over there in the 1970’s and park by the photomat booth , drink beer and laugh , the parade of freaks and geeks was incredible .
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I suppose everyone should go once to look .
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Anyplace that had used condoms dropped every 10′ no matter where you go , isn’t going to be high on my list of hang out places .
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-Nate
I never liked these…before I learned more about them. I had no clue how advanced they were. I’d love to take one for a drive now.
Just so ~
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In 1976 or so I hired a young English chap as a basic Mechanic , he turned out to be a Citroen enthusiast and soon found him self a tatty but fun Citroen , I don’t remember driving it but I did get to ride in it occasionally , it rode like a sofa and handled great , typical French car .
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Plus the weird and wonderful hydro-pneumatic suspension , only one bolt holding the rear fenders on , the ” jack ” that was just a brace you use as the car jacked itself up and down …….
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Interesting car to match those “interesting” years =8-) .
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I loved my Citroen 2CV but my Pugs were easier to get used to .
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-Nate
Judging by the side marker, this may be a US market car.
The latest Google street view picture has a CX alongsidesome DS.
This city is filled with treasures
It is definitely the US version since nobody in right mind would want to cut the holes in the beautiful body to fit the side running lamps.
Great find John. Loving this series. Your call on the US headlights behind euro glass appears to be correct, I don’t think other markets had that dividing piece within the aperture. Plus Athos’ observation re: side markers.
We saw two or three of these at the Lane Museum in Nashville last weekend. Fascinating cars to look at up close.
And after hearing a certain story at the meetup involving an SM (I think) going 120 mph down the freeway with a lawn mower sticking out the back that’s all I can think of!
Scott you’re correct it was an SM. My father recently reminded me that the other major engine problem these had was the timing chain and tensioner.
Comfort wise, SMs are still the king for long distance touring. Not sure I would be brave enough to drive one say coast to coast. 40+ years old now and most mechanics either can’t or won’t work on them in case it breaks down somewhere.
The thing I never liked about Citroens, and this goes for the SM and DS equally, they are stunningly sculptured designs… Except for the rear ends, where they suddenly look rudimentary and thrown together. That aside the SM is quite cool, looks 20 years ahead of it’s time.
A psychologist I worked with in the Panama Canal Zone drove one of these. He was threaded backwards anyway and I thought he fit the car. Since reading CC I have come to realize I should have looked closer.
There was a SM parked alongside a photographic studio in Santa Clara on the Alameda. It was in pretty good shape and I figured that a mechanical malfunction had sidelined it. I passed by that car daily for years until one day it was gone. I happened to encounter another SM at a local Pick and Pull wrecking yard. It was offered for sale as a builder. I had a good opportunity to really check out the details. The seats are made up of ventilated strips and were very comfortable. Such a futuristic machine. Unfortunately this particular example had significant rust damage to the sills. They weren’t asking much for it but I’ll bet it had a date with the crusher. I wonder if it was the same car from Santa Clara?
I hope it didn’t end up like this. Photo of Aubergine Cafe Sebastapol Ca.
Ah the SM. My favorite French car. Always liked the cool design, and forgive me for sounding like a boring person, but I wish I saw more of these in black. This black example looks awesome, like something you would see on the set of a cyberpunk style movie, but you see SMs in really standard 70s colors that don’t compliment the shape all that well.
Still, very cool find my man.
I’ll agree with you there–while some of the more typical 70’s colors do highlight the quirkiness of the design, this one looks *really* good in black.
Nice find!
A few years ago, I gave a colleague a lift to get his Citroen PIcasso back from the dealer (again). The dealer was promoting the then new DS3 by having an SM in the showroom, so I got my chance to sit in perhaps my favourite Citiroen.
Great cars, undone by the oil crisis and the lack of recognition of the Citroen name in that market.
Nice car and very rare ironically or not at the local Peugeot Citroen dealer I frequent residing in the workshop is a 57 Chevrolet sport coupe and a 58 Corvette both mint and LHD, no SMs unfortunately.
Americans and Europeans sometimes shake their heads at each other’s cars, but really, are we all always that different?
Same concept, well almost, some variation in execution!
That’s a Good One.
C
JohnH875,
‘…converted to RHD by specialists Chapel Engineering because Citroën only produced the cars in LHD.’
Do you mean only SM? Citroën has built the RHD cars for many years, namely having its own factory in the UK to build Traction Avant and DS at one point.
Yes that was just referring to the SM. Citroen ID’s were actually assembled in Australia from 1961-67 at West Heidelberg in Melbourne, alongside Renaults, Peugeots and Studebakers.