Citroën’s high performance coupé, the SM, is celebrating its 40th birthday.
The luxury sports tourer, an alliance between Citroën and Maserati, was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on 11th March 1970 - 40 years ago.
The Citroen SM was highly regarded for its futuristic styling, prestigious quality, ‘magic-carpet’ suspension and outstanding performance.
The iconic model was also an award-winner, gaining third place in the European Car of the Year Awards in 1971 (the winner was Citroën’s GS) and the Motor Trend Car of the Year Award in the US in 1972.
Powered by a Maserati V6 engine, the SM was one of the fastest front-wheel drive cars of its day, with a top speed in excess of 220km/h (137mph). It was also a competitive performer in motorsport, winning its first race at the Morocco Rally in 1971.
Renowned SM owners have included U.S. comedian Jay Leno, Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, author Graham Greene and actor Lee Majors. French Presidents from Georges Pompidou to Jacques Chirac used two specially modified 4-door convertible ‘présidentielle’ models, created by coach builder Henri Chapron.
Follow the latest motoring news by joining Car Press on Facebook and Twitter
Glenn Nutsey
Check out these Future Cars…
> Lexus IS range gets new F-Sport grade
> GQbyCITROEN – The Ultimate Gentleman’s Drive
> Aston Martin V12 Vantage Carbon Black Edition debuts at Geneva
12/03/2010
Related Links
Featured Articles
A rare Ferrari 250 GTO sold for an astounding £20.2 million last week, making it the most expensive car in Britain
Read more about Britain’s Most Expensive Car
09/02/2012
Twenty lucky students at Wilmington Grammar School will build a Caterham Seven sports car from scratch in just 24 school weeks...
Read more about The Great Wilmington Grammar School Build
27/01/2012
The iconic British sportscar manufacturer plan to display an impressive array of vehicles at the Autosport International Racing Car Show
Read more about Caterham Set To Thrill At Autosport International
06/01/2012
Travelling in reverse gear causes £409 million each year in vehicle damage according to new research
Read more about Going Backwards Costing Billions
22/12/2011
As the weather gets colder, is your beloved motor resilient enough to take on its biggest threat? The pothole!
Read more about The Pothole-Proof Vehicle
21/12/2011
Motoring News Archive
There are many practical reasons to leasing a car rather than buying one. Car leasing offers lower monthly payments, lower initial deposit, road tax and breakdown recovery. You also have the opportunity to drive a new car every two or three years and all vehicles include the standard manufacturer’s warranty.
Our leasing deals are powered by Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.
