CITROEN SM Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

One of the most advanced cars produced by the 70's, the SM had a revolutionary exterior design and technology.

While the aviation world was revolutionised with the first supersonic aircraft produced, the Concorde, Citroen was busy with the SM, one of the most prestigious vehicles in the history.

The SM was fast, almost like a sports car, but still comfortable, pleasant to drive, with a precise handling and steering, as well as a great suspension and effective brakes. Fitted with a front-wheel-drive system, the Citroen SM was equipped with a new type of variable assist power steering to solve torque steering. The system was not the best, with not much feedback offered to the driver.

The exterior design was done by the Citroen chief designer Robert Opron.

Released in 1970 at the Geneva Motor Show, the SM was the fruit of the collaboration between Citroen and Maserati. The large V6 Italian engine was however, besides powerful, one of the reasons for the SM’s commercial failure, due to high taxation.

The SM inherited from the Citroen DS the hydraulic system and offered great comfort, thus the SM was not designed as a standard GT where comfort was not the first on the list.

The SM had an aerodynamic styling, improved by 25% compared to the DS, Citroen reaching this performance with numerous wind tunnel tests made during the development stages.

When the French president Georges Pompidou asked for a new presidential vehicle, its demands were so high that only a specialized coachbuilder such as Henri Chapron could do it.

Georges Pompidou asked for a vehicle that could impress Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The best French carmaker at that time was Citroen. While it already produced the DS, that was not enough for such a high level. Yet, the double-chevron brand owned the Italian brand Maserati and had the SM model on its lineup. However, that was a coupe, not an open-top limousine. Henri Chapron, on the other hand, was already recognized as a skilled coachbuilder, and his work on open-top vehicles was known. Therefore, he took the challenge to create two special vehicles based on the Citroen SM. Thus, resulted the SM Presidentielle models.

The cars were produced by Citroen but modified by the coachbuilder. Chapron extended the wheelbase to make room for a bench in the back. Yet, the car had to offer a removable top. Furthermore, due to the long cabin, the coachbuilder had to install a taller windshield, so the wind wouldn't mess with someone's hair. Last but not least, the C-pillar sported an arch and a grab-handle on each side. Thus, both occupants in the back could sit while they were chauffeured around.

But all the exterior modifications were made to create a unique interior where the front seats were narrowed and moved outwards. Thus, Chapron squeezed a third, rear-facing jumpseat on the center console for a translator. The coachbuilder used only exclusive, highest-quality materials for the leather-wrapped interior.

Thanks to Citroen's unique suspension, the car ran smoothly, yet the gearbox was reworked to allow slower speeds for the parade. Under the hood, the car featured the same smooth V6 engine fed by a direct fuel-injected system.