Citroen SM: a rare copy with a Maserati engine (10 photos)

The French model has a special engine under the hood and unique characteristics even today.





Cooperation between Citroen and Maserati on paper did not have special meaning. French and Italian manufacturers focused on a completely different group of buyers, at which the world rolled its eyes in 1968, when it was announced that Citroen was taking over Maserati. But in fact, the whole idea began with Citroen's plan to breathe in their models sporting spirit, and where better to look for help than in Italy?



They sent an offer to the Orsi family, who had owned Maserati since 1937, and then asked to improve the performance of the famous Citroen DS.





Despite all the advanced technology that Citroen designed for its giant, DS actually had problems with power. It was originally planned with six-cylinder engines, but due to a delay in production, outdated 4-cylinder. Ideas to increase power to a higher level soared in air since the 60s and some prototypes have been tested and plan acquired seriousness thanks to Maserati. Eventually the world will get SM model.



SM retained the best of the DS, such as the revolutionary hydraulic suspension, and under the hood was the long-awaited six-cylinder petrol engine.

It originally developed 168 hp, but later debuted more powerful 3-liter gasoline engine with 178 hp This allowed reach a maximum speed of 225 km / h with a manual transmission or 205 km/h with automatic transmission.



SM had all the conditions to become successful, but he appeared in sale just during the oil crisis and the demand for expensive models with large consumption has fallen significantly.



Only 12,920 will leave the factory between 1970 and 1975, and this drove both companies into bankruptcy. Citroen has been taken over by Peugeot, and the Argentine industrialist Alejandro became the owner of Maserati Detomaso.



At that time, the desire to own this car required a new the owner of a very serious amount of money, since it cost as much as 13,844 dollar (92,826 in today's money equivalent). SM samples from two continents have undergone major changes. For example, American laws require oval headlights, so from the attached photos it's easy determine which market the car is from.



As a result, SM in America crashed because of the price and not very high for its power category. Cadillac Eldorado, Lincoln Mark IV, Jaguar XKE, Mercedes 450 SLC and the like had much more power for less money, and the Yankees never really valued innovation, so SM didn't was something special to them.



Be that as it may, the small number of examples produced makes this car very desirable among collectors.