The SM was Citroën’s ultimate demonstration of just how much power and performance could be accommodated in a front wheel drive design.
The idea of building a front-wheel-drive performance grand tourer had preceded the SM, but when Citroën acquired control of Maserati in 1968 the practicality of the concept was greatly increased as Maserati had the high performance engine expertise that Citroën lacked.
Engineer Alfieri created a compact all-alloy V6 of 2.7 or 3 litres and this, combined with Citroën’s unique oleo-pneumatic suspension, self centring power steering and swivelling headlights, all clothed in a delectable body by Robert Opron, combined to form one of the most fascinating and desirable of all performance GTs.
