1973 Citroën SM Automatic 3-Litre

• Super rare, European 3-litre, Carburettor Automatic example
• Believed 1 of just 20 such cars built
• The ultimate 70s French GT car
• Recent mechanical upgrades and service
• Full tobacco leather interior
• An undervalued icon 

"The SM is neither a sports car nor a luxury limousine, not a prototype for proving a new concept of driving security for tomorrow. But it does combine all three of these concepts into one compete entity." – Citroën.

Combining Citröen's advanced chassis technology and Maserati's engine know-how, the SM featured DS-style hydro-pneumatic self-levelling suspension, power-assisted all-round disc brakes, self-centring steering, and steered headlamps. Maserati was responsible for the 90-degree V6 engine, and after some juggling of bore/stroke dimensions, a capacity of 2,670cc was settled on for a power output of 170bhp to fall within the 15CV taxation band. Citröen was the world leader in passenger car aerodynamics at the time, the SM's class-leading drag coefficient enabling it to reach 140mph (225km/h), making it the fastest front-wheel-drive car ever at that time.

Robert Opron was the man responsible for styling the SM. He had managed to persuade the Citroën management that it would be a good idea to have a prestige Gran Turismo at the top of the range. His portfolio while at Citroën would include overseeing the GS and CX ranges, as well as face-lifting the immortal DS. Fuel injection arrived in 1972; an automatic transmission option became available the following year; and the engine was enlarged to 2,974cc before the model was prematurely axed in 1975 following Citröen's acquisition by Peugeot, by which time a total of 12,920 had been produced. Fondly remembered, these technically advanced and functionally beautiful cars remain highly sought after today.