1973 Citroën SM

Chassis No. 00SD0906 Engine No. C114.04/1 400.361 Citroën No. 0059.009187André Citroën's fascination with the American automobile industry began early. By the 1920s, he had even explored plans to establish a manufacturing facility in the United States. While those ambitions never came to fruition, Citroën USA opened offices on New York's Park Avenue, promoting the marque to American travelers touring Europe and supporting sales in the U.S. market. The first Citroën officially imported to America was the iconic Citroën Traction Avant in 1938, while the final model was the Citroën CX in 1977. This transatlantic chapter ultimately ended following Citroën's acquisition by Peugeot.Produced from 1970 to 1975, the Citroën SM for Sport Maserati was Citroën's distinctly French interpretation of the grand touring car. Powered by a Maserati-developed V6, it was initially offered with a 2.7-liter engine before receiving a larger 3.0-liter unit equipped with three twin-choke Weber carburetors. Producing 188 horsepower and greater torque than the 2.7-liter version, the 3.0-liter SM was capable of 205 km/h (127 mph).Its futuristic cockpit and distinctive instrumentation embodied the technological innovation for which Citroën had long been renowned. The formula proved highly successful, earning the SM international acclaim and the Motor Trend Car of the Year title in 1972, becoming the first foreign-built automobile to receive the honor.Among the last Citroën models officially imported in the United States, the SM was also one of the final vehicles produced at Citroën's historic Quai de Javel plant in Paris. Production ended there in 1975, closing a significant chapter in the marque's history.Completed at the legendary factory in March 1973, this example was delivered new through Citroën New York finished in striking Brun Scarabée (Scarab Brown) over Tabac (Tobacco) leather upholstery, a highly attractive and very 1970s color combination that it retains to this day. As expected, it is fitted with the distinctive exposed round headlamps in place of the covered European units. Exceptionally for a U.S.-specification SM, however, it is equipped with the highly desirable and sporting manual transmission.Accompanied by a factory certificate issued by the Aventure Peugeot Citroën DS, this highly desirable 3.0-liter Citroën SM boasts a charming patina and retains its matching chassis, engine, and body numbers.