Citroen SM 2.7 Coupe test-drive

1973 Citroen SM 2.7 Coupe test-drive. Owner: Eric Holveg. In 1970, Citroen and Maserati joined forces to create one of the ultimate real- world performance sports coupes. Using Citroen’s pneumatic suspension and Maserati’s fairly powerful 180hp, double- overhead-cam 2,670cc V-6, how could it fail? With a look as though it was shaped by the wind, the wedge-like SM sat low to the ground. Its long nose and short deck gave it a look all its own.

A 5-speed gearbox, A/C and anti-lock brakes were standard. For 1973, the SM received a larger, 2,965cc V6, complete with three Weber DCNF two-barrel carbs or Bosch electronic fuel injection giving it an additional 10hp. In 1973, the line was expanded to include a very limited number of sedans and convertibles. This SM has power windows, A/C, rain-sensitive wipers, four-wheel-disc brakes and leather interior. Just over 2,000 SMs were sold in the U.S., out of 13,000 built.

David Towle

Very sleek with gorgeous stainless steel details, but a bit too Sixties angular. Proportions typical of Sixties muscle cars — long hoods but little space for rear passengers. Its rear styling is rather unique, and I like it. With all bumps easily absorbed, its ride quality is ideal and very stable. Brakes are firm, it handles superbly with little roll, and the quick steering requires a very attentive driver. The V6 had a surprising amount of low-end torque and offered a very refined sense of performance with just the right exhaust note. The transmission is superb, shifting into each gear smoothly. The handsome gauges are a bit small, but seating and visibility were very good. The SM is high on my desirability list. To be honest though, I’d like to have one of every Citroen.

John Lobre

Swoopy, elegant, timeless, the SM is a DS extrapolated to a tour de force coupe. It’s a true exotic, with all the right engine sounds. The Maserati V6 has gobs of power and really delivers on command. As to be expected, it’s very comfortable and has a very pleasant dash layout. The steering took some getting used to, no doubt due to its cleverly designed variable assist system. It offered a good firm ride, but the CX seems to be more to my liking. With the highest desirability rating, I find this to be a true exotic and would love to own one.

Chris Ottman

The SM is a very nice car, but its too-angular styling is not appealing to me. With its four headlights across the front and small, narrow rear end, it has lots of character. The engine offers very good power, and the transmission shifts smoothly up and down the gears. Upon accelerating, the Weber carbs combined with the aggressive exhaust give a good, throaty sound. Its ride quality, as expected, was very comfortable, with little road noise audible. The hydraulic suspension provides very firm handling, but the sys-tem is noisy with all sorts of different clicking when the pumps turn on and off. I didn’t care for the dash layout as the warning-light cluster was hidden from view behind the steering wheel; however, all of the other knobs were easy to reach. Seats are firm and easy to adjust, though the safety belts were difficult to adjust. Regarding its desirability, it’s just not my cup of tea.

 

 

Michael Cannon

I like the distinctive differences of the styling. At first I thought it was too choppy, with the angles of the rear and the flatter, rounder front, but it has grown on me. The skirts covering the rear wheels are neat and probably visually necessary because of the long shape of the rear body. Coupling the Maserati engine with front- wheel-drive, its combination of an exotic engine in a luxury sports coupe is pretty unusual. Its ride has a solid feel, and a light touch on the brake pedal does the job. Overall, the car has a heavy feel to it, yet it’s very easy to drive. It holds the road well and stays where you put it. With its distinctive bodywork and Maserati engine, I found it very desirable, but the potential for high costs of engine and maintenance repairs scares me away.

 Citroen SM owners and funs club and group

CAR SPECIFICATIONS 

Car	Citroen SM
Made as	France
Sold	1970-1975
Number built	12,920
Construction	steel monocoque
Engine	all alloy dohc-per-bank 2670cc V6 (or 2968cc as in featured car), triple Webers carburetors or Bosch electronic fuel injection system
Max power (DIN)	170bhp @ 5500rpm (180bhp 3.0)
Max torque (DIN)	172lb ft @ 4000rpm
Transmission	five-speed manual transaxle, FWD
Suspension	independent at front by leading wishbones, rear trailing arms hydropneumatic units, anti-roll bar f/r
Steering	Vari-power rack and pinion
Wheels	6x15in steels or plastic, 195/70 VR15s
Brakes	powered discs, inboard at front
Measurements	Length 16ft 11in (4890mm) Width 6ft (1830mm) Height 4ft 4in (1320mm) Wheelbase 9ft 8tn (2950mm)
Weight	3263lb (1480kg)
0-60mph	8.9 secs (7.9s – 3.0 engine)
Top speed	136mph (142mph 3.0 engine)
Mpg	20
Price new	£5480 (1972)
Price now	Condition 1 £24.500 Condition 2 £12.200 Condition 3  £10.700 Condition 4 £8000