Description
Citroën SM Maserati | 1972
Highlights:
– Rare French GT coupe with Maserati V6 engine
– Reupholstered interior and fresh repaint (glass-out respray)
– Located in California with option for export and registration assistance
– Manual transmission and factory-upgraded ignition
– Remarkable design and engineering pedigree
The seller offers for sale a 1972 Citroën SM, powered by a 2.7L V6 engine developed by Maserati and paired with a manual transmission. This front-wheel-drive coupe combines distinctive French design with Italian performance engineering. Finished in a refined color combination and featuring a recently reupholstered interior, this SM is currently located in California and is available for shipping upon request. The seller offers optional assistance with importation to the Netherlands, including RDW registration, with shipping and customs estimates available.
The car underwent a glass-out respray, which speaks to the level of attention given to its exterior finish. No major bodywork is noted, but minor imperfections may be present. The car features power steering and advanced hydropneumatic suspension, which contribute to its notable road manners. Paint and trim are described as very tidy overall, and the car retains a clean, period-correct appearance.
The interior has been refurbished and presents well with minimal wear. Materials and stitching have been renewed, and while some very minor imperfections may exist, no major replacement is required. Mechanically, the car is in a good condition and operational.
The SM represents one of Citroën’s boldest ventures into the luxury performance market. Developed during Citroën’s ownership of Maserati, the SM aimed to blend avant-garde styling with high-speed touring capability. Its 2.7L V6 was derived from Maserati’s racing program and provided smooth power delivery and respectable output for its class.
Introduced in 1970, the SM immediately stood out for its teardrop shape, six-headlamp front end (some with steering-linked lighting), and radical hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension. These features made it incredibly advanced for its time. The ride quality, especially over rough roads, was a revelation, and the Diravi speed-sensitive power steering allowed precise control even at high speeds, a trait not commonly found in grand tourers of the period. Although the SM enjoyed strong critical acclaim, its production run was relatively short-lived, ending in 1975. Regulatory and financial challenges, along with Citroën’s eventual divestment from Maserati, contributed to its discontinuation. However, its legacy has grown over the decades, particularly as enthusiasts come to appreciate its combination of Italian power and French innovation. Today, surviving examples like this one—particularly those that have been well-maintained and selectively restored—are increasingly sought after by collectors. Its appeal lies not just in rarity, but in the sophisticated design philosophy it embodies.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in California, United States.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a U.S. registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
