Euro 1971 Citroen SM 5-Speed

Description

Introduced in 1970 for the 1971 model year, the Citroën SM was envisioned as a high‑speed grand tourer blending French technical daring with Italian performance. Its development followed Citroën’s 1968 acquisition of Maserati, resulting in a compact, quad‑cam V6 designed by the Italian firm—an uncommon collaboration between two of Europe’s most innovative marques. Styled by Robert Opron, the SM’s sleek body achieved an exceptional 0.26 drag coefficient. European models featured a dramatic glass-covered nose housing six quartz‑halogen Cibié headlamps, with the inner pair swiveling in concert with the steering. Beneath its striking design lay a suite of advanced engineering, including self‑leveling hydropneumatic suspension, speed‑sensitive DIRAVI power steering, and inboard front disc brakes.

Production concluded in 1975 after approximately 12,920 examples, yet the SM’s reputation has only strengthened with time. European‑spec cars best reflect Citroën’s original vision, avoiding the compromises imposed on U.S. versions by federal regulations. Higher compression, triple Weber carburetors, and elegant stainless‑steel bumpers further distinguished European models. Motor Trend named the SM its 1972 Car of the Year, praising its unmatched breadth of capability.

This European-specification '71 SM features a 5-speed manual gearbox. It was purchased and imported to the U.S. by its current owner in 2007 and has since resided in Southern California, where model experts SM World are said to have provided mechanical maintenance. This Euro-market 1971 Citroën SM is now offered by a Broad Arrow Specialist with a clean California title in the current owner's name.

Highlights

• Desirable Euro-spec Citroen SM

• Long-term ownership in Southern California

• 2.7‑liter Maserati V6 rated at 170 hp

• Five‑speed manual transmission

• Aerodynamic glass‑covered headlights with swiveling inner lamps

Factory Equipment

• DIRAVI speed‑sensitive steering

• Self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension

• Adjustable ride height

• 0.26 drag coefficient

• Original leather interior

• Bucket seats

• Brushed aluminum dash panel

• Tinted glass

Modifications

• Aftermarket head unit

Known Imperfections

• Hydraulic suspension is currently inoperable (still drivable)

• The tires are more than 10 years old

• Scratch on the rear chrome bumper

• SM badge on right side shows wear

• Front-right bumper guard cracked

• Front-left chrome bumper scratched

• Paint chips around driver side mirror

• Thin line of paint cracking on rear left quarter panel

• Front right bumper indicator is cracked

• Rear trunk lid showing signs of rust

• Paint chips on bottom of driver side door

• Scratch on rear left bottom body panel near wheel well

• Rust showing on rear right side wheel cover

• Front left lower valance, showing signs of cracking

Ownership History

This example was purchased by the current owner in 2007, reportedly from a long-term owner in Europe. Subsequently, it was imported to the United States. During the current owner's time with it, the vehicle was serviced by SM World in Canyon Country, California.

Additional Information

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this listing. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Blake Wingrove Phone: 616.822.8589 Email: bwingrove@hagerty.com