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Closed Auction- Unsold

1971 Citroën SM

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  • Mileage~74,937 km
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.8L
  • LocationLeamington Spa

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1971 Citroën SM

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Video #2

Introduction

Glyn Parry
Automotive Photographer and Videographer

A '70s sports-luxury car like no other, the SM is still an astonishing accomplishment.

The Citroen SM is the result of a short-lived but well-documented alliance between Citroen and Maserati. Launched in 1970 as a tour-de-force to showcase Citroen’s hydropneumatic suspension system and Maserati’s light alloy V6 engine, the SM found its place as a serious alternative to the Porsche 911, Ferrari Dino and Jaguar E-Type. Delicately styled by the legendary Robert Opron, it was the first notable high-performance French car of the 1970s and was considered the fastest front wheel drive car of the era.

Driving the SM, in true Citroen fashion, is utterly unique. The modernist-influenced cabin, using high-quality materials was revolutionary at the time. The combination of sharp handling, self-centring steering and world-class braking fused the ability to travel in comfort at any speed. It also offered favourable fuel consumption compared to its rivals - class-leading aerodynamics play a helpful part in this, and the slippery shape could help glide the car up to 140mph, without much effort. As a symbol of optimism and progressive technology, the Citroen SM became an instant classic.

Imported by Andrew Brodie, an SM specialist into the UK in 2013, this stunningly presented 1971 2.8-litre V6 in Platinum Blue with a black interior has seen almost €32,000 worth of work. With the benefit of overhauled brakes and suspension, on top of the bodywork refurbishment and engine rebuild, this example has been seen to be believed. It is MOT and Tax exempt and comes with an impressive history file.

This listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Surjit the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

The car has been in the hands of specialists and collectors since its been in the UK.

Bought from a major classic car collector, Surjit has owned the car for around a year, having only covered around 100 miles since then.

Surjit likes to collect cars and after time swaps them out for something else on his list, so this car is fresh to market in order to free up space for the next purchase.

Surjit will be on hand to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Surjit
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Stunningly presented in Platinum Blue, the SM still looks like nothing else on the roads.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels are well presented, with minor black paint wear but free of damage.

The car is fitted with the correct Michelin XWX 205/70/15 tyres - they are in good shape with mild cosmetic surface marks but retain plenty of tread.

Bodywork

The exterior has plenty of positive points, with no notable panel damage spotted.

The panel fit is flush, with decent panel gaps - the doors open and close with no drama.

The car's overall structure looks solid, the under-tray, engine bay, boot floor, jacking pads and wheel wells all look in good shape.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The Platinum Blue paint finish has excellent coverage and a smooth deep lustre. There are mild signs of overspray spotted in the front wheel wells and what appears to be a rub mark on the offside corner of the front bumper, but overall there's very little else to mark it down.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass appears to be in great shape with no outstanding damage and the car shows decent glass seals. The lights and lenses are all free of damage. The nose cone/headlight cover is cleanly presented.

Some of the chrome trim, particularly the door handles, do show mild signs of age, but nothing that looks unsightly.

The bumpers are well-placed and fit flush to the body with the odd age-related mark on the rubber trim.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Elegantly presented, the interior has been well looked after and retains its aura of sophistication.

Seats and Carpets

The retrimmed leather seats are cleanly presented with no significant marks - a nice place to be.

The carpets are in good shape too and free of damp.

The boot is in particularly tidy condition, with no signs of heavy use.

Dashboard

The dashboard and centre console are in decent order, with no cracks, scuffs or perishing spotted. The gold panel facia looks good and houses a full set of perfectly functioning dials. The switches and controls all work, with minor signs of age spotted in places. The electric windows were tested and worked without problems.

The cabin and trim is complete, with no outstanding signs of wear. The headlining is clean with mild signs of age noted on the door cards, but well above the expectations of a car of this age.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is neatly presented, with just mild signs of age on the emblem.

The gear lever is in good shape.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Balanced handling and a potent V6 engine, the SM also provides high-speed stability - quite a car in its day.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts readily with no hesitation thanks to its Luminition electronic ignition system. There was a mild tappet noise from the engine but soon evened out. Free of knocks or any other unwanted noises, the exhaust emitted a few puffs on start up but once warmed up it was free of any excessive smoke.

The dashboard lights remained off after the start-up - no fluid leaks were noted on the day.

The Maserati V6 engine is cleanly presented, with evidence of maintenance.

As you can see, the hoses and ancillaries look good.

The 5-speed gearbox is easy and slick to operate, and the reassuring click-feel and open gate encourage you to use the gearbox.

There are no reported issues with the clutch.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension was free of issues, and no rattles or knocks were heard.

The height control operates as expected, evenly lowering and raising the car without problems.

The car's braking is highly effective, having seen a rebuild in 2011.

No unwanted noises or pulling were experienced.

The Drive

Luckily our consigner Glyn, was able to provide an objective analysis on the way the SM drives and we’re pleased to say the car performed with full marks. The variable-speed steering operates very well with a strong self-centring action, nice and light with no vibration or unwanted feedback.

The car was stuck in traffic for a period, idling smoothly throughout, it was also a perfect opportunity to report that the engine cooling and oil pressure stayed static. As Glyn picked up the pace, he was able to bring the car up to speed and again, the car drove well with no unwanted noises from the suspension or any hesitancy from the engine.

The car accelerates smoothly suggesting the carburation is in good order, allowing us to experience the famous SM relaxed cruising ability. The car grips with tenacity, with the suspension free of wallowing or crashing and of course, retains that lovely magic carpet ride.

Electrics and Other

We didn't test all the electrics in the car but Surjit assured us that, to his knowledge, everything was in working order.

The car has been fitted with a Bluetooth DAB player.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Prior to being imported in 2013, it underwent a comprehensive overhaul at the cost of almost €32,000.

Built in July 1971, it comes with a file of documents which suggest it was imported into Italy in 2007. It was certified by the Historic Italian Automobile Club in 2010 and then maintained by a Maserati specialist. It also underwent a comprehensive refurbishment program in the following year, including a bare metal respray and engine rebuild. A suspension and power steering overhaul was also carried out, with parts supplied by the SM Club de France.

There is also evidence of a brake rebuild, new clutch and radiator, a new windscreen, a new oil cooler, fuel pump, windscreen wiper motor and replacement air conditioning compressor. A Luminition electronic ignition system has also been installed. A total of ~€31,800 was spent on the car during its time in Italy.

British Citroen SM specialist Andrew Brodie imported it into the UK in 2013, after flying to Italy to assess the car with the previous owner. It remained with them until 2016 where it was subject to maintenance and servicing. It comes with a further £2,700 worth of UK spending, including a new starter motor, steering work, servicing and top-end engine work. It is MOT and Road Tax exempt and comes with a printout of a period road test.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Surjit will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
23-06-2017 MOT 70,825 km
15-01-2016 MOT 61,891 km
28-11-2014 Service 61,423 km
28-11-2014 MOT 61,044 km
06-12-2013 Service 59,120 km
27-11-2013 MOT 59,114 km
03-06-2013 Fuel Pump
21-05-2013 Overhaul Starter & Valve Clearance
22-12-2011 Ball Joints & Engine Clean
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • ModelCitroen SM
  • Transmission5-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date01-08-1971
  • Reg. Date (UK)28-01-2014
  • CC2670
  • Mileage74,937 km on clock
  • HistoryRecent
  • ColourPlatinum Blue
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #00SB4105
  • Engine #C114/1
  • RestoredYes in 2011
  • Engine RebuildYes in 2011
  • MOTExp. 23-06-2017
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers4 in UK
  • Tyre BrandMichelin XWX
  • # of Keys1
  • LHD or RHDLHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~1 year
  • Key FeatureCondition
  • Vehicle RegistrationBVM 135K
  • Driver’s SideLeft
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body Type3-Door Coupe
  • Auction ID2067
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Leamington Spa

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Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
7 Comments
Tatra
Tatra
2 months ago

Hello. Is this car ready to go ? Any further work desirable or required ?

Btit
Btit
3 months ago

Hi, where and when can the car be viewed?

gordon w

Surjit S
Surjit S
Seller
  Btit
3 months ago

Hi the car is in Leamington Spa and can be viewed any weekday morning
Thanks
Surjit

ColinB
ColinB
Admin
  Btit
3 months ago

Hi Gordon,

We can help arrange a viewing for you, we just need to do a couple of checks first, if you could send an email to hello@tradeclassics.com.

Thanks,
Colin.

MikeWade
MikeWade
3 months ago

I would also say ‘Superbly presented’

MikeWade
MikeWade
3 months ago

Hi, You may like to add to the text ‘Major Refurbishment’ …
I thought that meant Major Refurbishment (needed)… So maybe it should read “Major Refurbishment Done/ “ etc otherwise it could put people off even looking at the advert.
Regards,
Mike

ColinB
ColinB
Admin
  MikeWade
3 months ago

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the feedback, I’ve updated it now.

Thanks,
Colin.

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Vehicle Location

Leamington Spa

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