Citroen SM Injection

Citroen SM Injection

The Citroen SM Injection stands as one of the most ambitious and technically sophisticated grand touring cars ever produced, a vehicle that combined Citroen's revolutionary chassis technology with Maserati's engine-building expertise under some of the most beautiful coachwork of the 1970s. The SM, whose initials have been interpreted as both 'Serie Maserati' and 'Sa Majeste' (His Majesty), was the product of Citroen's brief ownership of Maserati and represented the ultimate expression of French automotive ingenuity.

The heart of the SM was a 2,670 cc V6 engine designed and built by Maserati, based on a shortened version of their V8 architecture. In fuel-injected form, using Bosch electronic injection, the engine produced approximately 180 horsepower, sufficient to propel the aerodynamically efficient SM to a genuine 140 mph. The engine's character was thoroughly different from the four-cylinder units used in the DS, offering a cultured mechanical note and smooth power delivery that suited the SM's grand touring mission perfectly.

The SM inherited and advanced the DS's hydropneumatic suspension system, creating a ride quality that was arguably the finest ever achieved in a production car. The self-leveling system maintained optimal ride height regardless of load, while the hydropneumatic spheres absorbed road imperfections with supernatural fluidity. At motorway speeds, the SM wafted along with a serenity that made even the most luxurious German competitors feel rough by comparison. The variable-rate power steering, connected to the same hydraulic circuit, was incredibly light and precise, though its near-zero effort at parking speeds unnerved some drivers.

Robert Opron's exterior design was a masterpiece of aerodynamic sculpture. The SM's long, low hood, fully glazed tailgate, and faired-in headlamps behind a transparent glass cover created a profile of extraordinary elegance. The car's drag coefficient of 0.26 was remarkable for the era and contributed significantly to its high-speed stability and fuel efficiency. The interior was equally impressive, with oval instruments, a single-spoke steering wheel, and a wraparound dashboard that created a cockpit-like driving environment.

The SM's front-wheel-drive layout, unusual for a high-performance GT, was a natural extension of Citroen's engineering philosophy. The Maserati V6 drove through a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels, while the hydropneumatic suspension ensured that traction was maintained even under hard acceleration. The weight distribution, assisted by the forward engine placement, provided predictable understeer that was easily managed by the light, accurate steering.

The SM was produced from 1970 to 1975, with total production of approximately 12,920 units. The fuel injection version, the most desirable variant, accounted for a portion of this total. Citroen's financial collapse and Peugeot's subsequent acquisition led to the SM's premature cancellation, ending one of the most fascinating chapters in automotive history. Today, the SM is revered as a flawed masterpiece, a car whose extraordinary qualities demand acceptance of its maintenance complexity. Well-sorted examples reward their owners with a driving experience that remains unique in the automotive world.