The Citroën SM, a luxury sports coupe born from a unique collaboration between French automaker Citroën and Italian marque Maserati, enjoyed a relatively short but impactful production run from July 1970 to May 1975. Introduced to the world at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1970, the SM quickly garnered attention for its avant-garde design and advanced technology. Despite its initial acclaim and innovative features, a combination of declining sales
and the global oil crisis ultimately led to its discontinuation.
Market Introduction and Early Success
The first Citroën SM officially left the Parisian factory at Quai de Javel on May 22, 1970. Following its public debut, the car was launched in France in August 1970, with availability in other countries by the end of that year. Its arrival in the United States in 1971, for the 1972 model year, was particularly noteworthy. The SM made a significant impression on the American market, so much so that it was awarded the prestigious Motor Trend Car of the Year title for 1972. This was a remarkable achievement for a non-American model at the time, highlighting the car's innovative appeal and advanced engineering.In its first full year of sales, 1971, the SM saw approximately 5,000 units sold, indicating a strong initial interest in this unique grand tourer. The car was offered with various engine options, including 2.7-liter and 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engines, producing between 113 kW (154 hp) and 132 kW (180 hp). Transmission choices included a five-speed manual gearbox and a three-speed Borg-Warner 35 automatic transmission, the latter being a common option for the U.S. market.
Challenges and Discontinuation
Despite its initial success and critical acclaim, the SM's sales began to decline after its peak in 1971. By 1974, only 352 units were sold, a stark contrast to its earlier performance. Several factors contributed to this downturn. The complex Maserati engine, while powerful, proved challenging for Citroën's existing workshop network, which was not adequately prepared for its maintenance requirements. This led to reliability issues and a tarnished reputation for the engine and the vehicle as a whole.The most significant blow to the SM's production came with the 1973 oil crisis. This global event led to a sharp increase in fuel prices and a general shift in consumer preference towards more fuel-efficient vehicles. The SM, with its powerful V6 engine and luxury grand tourer classification, was not designed for fuel economy, making it less appealing in the new economic climate. The heavy taxation on engines over 2.8 liters in France also limited the domestic market for larger engine variants. Faced with declining sales and the economic pressures of the oil crisis, Citroën made the decision to cease production of the SM in 1975. In total, 12,920 units were produced, with 2,400 of these destined for the American market. The Citroën SM, a car that had no direct predecessor and no successor, remains a distinctive chapter in automotive history, recognized for its bold vision and engineering ambition.
