Citroen SM

A superb 2 owner. low mileage carburettor. 2. 7 litre manual Citroen SM with perfect body/paint and leather trim.

These early SB type cars are the most sought after without the complexity of the later injected cars. and rarely come to market in superior condition such as this example.

History of this car

Our SM was supplied new to Italy in 1971. Italy being the biggest export market for this model. We bought this SM from the second owner. Gianfranco Pereno. a master carpenter living in the Cuneo province of northern Italy. close to the French border.

He acquired the SM in 1986 and used it enthusiastically on Club Italia SM rallies. although most of the time it was stored in his workshop next to his production of hand made chess games.

Mileage recorded is 79000 klms (or 49. 00 miles) which whilst not guaranteed seems quite believable given the overall condition of this example.

We imported the SM here in 2014 sourcing it for its highly original. sound condition. We have since carried out a full repaint and mechanical overhaul and registered the car here with an age related registration.

Body

Our SM was originally blanc meije (code AC088). although on acquisition our car was painted a pearlescent white. an Alfa Romeo colour. not unattractive but not original (pictures of the car in history file).

The body on our car. having always lived in Italy. was in remarkably good condition. without any evidence of accident or rust repair.

However. in common with almost every SM there was hidden corrosion in the rear and front screen channels.

A decision was made to repaint the car completely. all of which is photo documented in the history file. All opening panels and glass were removed and rust cut away and screen channels remetalled. Don't be taken in by a shiny SM without evidence this key area has been attended to.

At this point we also took the step to change the number plate light for the French type stainless steel housing. so much nicer than the US spec parallel plastic lights also fitted to all Italian market cars (these original lights accompany the car). and truer to the original Robert Opron design.

The SM was then repainted in the correct original blanc meije. flattened and polished to a high shine with no orange peel. All stainless trim was polished and carefully refitted and new (non standard) fasteners used where necessary.

All road wheels were stripped and repainted in the correct black. and the wheel centres also reblacked.

Dinitrol cavity wax injection has been performed to preserve this outstanding body.

The chassis is in exceptional condition. with factory undercoating throughout. and areas such as the vulnerable front valance are without damage.

The glass is all very good. the trim all complete and in excellent condition.

Overall. the body of this car is now exceptional. amongst the very best.

Mechanics

Our SM drives just like an SM should.

According to the previous owner. the engine was rebuilt on our SM about 10. 00 klms ago. Being Italy. there is no paperwork to back this up. although the engine looks and sounds fresh with no oil leaks or smoke. It starts readily. idles perfectly and pulls strongly. with a gorgeous growl from the exhaust.

Under bonnet presentation is spot-on with all the right factory finishes and nicely detailed.

We have carried out servicing as follows:

New coils. points. plugs. HT leads
New oil and air filters. new fluids
Replaced both oil cooler hoses
New jack shaft and couplings
New air ducting
Supply and fit full stainless steel exhaust system
Replaced main accumulator and spheres

Tyres are all recent Pirellis with excellent tread.

MOT until June 2016.

Interior

This is a feature of our car. finished in arguably the most desirable Tabac leather. so much nicer than the jersey cloth most of these cars seem to wear. The leather was a very expensive option. and it is today rare to find an original interior of this quality.

The leather is undamaged and supple. the carpets are the originals and in fine condition. and all switch gear works as intended.

An early Philips cassette player is fitted. as is an Autovox radio. a special order unit for the SM.

Boot

Excellent condition. the jack and spare wheel are all in place.

Summary

Supplied with a nice tailored and branded car cover. ACI certificate. original owner's manual. dealer directory. dealer document pouch and original keys in a rare Maserati branded grained leather key pouch.

This is not the cheapest SM around but is a really beautiful example of a fast appreciating model and represents great value.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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