1971 Citroen SM

A strong daily driver 2. 7 carburettor SM with excellent body in the defining French GT colour requiring trim improvement.

These early SB type cars are the most sought after without the complexity of the later injected cars. and rarely come to market in turn key usable condition at this budget level.

History of this car

Our SM was supplied new to Italy in 1971. Italy being the biggest export market for this model. Our car has lived in Venice since 2004 with one owner. an engineer. who has used the Citroen as daily transport for some years. alternating with other classic Citroens that shared the same garage space.

This is an unrestored car which has been in regular use throughout its life. It is finished in the defining and rare French GT colour. brun scarabee. the only SM specific shade also available on the high line DS23ie.

Mileage recorded is 92000 klms which we believe is second time round. so about 115k miles from new. Our car had a comprehensive mechanical overhaul in 2008 since when only about 20k klms have been covered.

We have just imported the car from Italy and it is sold with an age related registration. It is of course left hand drive.

Body

The body on our car. having always lived in Italy. is in remarkably good condition. without any evidence of accident or rust repair. including the usual A post and screen channel rust areas which all appear factory fresh and sharp. Panel fit is excellent. shut lines are even and this SM is finished in her original delivery colour of brun scarabee. a sable hue which changes in different lights; superb!

Paint finish is good. and we believe the roof at least has the original factory paint. There are a few small touched in marks consistent with an older paint job and the bonnet (aluminium on these cars) has a couple of blisters and there are some small scratches. but overall the car makes a strong impression and the finish is perfect for a daily driver level vehicle.

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

The glass is all very good. the stainless trim all complete – down to the rare sill covers – and in excellent condition.

Mechanics

Our SM drives fantastically well with a particularly strong. torquey engine.

According to the previous owner. the engine was rebuilt on our SM about 20. 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.

The gearbox has good synchros and the hydraulic system was completely redone at the time of the engine rebuild so unsurprisingly works spot-on.

Under bonnet presentation is nice with all the right factory finishes and nicely detailed.

The battery and exhaust are recent and we have just given the car a lubrication service.

New MOT with no advisories.

Interior

This is all original. Whilst the dashboard is uncracked. door cards are nice and the headlining is OK. the black leather seats have splits and require retrimming. although they are perfectly comfortable. The carpets are in OK condition with some marks. but quite usable.

You could choose to use the car now and improve the cabin at a later date.

Boot

Tidy condition. spare wheel and cover in place.

Summary

This is probably the cheapest every day usable SM on the market. in the best colour. A technically excellent car with a powerful engine and nice straight body. this car represents superb value at the price suggested.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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