Classic Driver in UK announced a series of articles they will be featuring about over-engineered affordable classics. For their first installment they chose, what else – the Citroën SM. As they put it; “Without doubt one of the most beautifully engineered cars of all time, as well as one of the most complex…”
Actually, they were very complimentary citing that its drag coefficient of 0.26 places it in the top 10 of all production cars and claim that the SM gives a better ride quality than a new Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The SM’s two turns lock to lock power steering was so innovative that Ferrari has just implemented this into its latest models, such as the 812 Superfast.
They also love the light bulb-like brake pedal, self-levelling and swivelled headlights – a feature 40 years ahead of its time. All this meant that, compared to its contemporaries, the SM’s dynamic qualities were outstanding. “Once your brain has recalibrated, any other car from the period seems pedestrian and feels heavy.”
SMs are affordable compared to other exotic offerings of the era from Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati (owned by Citroën at the time of the SM) but suggesting that prices start as low as £10,000 while not qulaifiying the amount of work that would probably be needed for one in that price range, was a bit of an optimistic assessment. Indeed, best examples these days well exceed £50,000. They suggest; “You should be able to find an excellent SM for well under £40,000. You won’t regret it.” If you look carefully and with help from those that truly know them, they are probably right.