1972 CITROEN SM

The Fosse Way Collection comprises nine rare and eclectic motor cars, thoughtfully chosen and carefully maintained by a respected private collector, and each now offered with considerable recent investment.

Few cars of the 1970s were as audacious as the Citroën SM. It came about after Citroën acquired Maserati in 1968, and it combined Citroën's sophisticated hydropneumatic suspension with a Maserati V6 to create a front-wheel-drive Grand Tourer unlike anything else on the road. First shown at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show to rapturous acclaim, the SM became Citroën's flagship, taking on the finest GTs from Jaguar, Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche. Its futuristic design drew comparisons with Concorde that still resonate with enthusiasts today.

Most SMs were powered by the 2,670cc V6, its capacity dictated by France's 'puissance fiscale' taxation. Towards the end of production, a 2,965cc unit fed by three Weber 42 DCNF carburettors became available, offering 178bhp and a useful increase in torque. Three-litre cars with automatic transmission are undoubtedly the rarest SM variant. Just over 1,000 were built before the model was prematurely (some would say criminally) axed in 1975 following Peugeot's takeover of Citroën.

This example, finished in striking Vert Argent, is rarer still, being one of only around 20 known right-hand drive cars. Sold new to the US in 1972, it was later acquired by high-profile Australian businessman and racer Laurie O'Neil, who also owned a DB4 Zagato at the time. To comply with Australian regulations, the SM was professionally converted to right-hand drive in the US in 1974, early in its life, before spending the following decades in Australia. Fully restored in Australia in 2000, the car came to the UK in 2012 and later joined its current owner's significant private Collection where he subsequently spent considerable time and money bringing it up to his exacting standards with the aid of marque experts, Andrew Brodie Engineering.

In May 2021, over £3,000 was invested in the SM's welfare including a full service, an updated alternator and cooling fans, a new ignition coil and a new low-pressure return pipe. At the time the specialists described the car as "Fantastic – body, engine and chassis are particularly outstanding."

Investment has continued since. In December 2022, Andrew Brodie Engineering supplied a set of US-specification lower exhaust manifolds, a new SM-specific alternator belt, a new battery and a replacement fuel filler cap and key. They also repaired a rear light securing stud and adjusted the throttle. The Cognac leather interior has since been cosmetically refreshed, and the underside has been detailed and rust-proofed, an important consideration for any SM. Most recently, a new fuel pump has been fitted.

Showing less than 49,000 miles, this rare 3-litre automatic offers its next owner the chance to join a very exclusive club. We simply don't know where you'll find another right-hand drive example of this calibre.

A rare, right-hand drive Citroën SM with the desirable 3-litre engine and automatic gearbox, benefiting from continued investment with marque specialists and ready to be enjoyed.

Transmission: Auto