3 - CITROËN SM V6 carburettor (x3)
See original version (French)

Estimate €18,000 - €25,000

Description

CITROËN SM V6 carburettor (x3) First registered on 16/09/1971, Petrol 15 cv Chassis No.: 00SB3181 – Cold-stamped, matching the number on the vehicle registration document. White exterior with black leather interior. Engine: 2.7-litre Maserati V6, 6-cylinder, 170 CV – During the test drive, oil pressure was 3 bar at idle and 6 bar under load. Uncertified odometer reading: 43,036 km. Vehicle registration document: French Fitted with air conditioning (not working) and tinted windows. The vehicle starts and runs, in its original condition, but requires a professional service before it can be driven again. Optional full black leather upholstery in its original condition, showing signs of wear (the driver’s seat is slightly more worn than the rest of the upholstery). Original black carpet, discoloured and worn. Non-original Iso-Delta steering wheel. Tool kit comprising jack, hand crank, spare wheel and spare wheel cover. Boot carpet in fair condition. Rear boot latch inoperative. Two recent front tyres (2017), showing little wear. Older XWX rear tyres showing significant wear. The engine bay’s electrical system requires a thorough overhaul. The bodywork is in fair condition, showing a few scratches, paint chips and partial touch-ups. The underbody shows signs of corrosion (lower right front wing). All original chrome and stainless steel parts are present on the car, with some signs of wear (very slight deformation of the right front bumper). The rear right silencer is punctured. All the windows are present on the car and in good condition, including the three sections of the headlight cover. A fine restoration project, as this model, designed by Robert Opron, features an original V6 engine with carburettors and a 5-speed manual gearbox, adding to the driving pleasure. In the late 1950s, the performance of private drivers in rallies at the wheel of the DS, particularly in challenging conditions, gave Citroën the idea of developing a sportier version. Several prototypes of the ‘S’ Project were developed in the 1960s, but one essential element was still missing: an engine powerful enough to meet the requirements. Citroën’s acquisition of Maserati in 1968 paved the way for the project to move forward. Engineer Giulio Alfieri then adapted the Indy V8 to create a prototype, before developing an entirely new V6 for production. The Citroën ‘S Maserati’, soon christened the SM, was thus born. Designed by Robert Opron, this 2+2 coupé was fitted with a 2.7-litre V6 engine producing 170 ch. It combined performance, comfort and technical innovations. Its remarkable road holding was due in particular to the hydropneumatic suspension and the Diravi power steering, introduced on this model. The SM also featured four hydraulic disc brakes, automatically adjusting directional headlights and a steering wheel adjustable for height and reach. Despite a very favourable reception, reliability issues and demanding maintenance held back its sales. Nevertheless, it became the first foreign car to be awarded the title of ‘Car of the Year’ by the American magazine Motor Trend. Its production run was, however, short-lived, lasting just five years, from 1970 to 1975. The model shown here is a 1971 model, a record year for the SM with 5,032 units produced at Javel, out of a total of 12,920 cars manufactured.

See original version (French)

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About the sale PRESTIGE – 20TH-CENTURY ART & DESIGN – CHÂTEAU DE VAYRES

Auction location

Auction time 10/17/2026 at 2:00 PM

Lot description modified on 10/15/2026 at 11:40 AM

Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House

3 - CITROËN SM V6 carburettor (x3) See original version (French)

3 - CITROËN SM V6 carburettor (x3)
See original version (French)