Property of a deceased's estate
1972 Citroën SM Coupé

• Sold new in Italy
• Brought to the UK in 1990
• Present ownership since 1994
• An older restoration
• Maserati Merak SS 3.0-litre V6 engine

Built in 1972 for the Italian market, this Citroën SM lived its early life in Rome. The car was first brought to the UK in 1990 by Jon Roth of London, who had imported the car from Italy (copy old-style logbook and Italian targa on file). Sold to our vendor in February 1994 (invoice on file), the SM was taken to his property in Monaco.

This SM was built as a 2.7-litre carburettor-equipped car finished in Gris Argentière, as now, but with burgundy cloth upholstery and carpets. The full black leather interior installed in 1995 and has since acquired a charming patina. The car (engine excepted) was restored in 1997 by Jean-Daniel Guyou in Normandy, who also supplied the very rare correct blanking piece for the radio aerial.

In 2004 the SM was fitted with a 3.0-litre Maserait Merak SS engine rebuilt by the late Andrew Brodie. Its 220bhp maximum output is 30% greater than stock but achieved with no increase in fuel consumption as the original engine is underpowered for the 1,450kg weight. There is after-market Lumenition electronic ignition; correct larger 44mm Weber carburettors; bespoke larger exhaust headers; lightened flywheel; triple-core radiator; new clutch and brake discs; and an original 'SS' rear badge from a Merak.

The Michelin 'resin' wheels were made from material supplied by Dupont in the USA. A forerunner of carbon fibre, this was used to build the chassis of the moon buggy for its 1969 visit to the moon. A wheel weighs just 4.6kg. Built so the SM could go rallying, these were also an expensive option for road cars. Alloy copies are now being made in Germany but they weigh 7.2kg each. Re-manufactured 205/70 VR 15 classic Michelin XWX tyres are fitted, slightly larger than the 195/70 originally supplied. The car was last serviced in 2022 (bill available) and a new Bosch battery fitted in 2023.

Maintained in recent years by BL Autos, this unique Citroën SM comes with a copy Contrôle Technique from 2001 in the vendor's name; a substantial quantity of invoices from Jean-Daniel Guyou dating from 1997; and various bills from other specialists dating from the early 2000s. Offered with a good history file and UK V5C, this rare SM would benefit from a shake-down and service before further road use.