eBay Auction of the Day: 1972 Citroen SM
Coming to market as a successor to the legendary DS, Citroen’s SM had some fairly large, and oddly beautiful shoes to fill from the very first. While the DS has gone on to become the very epitome of French style, and iconoclastic engineering, the SM has suffered relative obscurity.
It’s that lack of recognition that makes finds like this 1972 SM on eBay Motors even more precious. With just over 60,000 miles on the clock, the SM is a nicely worn testimony to the unparalleled style of classic French cars. Even today the SM’s cabin looks extravagant and chic, with sleek (if breaking down) leather bucket seats, horizontal slotted shift gate, and brilliantly obscure oval faced gauges.
One important factor that the SM shares with its DS progenitor (in addition to the swiveling headlights, and hydropneumatic suspension), is a road presence that’s virtually unmatched by modern cars. The long low silhouette of the car, exaggerated to fantastic effect by the anachronistic rear skirts, will make the new owner a minor celebrity wherever he or she pilots the slinky SM.
+ eBay Motors: 1972 Citroen SM
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Comments
Ducati Minor
I believe Jay Leno owns one. French style may not catch on in America, but there is admiration for how much ingenuity their motorcars demonstrate. The DS I saw in Santa Fe Springs had more eyes than the restored Chevelle no seemed to care about.
The auction is stuck at $10,500. Shows you how little appreciation these cars have here. One does wonder where you have it repaired. That's a big factor, I'm sure.
dante
The problem is the reputation they suffer for the hydraulic system problems (that run everything, even the power seats) due to the untrained not maintaining it properly. If restored by someone who's knowledgeable and maintained properly, they can be acceptably reliable. Sure the car is a little odd for your average person, but this reputation also affects the gorgeous, undervalued Maserati Khamsin that shares the system.
Ducati Minor
Yes, Citroen acquired Maserati during this period. That has had an unfortunate effect on the image of 1970s Maserati sports cars, such as the Bora and the Khamsin. They are perceived as "less pure" than their predecessors.
I don't think the Khamsin is gorgeous. I feel it pales in styling to the Ghibli, but has aged better than the Ferrari Boxer or the Lambo Espada. I preferred the Bora and Merak.
If you truly want a Maserati sports car on a budget, a restored Merak can be had under $30,000. The Bora tends to average around $60,000. Last I saw a Khamsin, it was at $40,000 in great shape.
dante
Meraks are dogs and common and I don't much like the Bora either. The Khamsin is cheaper, has a nicer interior, is better looking, and rarer. The Euro bumper conversion is a must. Ghibli is a beautiful car, but a lot more money. I saw a later black Khamsin (extra cooling ducts) with red interior, Euro bumpers, and excellent restoration for under $40k as well and the interior quality far exceeds anything from the other Italians of the day and even several decades later. I nearly bought it, but practicality nearly always wins with me.
Ducati Minor
Sorry, dante, you're wrong. The Khamsin is a poor slab-sided successor to the Ghibli. All it was, all it is.
Now me and my imaginary Bora will be taking my imaginary mistress to my imaginary mansion in Malibu.
Post new comment