Jay Leno's Citroen SM Is an Innovative French Luxury Coupe That Can (Sort of) Hit the Switches

Because it didn't have any US presence for some time, it's easy to miss CitroenCars. However, the French automaker has a long history of Innovation. The traction avantFor example, it was the first mainstream car with front-wheel drive, 4-wheel independent suspension and unibody construction. The later 2CV, similar to the French Model T, was in production for over 40 years. And the DS is still a stunning luxury car today. Then, as Jay Leno describes, another future-oriented luxury car came along in the 1970s: the Citroen SM.


What makes the Citroen SM such an innovative luxury classic?


1975 Citroen DS Pallas | Bring a trailer




Until 1968 the DS showed its age easily, Hagerty Reports so Citroen walked around design an even more luxurious grand tourer. And for a good measure it turned Italian brand Maserati to give him a suitable motor. Unfortunately, this meant that the planned flagship had to be based on the chassis of the DS.


1971 Citroen SM Page | Citroen




Still, when the Citroen SM hit the market in 1970, it quickly attracted glances and rave reviews. It is also the first foreign brand car to win Motor trendAward for the car of the year. Part of this is due to the design of the luxury coupé, which gives it a lower drag coefficient than the Ferrari 488 Italia, Petrolicious Reports. But it's also because of the incredible features of the SM.






[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBvTEvJJfz0[/embed]





At the beginning, the Citroen SM was the first car with rain-sensitive windshield wipers. Hagerty Reports. Like the DS, the SM also has swiveling headlights, automobile Reports. But they are also self-leveling, Petrolicious Reports. It has hydraulically operated 4-wheel disc brakes, with the front ones built in on the inside for less unsprung weight. And the hydraulic system automatically adjusts the pressure on each brake so that the Citroen SM does not go down when braking.






1972 Citroen SM interior | Bring a trailer




The power steering of the Citroen SM is also operated hydraulically. Hagerty Reports and can be confusing for some. It has variable support that depends on the driving speed, Mecum Reports. At low speeds, it's incredibly quick to make turns easier. At motorway speeds, however, the assistant drops out to improve stability. Thanks to the hydraulics, the return to the center is quick, even by modern standards.





But as Jay Leno demonstrates in the video below, this isn't the end of the Citroen SM's hydraulic party tricks.





What does Jay Leno like about his Citroen SM?






[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QH6q3C_W3k[/embed]





Like the DS, the Citroen SM also has hydropneumatic suspension. And like the DS, the SM can adjust its ride height. However, the ride height range of the SM is significantly more extreme than that of the DS.



The Citroen SM is also faster than the DS. The first examples had a 2.7 liter V6 with 170 hp and carburetor or 178 hp with fuel injection. Hagerty Reports. Until 1975 the SM offered a 195 hp 3.0-liter V6. And because of its slippery design, it was the fastest FWD production car in the world at the time.





Speed ​​isn't what Jay Leno likes most about his 1972 Citroen SM, however. It's the comfort. The hydropneumatic suspension is comparable to Rolls-Royce or even better than the best. Automobile report describes it as "riding on a cloud". The leather seats are comfortable too. The cabin offers plenty of space, with the large glass enhancing the airy feeling.






[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKh6Qh4xA9k[/embed]






The Maserati V6 and hydraulic systems give the Citroen SM a reputation for unreliability and enormous complexity. However, Jay Leno has owned his SM for 35 years and "never had a major problem with it". As long as it is driven regularly and properly maintained, Hagerty According to reports, it can and is a reliable long-haul GT car. The biggest problems concern the V6's valves and timing chain, but modern solutions exist.





Get your own




1972 Citroen SM front 3/4 | Citroen



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