Citroen SM Coupe
Undeniably one of the most intriguing cars ever made, the 1970-75 Citroen SM defined quirky. Featuring Citroens trademark hydropneumatic suspension that raised and lowered the car would be reason enough. Coupled to extremely aerodynamic styling on the 5.0 metre long car, this performance flagship was capable of 140 mph (235 km/h). In part this can also be attributed to the engine. At the time the Italian sportcar marque Maserati was owned by the French mass-manufacturer. The sportscar makers engine was enployed as a 2.7 (later 3.0 litre) vee-six developing approximatedly 200 hp (150 kW), with all the crackle and pop the era's vehicle legislation allowed.
For such an exceptionally quirky car, it is somewhat strange that it shoul be awared car-of-the-year by a US motoring journal. Alas the US market which could have supported the vehicle though the fuel crisis modified vehicle bumper rules which all but elliminated all height varying suspension vehicles, including the SM. After a restricted build volume of 5 years and approximately 14,000 cars, it was no more.
Citroen SM Coupe
Undeniably one of the most intriguing cars ever made, the 1970-75 Citroen SM defined quirky. Featuring Citroens trademark hydropneumatic suspension that raised and lowered the car would be reason enough. Coupled to extremely aerodynamic styling on the 5.0 metre long car, this performance flagship was capable of 140 mph (235 km/h). In part this can also be attributed to the engine. At the time the Italian sportcar marque Maserati was owned by the French mass-manufacturer. The sportscar makers engine was enployed as a 2.7 (later 3.0 litre) vee-six developing approximatedly 200 hp (150 kW), with all the crackle and pop the era's vehicle legislation allowed.
For such an exceptionally quirky car, it is somewhat strange that it shoul be awared car-of-the-year by a US motoring journal. Alas the US market which could have supported the vehicle though the fuel crisis modified vehicle bumper rules which all but elliminated all height varying suspension vehicles, including the SM. After a restricted build volume of 5 years and approximately 14,000 cars, it was no more.