Citroen SM - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

thorsen · #1 10-02-2006, 07:58 AM

I have the opportunity to pick up an early 1970's Citroen SM. 60k miles, in storage for the last 20-ish years. Engine has not run since then. This is the 5 speed manual. Body appears to be in good condition, interior needs help.

I'm a bigger fan of the DS series, but those are hard to come by, unless they're rusted out.

Does anyony know of a US-based online parts house? Any experiences with the SM cars?

Jim B. · #2 10-02-2006, 08:24 AM

click www.citroen-ca.com (buyer's guide) for a start

Wikipedia gives a bit of history and overview

Possible lead for parts source in USA: www.shopcitroen.com (San Diego)

The last one came into the USA in 1973, as the French by then were feuding with the U.S. DOT about bumper heights, and the issue never got resolved.

Those SM cars are truly unique and beautiful. I love looking at them.

"Some French cars 'ave front wheel drive - and some 'avant"

t walgamuth · #3 10-02-2006, 09:06 AM

a lovely car i am sure.

but unless i had someone who knew a lot about them i would never buy one. i had a 80 something peugot a few years back and the parts availability killed all enjoyment possibilities.

good luck

tom w

Carleton Hughes · #4 10-02-2006, 09:28 AM

Had one once,stay the hell away.3 timing chains accessible from the BACK of the motor that need replacing every 60,000k,these are chains,mind you,not belts so if you want to pull the motor frequently be my guest.

Let's not talk about the hydro-pneumatic suspension system.

Now you know why you always see fairly low mileage examples for sale,they suffer a great deal from lack of use but they are expensive to KEEP running.

Jorn · #5 10-02-2006, 01:10 PM

One of my all time favorite cars, one day I will own one. But you have to spend some serious money for a good one, go for one thats rebuild by SM World. They are very picky witch car they work on, you will get the best!

davestlouis · #6 10-02-2006, 08:46 PM

run away, run away!!!

Vronsky · #7 10-03-2006, 04:29 AM

Go for a Citroen 2CV instead.

Carleton Hughes · #8 10-03-2006, 04:45 AM

Yeah,the Citroen Sport Maserati WAS a beautiful car,no doubt about it,but it had the troublesome Merak engine mated to Citroen mechanicals,much like the ill-fated Pantera "sponsored" by Ford,not a recipe for success.

You like early '70's styling?check out the Lamborghini Espada,one of the most beautiful,slippery/sexy designs of that era,PLUS their V-12's were quite durable and trouble free if the oil was changed frequently enough and the fuel/air intake balance was checked regularly.

These cars are a few bucks more than the aptly named S&M but they're worth it.

rs899 · #9 10-03-2006, 07:23 AM

http://www.westernhemispheres.com/

and

http://www.bradnaussauto.com/

would be the two I would start with. I don't know much more than that at this point as I don't have an SM. Technically, I have a DS- a '65 DS-19 manual (a "DW"). I paid for it and have the title in hand and am in the process of shipping it in( a former Cali car currently in hostile MA). I hope mine doesn't turn out to be a parts car when I finally see it....it was a leap of faith on my part- a weaker moment of desperation after lusting after a goddess for over 10 years.

Rick

t walgamuth · #10 10-03-2006, 08:53 AM

i would compare the sm to a fiat dino. a very delicious but expensive engine to repair in a body that makes any repair to the engine financial disaster. but the citrion chassis is much much more complicated than the fiat and equally difficult to service to the engine.

tom w

WDBCB20 · #11 10-09-2006, 05:37 PM

Actually drove a friends SM once back in early to mid seventies. Took it up to 160 kph. Perhaps the smoothest most responsive vehicle i've ever driven. But even then while new the "hydropneumatique" suspension constantly kept it in the shop. Consider it an expensive toy rather than transportation. Here's an accurate though whithering review:
http://www.sportscarmarket.com/profiles/2003/July/Etceterini/index.html

Old World Auto · #12 10-09-2006, 06:04 PM

SMs are very nice driving cars but expensive as all get out to maintain. I have a client with a just over 10k mile example. While this car is very clean and runs well, it does keep me busy. Parts are hard to source with the exception of general maintenance items. Certain jobs are horrible. The comments on the timing chains is absolutely correct. Plus, part of the regular maintenance is checking and adjusting the chain tension. The tensioners have manual adjustment. They have problematic electronics and are known for eating alternator diodes. FWIW, I have adapted a GM alternator into my client's example and numerous electrical gremlins have left the car yet to return. They are famous for running hot as well, so I have read.

In short, it is a wonderful driving machine, folks love or hate the styling, mechanical upkeep will keep your mechanic happy if performed as it should be. Like an m100 car, buy the best you can and be prepared to open your wallet. Unless you have the means to keep this car up as it needs to be, run.

t walgamuth · #13 10-09-2006, 10:56 PM

i remember a movie in which burt reynolds gave one of them a hard ride, sliding it sideways and doing gangster turns etc. not sure which one, maybe a smokey movie.

tom w

Carleton Hughes · #14 10-09-2006, 11:26 PM

Look,in good fettle it's a great machine,but my experience taught me for every mile you drive it you can add 2 miles for maintenance.

I'm not trying to say they are bad cars,simply that I have owned one and worked on many,that's all.

I can say this,my Vauxhall gives me 0 to 60 in 10 seconds,parts are readily available and generally consist of ignition parts,since I rebuilt the engine,carb and rear end,the only problem I have rarely is the fuel filter jamming from not having the gas tank boiled out,maybe next month.

The Citroen SM is the kind of car,like a RR silver shadow,Detomaso Pantera,Jensen Healy
and my personalbete noir Jaguar series 2 and 3 which seems attractive but is loaded with mechanical and electronic faults.

Now you know why I collect,restore and drive pre-29 cars.

Jim H · #15 10-10-2006, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

i remember a movie in which burt reynolds gave one of them a hard ride, sliding it sideways and doing gangster turns etc. not sure which one, maybe a smokey movie.

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