Citroën SM: French elegance in model car
This exceptional collection of two HO scale Citroën SMs invites you to rediscover one of the most daring models in French automotive history. The first model car presents the brown SM from 1970 , while the second immortalizes the black presidential version from 1972 , used in the highest echelons of the French State.
These faithful reproductions are a precious testament to Citroën's innovation in the 1970s, a period when the brand with the chevrons dared to challenge automotive conventions with this exceptional GT. Every detail of these model cars reflects the stylistic and technical audacity that characterized this revolutionary model.
Characteristics of the model cars
- Model: Citroën SM (two versions)
- Brand: Citroën
- Years: 1970 (brown version) and 1972 (black presidential version)
- Scale: HO - 1/87th
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Colors: Metallic Brown and Presidential Black
- Protective case included: Yes
The Citroën SM: An automotive revolution
Launched in March 1970 at the Geneva Motor Show , the Citroën SM (Sport Maserati) represented the culmination of an ambitious Franco-Italian collaboration. This revolutionary grand tourer combined the Citroën chassis and hydropneumatic suspension with Maserati V6 mechanics, creating a unique synthesis of French comfort and Italian temperament .
The SM stood out for its remarkable technical innovations : automatic power steering, directional headlights, integral braking system, and of course the famous hydropneumatic suspension that gave it exceptional road holding. Its futuristic design, designed by Robert Opron, marked a major aesthetic break in the French automobile industry with its taut lines and shark-like silhouette.
Despite its undeniable qualities and its remarkable performance (220 km/h top speed), the SM only met with mixed commercial success with only 12,920 units produced between 1970 and 1975, a victim in particular of the oil crisis and its high price positioning.
Citroën in the 1970s: The Golden Age of Innovation
The 1970s marked Citroën's creative peak under the leadership of André Citroën and later Pierre Bercot. The chevron brand enjoyed a worldwide reputation as an innovator, driven by the success of the DS and the audacity of projects like the SM. This period corresponded to the golden age of French engineering , where Citroën did not hesitate to invest massively in research and development.
Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the brand had already distinguished itself through its pioneering spirit with the Traction Avant in the 1930s, then the revolutionary DS in 1955. The SM is part of this line of technological audacity, demonstrating Citroën's ability to constantly rethink the automobile and offer avant-garde technical solutions.
This philosophy of permanent innovation, inherited from the founder André Citroën, was materialized by considerable investments in research and development, placing the French brand among the most inventive manufacturers in the world , particularly in the areas of suspension, steering and aerodynamics.
Presidential SM: When the Élysée adopts French innovation
The history of the presidential Citroën SM began in 1972, when Georges Pompidou, then President of the Republic, personally chose this model to enrich the Élysée Palace's fleet. This surprising decision demonstrated the Head of State's commitment to French industry and his desire to promote French innovation on the international stage.
The presidential version was distinguished by its impeccable black livery and special fittings: bulletproof glass, encrypted radio communications, and discreet security modifications. Unlike the imposing American limousines, the presidential SM embodied a certain idea of French refinement , favoring elegance and technology over ostentation.
This presidential SM will participate in many official events, notably during state visits and protocol ceremonies . Its distinctive silhouette and its presence during historic moments will make it one of the most photographed official cars of the Fifth Republic, contributing to the international influence of the French automobile industry.
Paradoxically, while the SM struggled to win over the general public, its adoption by the Élysée Palace gave it incomparable prestige . This official recognition highlighted the exceptional qualities of the model and confirmed its place in the history of the French automobile as a symbol of an era when France still dared to challenge established codes.
Complete your collection of French model cars
These two HO scale Citroën SMs occupy a special place in the world of French car model cars. They perfectly complement a collection dedicated to Citroën model cars , alongside other iconic models such as the DS or the Traction Avant .
For fans of the 1970s , these SMs fit naturally with the other French model cars of this revolutionary decade. They also find their place alongside the racing GTs and other exceptional coupés of this golden era.
These reproductions are particularly aimed at demanding collectors and enthusiasts of French automotive history, offering a tangible testimony to an era when the French industry still dared to dream big. The HO scale allows for a neat presentation in a small space , while retaining the fidelity of the details which makes the charm of these exceptional model cars.
