Red Citroën SM: French elegance in 1/43 scale
The red Citroën SM from Solido , reference 1807, captures all the sophistication of this exceptional grand tourer from the 1970s. This 1/43rd scale model car faithfully reproduces the bold and futuristic lines of one of the most iconic French automobiles of its era.
A true collector's item , this Solido reproduction is a testament to French expertise in both the automotive and model car worlds. It naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to Citroën model cars or classic cars from 1950 to 1979 .
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën SM
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1970-1975
- Scale: 1/43rd
-
Color: Red
- Manufacturer: Solido
- Reference: 1807
- Protective case included: Yes
The Real Model: An Automotive Revolution
Launched in 1970, the Citroën SM (Sport Maserati) represented the culmination of the alliance between Citroën and the Italian manufacturer Maserati, acquired by the French group in 1968. This exceptional grand tourer combined French technological innovation with Italian sportiness, creating a vehicle unique in the world.
The SM was distinguished by its 170-hp 2.7-liter Maserati V6 engine , coupled with Citroën's hydropneumatic suspension and revolutionary high-pressure power steering. Its directional headlights, streamlined bodywork by Robert Opron, and futuristic dashboard made it a cutting-edge automobile.
Despite its exceptional qualities, the SM enjoyed only limited commercial success, with around 12,900 units produced until 1975. Its technical complexity and high price made it aimed at wealthy customers with a passion for automotive innovation.
Citroën: Innovation at the service of the automobile
In the early 1970s, when the SM was created, Citroën was going through a phase of international expansion under the leadership of André Citroën and then Pierre Bercot. The chevron brand was then recognized worldwide for its revolutionary technical innovations , from the Traction Avant to the DS and the 2CV.
The acquisition of Maserati was part of a strategy to move upmarket, as Citroën wanted to conquer the grand touring market. This period of technical creativity allowed the French brand to offer unique vehicles, combining comfort, technology and avant-garde design, positioning Citroën as a visionary manufacturer in the global automotive industry.
A multifaceted movie star
The Citroën SM made its mark far beyond the automotive world, becoming a true cultural icon of the 1970s. Its most memorable appearance is undoubtedly that of the film "The Heist" (1971) starring Jean-Paul Belmondo, where it embodies French modernity and elegance in the face of the English Jaguars.
Even more surprisingly, the SM was chosen by many figures from the entertainment and political worlds. French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing owned a personal SM, contributing to his modern image. In the United States, it attracted celebrities such as Cher and architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who appreciated its futuristic lines.
One of the most incredible episodes in the history of the SM concerns its ban in the United States in 1974, officially for non-compliance with safety standards, but unofficially in retaliation for French criticism of the Vietnam War. This ban only increased its legend across the Atlantic, where it became the object of much desire among collectors.
Even today, the SM continues to fascinate filmmakers. It regularly appears in period films, a symbol of an innovative and sophisticated France of the 1970s , a period when the French automobile industry shone with its technical and aesthetic audacity.
Complete your model car collection
This Citroën SM Solido fits perfectly into the world of French prestige model cars . It interacts harmoniously with other emblematic models of the era, notably the Citroën DS which preceded it or the Maserati models which share its mechanics.
Passionate collectors of French cars will find it an ideal complement to Alpine-Renaults and other French sports cars of the period. Its relative rarity in collections makes it a particularly sought-after model among Solido model car enthusiasts.
This red SM is aimed at both novices keen to discover exceptional French automobiles and experienced collectors looking to enrich their display case dedicated to the grand touring cars of the 1970s. It also constitutes an excellent entry point into the fascinating world of concept cars and prototypes that have marked automotive history.
