The Artcurial auction house will offer Retromobile for sale on March 18, this unique example of Citroën SM. This is a vehicle that was used in the development of the production model and which the manager Jacques Né acquired in 1984. It is estimated between 80,000 and 140,000 €.
Due to the health crisis, Rétromobile – the show dedicated to vintage vehicles – has been postponed from March 16 to 20. As part of this event, the Artcurial house always organizes an auction, which will be held on March 18 and 19. A Citroën SM prototype that belonged to Jacques Né is one of the rare pieces on offer.
A test vehicle for sale
This sedan is unique since it is one of the test cars used by the design office of the manufacturer with chevrons. She was saved in extreme scrapping by Jacques Né, the manager of the “S” project, which notably enabled the SM to receive the famous V6 Maserati. He acquired it in 1984 on the occasion of his retirement.
A special mechanic
The mechanics are also different from the production models. When they were released in 1970, the SMs were powered by a 2.7 l V6 of 170 hp. In 1972, the arrival of electronic injection made it possible to increase the power to 178 hp. On the models with an automatic transmission, the displacement was increased to 3.0 l with the presence of the three Weber carburettors. The SM of the development office, it has a full-fledged engine : this is the reserve block of the 24 Hours of Spa in 1974. Citroën took part in numerous competitions with its sedan. The mechanics, associated with a four-speed manual gearbox, retains a displacement of 2.7 l but benefits from the carburettors and the distributor of the 3.0 l version for a power of 190 hp. This SM prototype, which has barely covered 30,000 km, is estimated between 80,000 and 140,000 €. A price that is justified by the history of this copy, its exceptional condition and its complete documentation.
TO READ. Retromobile 2022. Practical information to prepare for your visit