Citroen SM Presidential
The Citroën SM was a high-end coupé built by the French automaker Citroën between 1970 and 1975. In 1971, the SM finished third in the European Car of the Year contest, coming in just behind its sibling, the Citroën GS, and was also crowned the Motor Trend Car of the Year in the US in 1972. The car had its roots in Project S, a sports prototype of the revolutionary Citroën DS, which was created in 1961. Over time, the model was improved and upgraded, ultimately becoming a premium product for Citroën. In 1968, the auto giant purchased Maserati and set out to combine the latter's powerful engines with Citroën's superior suspension to create a formidable Grand Tourer.
The resultant Citroën SM earned its name by melding the French acronym for the DS (Sport Maserati) with the Italian automaker. It was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1970 and went on sale in France that September. All models were manufactured in left-hand drive, however some right-hand-drive conversions were completed in Britain. The SM was the pinnacle car in the Citroën lineup, intended to compete with other high-performance GTs from manufacturers like Jaguar, Lotus and Porsche, while also showcasing the power and performance capable in front-wheel drive.
In addition, the SM incorporated an innovative power steering system that allows for minimal assistance at highway speeds. The hydraulic pressure to the power-centering unit rises with speed, creating the feel of less power assist. Meanwhile, the unit prevents the steering wheel from moving in the driver's hands when going over bumps, ensuring better control over the car.
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