Her Majesty: ’73 Citroen SM
This was some kind of car back in the day. So much so, it won the Motor Trend Car of the Year Award. We know what unique cars Citroens are. That’s exactly why its fans are so passionate. In fact, you have to hand it to Citroen for not caring how other car companies did things. They emulated no one. Brake pedals in regular cars? – oui. Brake pedals in Citroens? – non. They have a button shaped like a mushroom to do the job. And the suspension…Mon Dieu! Its hydraulic, pressurized to 2000psi. That creates an image for onlookers sort of like a camel getting up from an hours nap. Again, that doesn’t mean its bad, it means it’s a Citroen. If you really want an SM, you have to find the best one. Not the best one you can afford. You can’t have a budget and buy one of these. SM by the way, means Systeme Maserati, referring to the Maserati Merak V-6 nestled in the engine room. Although some say it means Sa Majeste (Her Majesty). We like these cars because they are unique and we are proud of the people who endure the dedication it takes to keep one humming along. You need a real Citroen expert for that and that is exactly what this car had for the majority of its life. The car was purchased by SM expert Jerry Hathaway in 1977. He sold it to one of his customers and maintained the car for them for 34 years. When the owner passed away, Jerry bought the SM back and provided it with all of the services it required. He then sold it to the current sellers who spent some serious money on upgrading the cosmetics. The interior of the SM is a modernist’s dream and this one sports originality and patina. Judging from the photos, we wouldn’t change a thing. Maybe work on the seats a bit to preserve it and restore some color. It is available for $37,500. The Sports Car Market Price Guide has these between $30,000 and $70,000 with a B-Grade and 5 Stars! Hagerty is less enthusiastic with a top price of $52,000 for perfection. Contact the seller by clicking here.