The Citroen SM was quite an interesting high-performance coupe when it was still in production in the 1970s. It wasn’t perfect but it was nothing short of impressive. And just in time for SM’s 50th anniversary, Citroen’s DS standalone luxury division has launched a contest to determine which design represents the modern-day vision of the already iconic coupe.

Unveiled 50 Years Ago

Citroen SM
Via Historics.co.uk

Citroen commenced the so-called Project S in 1961 to create a sports variant of the Citroen DS. But Citroen soon found itself building an all-new GT car that would replace the DS. After acquiring Maserati in 1968, Citroen decided to integrate the former’s high-performance V6 engine into its newest creation.

Then, the Citroen SM was born, featuring its own suspension system and a Maserati V6 mill. The carmaker unveiled the high-performance coupe at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show. The SM was produced from 1970 to 1975, and nearly 13,000 units were built. Of this, more than 2,000 SMs were exported to the United States and sold at a price of $12,000.

Performance-Laden Coupe

2020 DS SM Romk Damien
Via DS Automobiles on Twitter

With regards to its design, the Citroen SM was penned by Robert Opron, who was then the carmaker’s Chief of Design (since 1962). The coupe features a sleek teardrop shape, giving an outstanding coefficient of drag value of 0.33. Among its other design details include its fastback styling, rear-wheel fairings, a Kamm tail as well as transparent cover for the headlights and front license plate.

Providing the power for most Citroen SMs is Maserati’s 2.7-liter V-6 engine, which sends 168 hp of output to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission (a three-speed automatic gearbox was available).

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With this power, the Citroen SM can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds and reach a top speed of around 137 mph. Soon, a larger 3.0-liter engine was offered, providing more power at 178 hp of output. This version with a five-speed manual transmission can go as fast as 140 mph.

A Contest For Modern SM

2020 DS SM Rossilion Saquet
Via DS Automobiles on Twitter

Celebrating the short-lived but iconic Citroen SM, the contest has six final designs submitted by designers from DS brand’s studio in Paris, France. Fans, enthusiasts and curious minds were urged to vote through the brand’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. Netizens have already spoken, but which design would you pick?

Source: DS Automobiles Via Twitter

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