1973 Fuel Injected European Model Manual Transmission Citroen SM

1973 Citroën SM Additional Info:

wanna go for a short spin? - turn up the speaker(s) - full screen for best affect http://youtu.be/OJL1VpHCAoQ pls cut & paste

Coming off Citroen's Paris production line in May 1973 andmy SM was shipped to Citroen England where it was picked at Slough Streetby itsfirst owner Terry (Ipswitch England of 'Citroenista' 2CV fame)who sold the car in 1977 to the second owner Francois (a bit of a scoundrel)first kept theSM in Lausanne Switzerland then air-freighted the car to Houston in 1982 where it was'federalized'It was then purchased in 1985 byits longest term (28-years)ownerPierre in Portland(an electrical engineer) whonamed it his"White Raven". I purchasedthe White Raven fromPierre in 2013. I have performed 'routine' maintenance (wanting a good starting pointnew suspension & brake spheres, rake light switch, ater pump seal, hermostat & general cleanup) and have enjoyed driving her about 2,500 miles. The fuel injected (Bosch D-Jetronic), -speed cars offer much improved drive-ability at lower engine speeds which when coupled with higher toque & powerand oh my, hat sound with the stainless exhaust and European manifolds - see photos. Iridiculously have6 French cars, nd they are all very 'different' whichmakes it easy to enjoy time 'outside the box'.

During Pierre's stewardship heundertook to improve the car's reliability and hence added an ammeter, n oil pressure gauge, manual override switch for the cooling fans (autofuntion still functions automatically), eparate relays andfuses likewise were added for each major lighting circuit. The headlights were changed to round Cibies due to Pierre's aggravation with the lack of availability & cost ofthe original rectangular units. All the original carriages & mechanism for automaticheadlightturning and likewise horizontal headlight aiming has been retained and is fully functional as originally designed. In fact a return to the original rectangular lights would not be a major undertaking. Pierre having heard the tale of woe regarding the cam chains installed a double Mercedes cam drive setup and tensioner - a great comfort to me. The only other additions are the extra Cibie amber fog lamps and a solid state ignition which was installed while leavingthe original mechanical system left in place as a backup - the back-up wiring is even provided (look closelythe blue wires in the engine photo are not connected).

All modifications have engineering documentation (the difference between art & science)- many special tools & spares are included(such asa test board and a spare EFI controlmodule.

Virtually no oil or water consumption - oil pressure hot idle 40 psi, ther engine speeds it remains over 70 psi.

A link is providedabove to take her for a drive - cruising the freeway there is no equal car to the SM which is why it was voted Motor Trend's Car of the Year in 1972. The true 'home' for the SM is on twisty two lane roads with irregular surfaces - it is astonishing in its joy and its ability to remain relaxed as it is to be pushed harder and harder.

So, hy did I buy the "White Raven"? Because ever since I first saw one in the late sixtiesI havewanted one, nd ............ I am so happy I did.

So, hy am I selling the White Raven? - time catches up and I don't want to leave my wife with a technological 'tour de force' when all she wants is transportation.

So, ho should buy it?I suggestthose who enjoy technical innovation andwho appreciate an alternative approach or like me, ust wanted to experience it - I say, its well worth the journey".

So, ho shouldNOT buy it? Those who do not feel the machine. Those who either don't work on cars themselves or who cannot afford to have the work done. If you are to have the work done by 'others' qualified .... make sure 'others' are in reasonable proximity to you- see http://citroenvie.com/business-cards/