La Citroën SM : le chef-d’œuvre qui aurait dû dominer le monde… et qui a ruiné Citroën

In 1974, Citroën collapsed. And everyone blamed the same car: the Citroën SM. An absolute legend, more technologically advanced than any Mercedes, BMW, or Jaguar of its time. Except that the official story is false—about almost everything. On paper, the SM had everything to dominate the Grand Touring market: a design by Robert Opron, unrivaled hydropneumatic suspension, a Maserati V6 engine, and a drag coefficient that German manufacturers took eighteen years to match. Yet, in just five years, production ceased and Citroën came under Peugeot's control. What really happened between 1970 and 1975? Why was this car, named best car of the year in the United States in 1972, abandoned? And above all: who is truly responsible for Citroën's collapse? In this Automanie video, we revisit the SM saga point by point in 9 chapters: The mad purchase of Maserati to solve an engine problem The technological arsenal that humiliated the entire industry The hidden flaw of the V6 that no one dared name The real figures behind Citroën's downfall before the oil crisis And where will an SM be valued in 2026 on La Centrale and LeBonCoin? The most surprising thing? The real culprit for the failure isn't the engine, the dealer network, or even the oil crisis. It's a decision made in a Parisian dealership parking lot—in less than thirty seconds. If you enjoy honest automotive analyses, based on facts and real-life experiences, subscribe to Automanie and turn on notifications. Every week, we unearth the stories that salespeople and marketing brochures would rather forget. 📺 Watch the full video to understand why the SM is becoming the best collector's investment on the French market. Watch next: ► 4 major flaws that prevented the Citroën DS from conquering the world    • 4 défauts majeurs qui ont empêché la Citro...   This video explores topics such as: Citroën SM, French classic cars, French GT cars, Citroën history, Pierre Bercot, Robert Opron, Maserati V6 engine, Citroën DS, iconic French cars, Citroën youngtimers, the French classic car market, and the golden age of French automotive engineering. --- *About Automanie* 🎥 Car reviews, mechanical reliability, and car history 🚗 Cult cars, legendary engines, and used car market pitfalls 🎙️ Script, narration, and production: Automanie 🔔 Subscribe to discover what salespeople and marketing brochures don't tell you. --- ⚠ DISCLAIMER This content is created primarily for entertainment purposes, with supplementary information and analysis. The information presented is based on public sources, automotive market data, user feedback, and analysis. This content does not constitute financial, mechanical, or professional advice. Any decision involving the purchase of a vehicle should be made after your own research and, if necessary, after consulting with qualified professionals. Since every vehicle has a different history, results may vary. --- ⚠ COPYRIGHT & FAIR USE This video may include images or excerpts from external sources. These elements are used for critical analysis and public information purposes in accordance with: Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act (Fair Use) Article L122-5 of the French Intellectual Property Code This use is transformative and informative. All rights remain the property of their respective owners. -- #CitroenSM #ClassicCar #Youngtimer