What is this? Brandes has the answer below.

Story by Brandes Elitch

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A series of unfortunate events transpired to seal the fate of Citroën’s SM.

This year at Retromobile, Hugues Vanhoolandt photographed a rare example of the SM on display. Heuliez, a coachbuilder, produced two examples of the SM “Espace,” which is a pillarless targa top convertible. The rear quarter windows do retract into the bodywork, unlike the SM.

By Brandes Elitch
All photos by Hugues Vanhoolandt unless otherwise marked.

“That the car was a moonshot didn’t concern our judges. Rather it invigorated them. Viewed in the perspective of the last 21 years, the SM fits more precisely in the spirit of the COTY, maybe better, than anything else being made in the world today.”

By staff, photos courtesy Mullin Museum

The Mullin Museum Expands Citroën Exhibit With New Vehicles Including 200mph SM
“Citroën: The Man, The Marque, The Mystique” expands with the addition of a 1931 C4G, a 1975 CX2200 Berline and a 1971 SM Bonneville Racecar towed by a custom SM pickup on a trailer equipped with Citroen hydropneumatics.

The Mullin Automotive Museum has expanded its internationally-acclaimed Citroën exhibit with the addition of three vehicles from the French automaker: a 1931 C4G, a 1975 CX2200 Berline, and a 1971 SM Bonneville Racecar. The cars represent the newest component of the museum’s “Citroën: The Man, The Marque, The Mystique” exhibit, which celebrates the quirky yet wildly innovative manufacturer. VeloceToday’s Brandes Elitch paid a visit and a compliment to the exhibition a few weeks ago in VeloceToday:

Although I have attended the 50th anniversary of the DS in Paris and seen the Citroën company private collection, as well as numerous French museums, I must say I was astonished at the depth and breadth and quality of this exhibition. All the grandes routieres have been temporarily banished from the main floor. There are fully 46 cars on display, from the earliest 1919 Type A, to the 5 cv, Traction Avant, DS, SM, 2 cv, up to a 2007 C6 and a 2009 Pluriel. There is a very well curated and comprehensive display of artwork and advertising materials that Citroën is famous for. I feel confident in stating that there will not likely be a more comprehensive display of Citroën history in the U.S. for many years, if ever, so if you are a Citroëniste, attendance is required.

Rare C4G from 1931 set the stage for the new Traction Avant.

For nearly 100 years, Citroën has been characterized by its willingness to take risks and do things differently, remaining true to its unique Gallic charm. Each of the new cars on display attests to this unwavering dedication to innovation. Introduced in 1931, the C4G features a larger engine than the Type As—with a top speed of 56 MPH and floating power engine technology to reduce vibrations.

Rear view of the C4.

Utilizing the power plant from the DS and the steering components from the Maserati-powered SM, the 1975 CX2200 Berline replaced its iconic DS predecessor, winning Motor Trend “Car of the Year” in January 1975.

The 1971 SM Bonneville Racecar combined Citroën’s front-wheel drive technology with a Maserati V6, making it one of the most popular sports cars of its day and the 1972 Motor Trend “Car of the Year.” The set-up, with the Race SM, Work SM and Port SM, was designed by Jerry and his wife, Sylvia Hathaway, and all three pieces include hydropneumatic suspension, including the trailer. The Hathaways have set records at over 200 MPH on the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1985 and 1987, respectively, in their custom SM racecar, making them the third couple to become lifetime members of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club.

A classy set up for Bonneville which attracted a lot of attention….

“I’ve always been captivated by the unique aesthetic that is signature to the Citroën brand,” said Peter Mullin, founder and CEO of the Mullin Automotive Museum. “Paired with exceptional technological features, the vehicles were truly ahead of their time. We are pleased to be able to share the stories of these unique vehicles, offering guests a one-of-kind glimpse into the brand’s progression.”

But the Hathaways also captured their share of records and joined the 200 mph Club.

“Citroën: The Man, The Marque, The Mystique,” represents the most comprehensive look at the history of the famed French automaker ever attempted in North America. Focusing on the technologic excellence of the marque as well as the mastermind behind it, Andre Citroën, the exhibit includes vehicles such as the 2CV, the Traction Avant Cabriolet, the HY Van, the 2007 C6, and the 2009 C3 Pluriel.

A successor to the DS, the CX was even more aerodynamic and was Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 1975.

The display will come to a close this spring. For more information about the exhibit or the museum, please visit www.mullinautomotivemuseum.com.

And back in Paris…

The Citroen Heritage sold off more than 65 cars from their collection in a special auction on December 10. Reportedly the big seller was a rather ungainly futuristic concept car from 2010 call the Tubik, which sold for 36,960 Euro while a 1970 Mehari 4×4 fetched 28,000 Euro. Not Ferrari prices yet, but you might want to take up on that 2CV you’ve always wanted before that too is out of reach.

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The Mullin Automotive Museum is located at 1421 Emerson Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93033, in the building formerly occupied by the Otis Chandler Vintage Museum of Transportation and Wildlife. The museum is typically open to the public on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month from 10 AM to 3 PM. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.MullinAutomotiveMuseum.com. Semi-Private tours are offered on Tuesdays at 10 AM and Thursdays at 11 AM for $40 per person. Other weekdays may be available by appointment. Reservations are required. For information on semi-private tours or on Mullin 1000 Club membership benefits, please call 805.385.5400.