SM

Born in Coventry, once the heart of Britain's motor industry, Brian comes from a family with a proud heritage in the automotive and aviation fields. He trained as a mechanical engineer, and worked for a time at his father's garage. Brian became heavily involved in the classic car scene at 19, and says he turned to writing by accident. He now writes full-time and, since 1990, when his first book was released, he has had over 80 titles published. Brian and his wife, Miho, have two children, and currently live in Chiba, close to Tokyo. His main interests outside of cars include old cameras and bicycles, and the family's love of Thoroughbred horses.

Introduction & acknowledgements4

1 A brief history of Citroën7
The background story7
The first Citroën cars14
The Traction Avant27
The post-war years31
The DS era31

2 The SM concept34
A bold project 37
Chassis details45
A sharp suit48
The 1970 Geneva Show55

3 A date in Paris108
Initial press reaction110
The European market115
The SM in the States120
Early production changes122
The SM in competition122

4 1972 and 1973 model year overview127
The American market127
UK news144
The 1972 rally scene144
The 1973 model year145
The UK market164
America’s 1973 season164
1973 rally news164
The Ligier connection188

5 SM specials189
Heuliez Espace189
Chapron Mylord189
The Frua SM189
State vehicles192
Chapron Opera193

6 The twilight years202
The US & UK scenes204
Corporate news207
The 1975 MY SM211
Ligier news213
More corporate wranglings214
Life after the SM214

7 Appendix: production figures216

Index223