[{"id": 1752130, "authorName": "Super7Driver", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/super7driver/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "always loved the oval theme in the cockpit... oval steering wheel, oval instruments.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1505928222, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1752135, "authorName": "bobrk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bobrk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This looks like a nice driver. Will it go for less than $30k?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1505928371, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1752229, "authorName": "jbbush", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jbbush/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Huh. Local car.\n\nI would definitely be the only one dropping the kiddo at elementary school in his Citroen SM.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1505931142, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1752474, "authorName": "mcorrallo", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mcorrallo/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "No reason to be concerned about an SM that has been in Minnesota for 29 years. No reason at all.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1505936015, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1752807, "authorName": "patrick68", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/patrick68/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Beautiful car, nice color too. But SMs look so much better with the original european headlights. While it is possible to retrofit the original headlights it is not cheap though. GLWTA.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1505939025, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1752990, "authorName": "porkpiehat", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/porkpiehat/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This might be the affordable one I've dreamed about....Do you think MAACO could color-match the paint?", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1505941484, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1753202, "authorName": "TFTubist", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tftubist/", "bidAmount": 1973, "content": "$1,973 bid placed by TFTubist", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1505944595, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 1753206, "authorName": "TFTubist", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tftubist/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I'm not an autocrosser, I'm not a drag racer, I'm not an off-roader, I'm a tourer and the SM is one of the world's best GT cars ever made.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1505944671, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1753219, "authorName": "bobrk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bobrk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I sort of like the scruffy appearance. Less to worry about during the chase sequence.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1505945060, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1753345, "authorName": "Citroenuar", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/citroenuar/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Yes, the naysayers will say the US headlights are ugly (I agree..get some covers...) and it was mechanically complex for the early '70s...but it has no real peers from a design or GT (covering long distance in comfort and style) standpoint. All truly great things are polarizing.\n\nProblem areas are all well known and fixable, so reliable when sorted.\n\nPhotos don't do the long, low and sci-fi body justice. Robert Opron was a genius.\n\nThe combination of magic carpet ride and sonorous Italian V6 is intoxicating. Designed in the same spirit as the Concorde and the TGV. A glimpse of a future that never came. It was futuristic then and it's futuristic now.\n\nAnd to be pedantic,BaT...it's a hydropneumatic system, not an air suspension.\n\nThis looks like a great driver (and they're meant to be driven.)", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1505950677, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1753455, "authorName": "Davey_Jones", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/davey_jones/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Metric - what do you think?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1505956056, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1753495, "authorName": "metric", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/metric/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Davey Jones: SM Automatics are not for everyone. The Borg Warner changes the character of the car. The performance hit is not as great with this 3-litre car as it would be with the 2.7, but the revs are significantly higher at highway speed and this translates to a noisier cabin. \n\nFor the buyer who wants an automatic, this car could be a \"driver\", driven much as it is, with the new owner tending to the car's needs as they arise. If it's necessary to contract the work to a specialist, each item (paint, upholstery, exhaust, air conditioning, etc.) is potentially very expensive.\n\nI think the car got to this condition, that of a scruffy driver, because of lack of local expert service, or lack of funds to pay for the service. Its needs were tended to as they arose. With enthusiasm, elbow-grease, a checkbook, the car could be glorious again.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1505957603, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1753711, "authorName": "injuhneer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/injuhneer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Buy the car. Join the Sport-Maserati-L group on Yahoo. Read. Learn. Drive. Enjoy!\n\nOn that (much maligned) group we have refined ownership of these cars to a science. We have found all the crossover parts (like the backup light switch for the BW35 automatic). We have resolved the reliability issues making the cars reasonable (for a low production vehicle) to own and operate.\n\nCome on! Throw your hat in the ring!\n\nAnd yes, I have owned two. Still in the market for a third to make into a replica bread van racer.", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1505967612, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1753716, "authorName": "injuhneer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/injuhneer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "No, not that one (the blue one). \n\nTHIS one - http://plan9.ootfab.com:90/external/breadvan4.jpg", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1505968113, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1753888, "authorName": "bnb", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bnb/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "All SMs have dim dashboard lights, so that's a non-issue. It's missing the lower rear bumper rubber too.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1505997814, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1753948, "authorName": "Patrick01", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/patrick01/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The name \"Citroen SM\" has always been on of my favorites. Definitely not the car that will abuse and beat you on a long road trip.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1506000607, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1754082, "authorName": "Norm_Peterson", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/norm_peterson/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Ye gods, I just hate French porn . . . no, really.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1506004348, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1754338, "authorName": "John_P", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/john_p/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I had a scruffy 5-speed years back. White. It had been owned by a United Airlines captain who'd used it to commute from Marin County to SFO for 30 years. They matched perfectly; it was his airplane on the ground. He didn't baby it, he'd just used it, relied on it, and loved it. It was the coolest car ever. I didn't think it was well suited to winding back roads -- it felt ponderous, a lot of roll, etc. But on the highway ... it surfed along, you peer out over that long, long front end. They were made for fast, straight, high speed driving on the Continent, very different than English cars designed for back roads. It was surprisingly reliable (per the other comments here) and there was something really cool about the combination of the amazing lines and the scruffiness. Kind of gently dystopian. I'm seeing the same qualities with this one. It draws a different kind of crowd (designers, architects, etc., lots of people who aren't car people but are knocked over by its lines). One thing to be aware of -- on the highway, it feels like piloting a long speedboat ... and they actually kind of bob up and down gently, slowly, like a speedboat. One member of my family said no to trips in it due to seasickness. I actually thought that I might prefer the automatic because the driving them isn't a sports car dynamic, it's more about effortless, liquid progression. But if the automatic means more revs at highway speeds (@metric -- how many more?) that would take away a bit. I sold my beautiful scruffy white one to a nice guy in the East Bay. Every year or two, ever since, I email him to ask if he wants to sell it back to me. He's very nice about it, but the answer is always \"no.\" I've never done that with any other car ... reflects the magic grip it gets on you.", "likes": 11, "timestamp": 1506010865, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1754470, "authorName": "trailerman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/trailerman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Well I guess I beat out this SM owner for length of ownership. I've had mine since 1980 having purchased it from SM World. These cars are not to be feared if normal maintenance if performed. I change the oil every 2500 miles using HD 40 wt. Jerry now recommends 50 wt. By 2500 miles I am down usually 1 qt. and time to change oil and filter.\nMine is a 5 speed and at 65 mph cruises at 2100 rpm. When I first bought the Cit 37 yeaes ago, I had it up to 120 mph on the way to Vegas (on hiwy 6 thru Nev.) Now she lopes along at 65/ 70 like a well cared for senior citizen should.\nAs to the headlites, I've had it recommended NOT to change to the European rotating. The reason is that the glass lenses break due to the vibrations. I will leave that to the next lucky owner. Good luck to the new owner of this car. By the way, the slush box can be converted to a 5 speed. There is a guy in the S. Cal Cit club who has one and he loves it, plus increasing its value. As personally told to me by the original Santa Monica dealer (forgot his name), the SM was sold primary to doctors in the 70's. They not only could afford the car over a Cadillac but , like my Dad with his 1941 Olds, never wanted to shift gears. So the Automatics were built for that market. Cheers!", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1506016045, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1754561, "authorName": "rlbatch", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rlbatch/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I've had mine since 1976, it has just over 50K miles on it. Jut drove it to my monthly breakfast meeting and it is such a pleasure.\nAs @injuhneer says buy it and join the Sport Maserati Yahoo list and you will have all the help you need and answers to reliability and how to fix anything that you might need to fix.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1506019239, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1754979, "authorName": "Kwahl", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kwahl/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Our monthly SM posting\nLets see where this ends up", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1506025678, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1754990, "authorName": "Kwahl", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kwahl/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Seller can we see some videos - cold start, electrics, gauges and hydraulics?\nComplicated cars.. this will surely help with the auction", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1506025944, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1755944, "authorName": "Lucien84", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lucien84/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have 3 of these, all 5 speed cars. My parents bought me my first one when I was 17 as a graduation present, I'm now 54 and still own the car. These are fantastic automobiles, comfortable and fast for long journeys, reliable when well and properly taken care of. The biggest issue with these is with the main timing chain. Many different modifications for the tensioner assembly are available, however I've found that the best solution is to use a later hydraulic tensioner, the same one that Maserati used on the latter Merak. This requires a complete disassembly of the engine for installation but is well worth it considering the ramifications of a failed main chain. Also always remember to tighten the camshaft chains on a regular basis. This is a very simple, 15 minute procedure. Installing an electronic ignition and removing the dual point cassette will also do wonders for reliability. Of all my cars ( mercedes, bmw, porsche 911, maserati bora ) the SM is my very favorite. Would not hesitate to drive one cross country tomorrow. Best of luck to the new owner.", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1506084554, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1756155, "authorName": "John_P", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/john_p/", "bidAmount": 3946, "content": "$3,946 bid placed by John P", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506092504, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 1756157, "authorName": "John_P", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/john_p/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thought I'd keep the bidding going in multiples of the year.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506092538, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1758288, "authorName": "bobrk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bobrk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@rlbatch I love your engine rebuild videos.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1506191058, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1758413, "authorName": "rlbatch", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rlbatch/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@bobrk, Thanks for the positive feedback.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1506199504, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1758931, "authorName": "Lotoluck", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/lotoluck/", "bidAmount": 4100, "content": "$4,100 bid placed by Lotoluck", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506270225, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 1759405, "authorName": "John_P", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/john_p/", "bidAmount": 7500, "content": "$7,500 bid placed by John P", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506333917, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 1761183, "authorName": "horselesscarriage", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/horselesscarriage/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "...front license plate position \"under glass\" always amazed me...", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1506400713, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1761472, "authorName": "injuhneer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/injuhneer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The late Merak tensioner (lever type) is a chain stretcher. They make great paperweights. I have one on the wall next to a Honda Indy Car camshaft. \n\nA simpler and better timing chain plan (this can be done without engine removal) is to replace the old flat snubber with a curved chain limiter and add a new Mazda tensioner. Use Mercedes diesel spec solid pin timing chain to replace the primary and cam chains.\n\nThe tensioner shoe, oil pump shaft, water pump seal, intermediate shaft seal, and primary cover chain oiling mod can be done as well. \n\nThese simple steps will eliminate the primary chain issues and provide a reliable system requiring less maintenance.", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1506435438, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1763609, "authorName": "Kwahl", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kwahl/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Why no videos as requested?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1506517755, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1764472, "authorName": "Anonymous", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Reserve not met on 9/27/17 at $7,500", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506541200, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 1764476, "authorName": "RevSome", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/revsome/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "No surprise there...", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506541261, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1764477, "authorName": "AJN", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ajn/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "A responsive seller seems to help the bidding process significantly.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1506541266, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1764480, "authorName": "ukracer", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ukracer/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "What am I missing, why did this get so little action?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506541313, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1764484, "authorName": "AJN", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ajn/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@ukracer - I don't see a single response from the seller throughout the week. How can you buy a car like this without open communication between the seller and potential buyers. This should be a lesson to future sellers.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1506541434, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1764687, "authorName": "bobrk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bobrk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Automatic, scruffiness, no seller response...", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506544380, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1764833, "authorName": "SAvery", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/savery/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Cam chains are supposed to be tensioned to 12 inch pounds. 15 inch pounds would even be considered on the high side. That must be a typo. You'd destroy the chain sprocket teeth at 15ft/lb of chain tension.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506546013, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1764995, "authorName": "pricesensitive", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pricesensitive/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "To anyone still interested. I took two days of my life and spent about $1000 to go look and drive this car. I went home and made no offer. Needless to say I was very disappointed in the car and the experience. Although the seller seems to have owned this car for 29 years he was unable to produce any organized documentation and he was completely blind to the car's faults and rust. This auction proves to me that BAT really works! I have searched for a SM to purchase for several years and have yet to find a car where the asking price and condition make any sense. Cheers, to all.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1506547983, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1765018, "authorName": "bobrk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bobrk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I would have loved to read your comment during the auction, @pricesensitive!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506548219, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1765195, "authorName": "pricesensitive", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pricesensitive/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@bobrk, this is rather complicated. I pledged to the seller that if he would refund my deposit promptly I would point him toward BAT and keep my silence. Needless to say, we both kept our word and the auction has spoken. If you want my assessment of the car I will gladly give it to you.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506549420, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1765428, "authorName": "bobrk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bobrk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@pricesensitive Thanks for the clarification. Although I would love to buy one of these, I\u2019m merely a wannabe at this time.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506552668, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1765450, "authorName": "mcorrallo", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mcorrallo/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My early comment about my concerns over the structural integrity was deemed as \"not constructive\" and deleted. But the anemic bidding would suggest that I was not alone in this regard.\n\nFrom the photos and description alone, I would not have driven 30 miles to go look at this one.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1506553584, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1765504, "authorName": "Citroenuar", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/citroenuar/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@pricesensitive, out of curiosity, what was the asking price before the BaT auction?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506555416, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1765557, "authorName": "pricesensitive", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pricesensitive/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The asking price was $16,000 and I offered $15,000 which was quickly accepted. I put up a $2000 deposit and was ready to pick up the car, but was held off for several weeks. After flying to Minn. I was held off to see the car at sunset and driven after dark. The car runs surprisingly well on very stale gas and 10 - 12 year-old tires. The owner texted me today and told me he has fixed some issues. The major problem for me is that there is rust in the front fenders, lower door panels, and quarter panels. I would be worried at what is under the undercoating of the floors. The trunk is full of a pile of junk parts and old books and a few invoices. The interior is salvageable but it needs paint from 150 feet. The car should be worth 10K to the right person. Hope the car finds a good home and makes the new owner happy.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1506557770, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1765560, "authorName": "Citroenuar", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/citroenuar/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks for the info, @pricesensitive. Good luck with your search. They're magical cars.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506557934, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1765575, "authorName": "bobrk", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bobrk/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@pricesensitive thanks for the info, that was in the range I was thinking as well.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506558776, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1765657, "authorName": "rlbatch", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rlbatch/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@SAvery, The correct tension of the cam chains on the Maserati C-114 engine IS 15 ft lbs on the hex tensioner bolt, with the cams \"in balance\".", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506562836, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 1766090, "authorName": "Kwahl", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/kwahl/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Pricesensitive: I too have been looking for a long time. Even \"good cars\" on auction are going to need work and these cars are VERY TRICKY. Interiors alone if they need replacement cost a lot of money. Plus there are only a handful of knowledgeable and skilled mechanics who really know them so problem cars will need to be shipped for sorting. Then its a matter of open checkbook and start writing., I drove not so far to see a Canadian Car that was imported to California. The inside of the hood was a different color from the Body. The dimensions of the interior engine frame did not match. The firewall was badly dented indicating, somebody tried to work on the engine without pulling it properly. I took a mechanic with me who promptly gave a thumbs down. He is from New Hampshire and each time I send him any pics of Midwest or East Coast cars, he points me away. Consider your investment of time and money to walk away a very cheap education", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1506606058, "type": "comment"}]