Citroen SM Chapron Mylord (1970-75)
The Citroen SM Chapron Mylord, introduced between 1970 and 1975, was a high-performance luxury coupe designed to combine Citroen's innovative technology with Maserati's powerful engines. The ultimate goal behind its introduction was to appeal to affluent buyers looking for a unique and sophisticated vehicle. The SM quickly gained a reputation for its advanced engineering, distinctive design, and exceptional ride comfort .
COMMON FAULTS
The Citroën SM Chapron Mylord, like the standard SM, has a few common faults that owners should be aware of:
1. **Hydropneumatic Suspension**: The SM's advanced suspension system can be prone to leaks and requires regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning.
2. **Maserati V6 Engine**: The engine, while powerful, can be complex and expensive to repair. Issues with the timing chain and carburetors are not uncommon.
3. **Electrical System**: The SM's electrical system can be problematic, with issues such as faulty wiring and malfunctioning components.
4. **Rust**: Like many cars from the era, the SM can suffer from rust, particularly in the chassis and body panels. Given the rarity and value of the Chapron Mylord, it's essential to address these issues promptly to maintain the car's condition and performance.
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Where Manufactured
Specialist Builder The Citroën SM Chapron Mylord was specially built by the renowned French coachbuilder Henri Chapron. His workshop was located in Levallois-Perret, a suburb of Paris. Chapron was known for creating custom bodies for luxury cars, and the Mylord cabriolet is one of his exquisite creations.
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Engine
The Citroën SM Chapron Mylord was equipped with a Maserati V6 engine. This engine was derived from the V8 used in the Maserati Indy and was designed by Maserati engineer Giulio Alfieri. It had a displacement of 2,760cc and featured four overhead camshafts. The engine was fitted with three Weber carburetors, producing around 170 horsepower.
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Performance
The Citroën SM Chapron Mylord, equipped with the Maserati V6 engine, offers impressive performance for its era. Here are some key performance details: -
Acceleration:
The Mylord can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 9.3 seconds. - Top Speed: It has a top speed of around 140 mph (225 km/h). - Quarter Mile: The car can complete a quarter-mile drag race in about 17.1 seconds.
The combination of the Maserati V6 engine and Citroën's advanced hydropneumatic suspension system provides a smooth yet powerful driving experience. The Mylord's performance was quite competitive with other luxury sports cars of its time.
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Spares
Here are a couple of places in the UK where you can find spares for your Citroën SM Chapron Mylord:
1. Citroën Classics: They offer a range of new and used parts for the Citroën SM. You can contact them via phone or email for specific inquiries. They also have a workshop and bodyshop for repairs and restorations.
2. SM Owners UK: This organization has a parts store with many original pieces still in their Citroën packaging. They also list other sources of parts for the SM from around the world.
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Specialists
Finding a garage that can maintain a Citroën SM Chapron Mylord in Northern Ireland might be a bit challenging due to the car's rarity and complexity. However, here are a few options you can consider:
1. Classic Car Specialists: Look for garages that specialize in classic cars. These garages often have the expertise and experience needed to work on rare and unique vehicles like the Citroën SM Chapron Mylord.
2. Citroën Clubs: Joining a Citroën club or community can be beneficial. Members often share information about trusted mechanics and garages that can handle specific models.
3. Online Forums: There are several online forums and communities dedicated to classic Citroëns. You can ask for recommendations from other enthusiasts who might know of reliable garages in Northern Ireland.
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Racing
The Citroën SM Chapron Mylord itself did not compete in racing events. However, the standard Citroën SM, which shares many components with the Mylord, did have some success in motorsport. Notably, the Citroën SM won the 1971 Rallye du Maroc. This victory showcased the car's performance capabilities and advanced engineering. The Citroën SM participated in several motorsport events, showcasing its performance capabilities. Here are a few notable ones:
1. 1971 Rallye du Maroc: The Citroën SM won this event, demonstrating its durability and performance in challenging conditions.
2. 1972 24 Hours of Le Mans: Two Citroën SM units were set to compete in this famous endurance race, but their participation was cancelled at the last minute. The SM's involvement in these events highlighted its advanced engineering and performance potential.
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