Citroën SM Coupé Frua

The Citroën SM Coupé Frua represents a fascinating intersection of French and Italian automotive design, owing much of its inspiration to Citroën’s ownership of Maserati during that era. The striking resemblance between the Frua-styled concept car and the Maserati Khamsin is not coincidental; rather, it speaks to the collaborative efforts between Citroën and Maserati. The Maserati Khamsin, unveiled as a prototype by Carrozzeria Bertone at the 1972 Turin Auto Show and later debuted as a production model at the Paris Motor Show in 1973, shared a conventional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and was powered by a potent V8 engine. In contrast, the Citroën SM employed front-wheel drive and was equipped with a unique 90-degree Maserati V6 engine, showcasing the innovative engineering prowess of both brands. The Citroën SM Coupé Frua likely owes its existence to proposals for a front-wheel-drive Maserati sports car, as evidenced by the shared design elements and engine technology between the SM and the Khamsin. Although Maserati ultimately opted for a mid-engined configuration with the Citroën-inspired V6 engine in the Merak, the influence of Citroën’s avant-garde approach to automotive design is unmistakable. The collaboration between Citroën and Maserati during this period yielded not only groundbreaking innovations but also iconic vehicles that left an indelible mark on automotive history. The Citroën SM Coupé Frua stands as a testament to the creative synergy between French and Italian automotive cultures, embodying the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defined the era.