Citroën SM Coupé Frua: A Blend of French and Italian Design

ONE-OFF - Imagine a time when two great automotive cultures collided, producing a car that beautifully combined the best of both worlds. This was the Citroën SM (Serie Maserati) Coupé Frua, a stunning blend of French innovation and Italian flair. The creation of this car was not just a merging of technologies but a meeting of minds, reflecting the era’s adventurous spirit in car design.

The Citroën SM (Serie Maserati) Prototipo Coupé by Carrozzeria Frua is a stunning blend of French innovation and Italian flair. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The story of the Citroën SM Coupé Frua began when Citroën acquired Maserati in 1968. This acquisition was a bold move, marking the start of a new chapter for both companies. Maserati, known for its powerful and stylish cars, brought its engineering prowess to the table. Citroën, famous for its advanced technology and unique designs, offered a fresh perspective. This partnership led to the creation of cars that were not only beautiful but also groundbreaking.

The Citroën SM (Serie Maserati) Prototipo Coupé by Carrozzeria Frua representing not just a merging of technologies but a meeting of minds, reflecting the era’s adventurous spirit in car design. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

One of the first fruits of this collaboration was the Maserati Bora. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Bora was a sleek, mid-engine sports car with a 4,700cc V8 engine. Its clean lines and powerful performance set the stage for future Maserati models. Following the Bora, the Maserati Khamsin was introduced, featuring a conventional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and a robust V8 engine. 

The Citroën SM (Serie Maserati) Prototipo Coupé by Carrozzeria Frua stood alongside its Italian sibling, the Maserati Khamsin. (Picture from: Citroenvie)

The Khamsin's design shared several elements with the Frua-styled concept car, highlighting the synergy between Citroën and Maserati. Furthermore, the Maserati Khamsin was a rear-wheel-drive car, the Citroën SM was a front-wheel-drive vehicle powered by a distinctive 90-degree Maserati V6 engine. This engineering choice showcased the innovative approach of both brands. 

The Citroën SM Prototipo Coupé by Carrozzeria Frua was a unique prototype that incorporated Citroën SM mechanical components and exhibited a design that foreshadowed future Maserati models. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The Citroën SM Coupé Frua was a product of this era of experimentation and collaboration. Built by the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Frua in 1971, the SM Coupé Frua made its debut at the Geneva Salon in March 1972. It was a unique prototype that incorporated Citroën SM mechanical components and exhibited a design that foreshadowed future Maserati models.

The interior of the Citroën SM Prototipo Coupé by Carrozzeria Frua is covered in black genuine leather and features a three-spoke steering wheel and a modern layout dashboard. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Despite the allure of the front-wheel-drive configuration, Maserati chose to go with a mid-engine layout for its Merak model, using the Citroën-inspired V6 engine. This decision did not diminish the impact of the Citroën SM Coupé Frua, which remains a testament to Citroën’s forward-thinking design philosophy. The partnership between Citroën and Maserati during this period resulted in remarkable innovations and iconic vehicles that have left a lasting legacy in the automotive world.

The Citroën SM Prototipo Coupé by Carrozzeria Frua propelled by a distinctive front-mounted 90-degree Maserati V6 engine. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

After Citroën was acquired by Peugeot in 1975, the production of the SM came to an end. The Frua prototype, however, continued to capture the imagination of car enthusiasts. Following its initial display in Geneva, the car was showcased again in 1973 and at the International Motor Show in Barcelona, Spain. It eventually found its way into private ownership in Spain before being acquired by its current owner in Italy in the late 1980s.

The Citroën SM Prototipo Coupé by Carrozzeria Frua is adorned with unique flying buttresses, which clearly differentiate it from the Maserati Khamsin. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The car underwent partial restoration between 2011 and 2012, preserving its unique character and historical significance. With 41,946 kilometers (about 26,000 miles) on the odometer, the Frua prototype remains in generally good condition. It comes with Spanish registration papers, offering a rare opportunity for collectors to own a piece of automotive history. This one-of-a-kind car, crafted by the talented Pietro Frua, is not just a vehicle but an entry ticket to some of the most prestigious concours d'élégance events.

The Citroën SM Coupé Frua is a remarkable example of what can be achieved when two different automotive philosophies come together. It embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defined its era, standing as a symbol of the creative synergy between French and Italian automotive cultures. This car is more than just a fascinating 'might have been'; it is a celebration of the pioneering spirit that continues to inspire car designers today. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | WIKIPEDIA | CITROENVIE | CARSBONHAM | CONCEPTCARZ | OLDCONCEPTCARS ]

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