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 & acknowledgements41 A brief history of Citroën7The background story7The first Citroën cars14The Traction Avant27The post-war years31The DS era312 The SM concept34A bold project 37Chassis details45A sharp suit48The 1970 Geneva Show553 A date in Paris108Initial press reaction110The European market115The SM in the States120Early production changes122The SM in competition1224 1972 and 1973 model year overview127The American market127UK news144The 1972 rally scene144The 1973 model year145The UK market164America’s 1973 season1641973 rally news164The Ligier connection1885 SM specials189Heuliez Espace189Chapron Mylord189The Frua SM189State vehicles192Chapron Opera1936 The twilight years202The US & UK scenes204Corporate news207The 1975 MY SM211Ligier news213More corporate wranglings214Life after the SM2147 Appendix: production figures216Index223