好みの自動車デザイン：第38回ーー2ドア・クーペの系譜： 第18回【フランス車編】 シトロエン SM、1970（シャンペーン・ゴールド）『マセラティ―との合弁が産んだ奇跡！』 Citroen SM, 1970『Maserati Engine made this Beast』

（写真撮影用のミニカー：NOREV社製、1/58 Citroen SM（シャンペン・ゴールド）ーーーー改造箇所:フロン＆トリアのトラックを最大化）

好みの自動車デザイン：第38回ーー2ドア・クーペの系譜： 第18回【フランス車編】 シトロエン SM、1970（シャンペーン・ゴールド）『マセラティ―との合弁が産んだ奇跡！』 Citroen SM, 1970『Maserati Engine made this Beast』

＃好みの自動車デザインーー2ドア・クーペの系譜：

第38回目の今回は、『2ドアクーペの系譜、第18回』と題しまして、各国のお国柄や、外観デザインの個性が強く表れる、高級2ドア（GT）クーペ / ロードスターについてお話ししてみたいです。【注意：オープンカーを含む】

以下の要領で進めていきます。

第18回の今回は【フランス車編】

1970年発表の
シトロエン・ＳＭ、1970（シャンペーン・ゴールド）
についてのお話です。

【2ドア・クーペの系譜：目次】

＃短命に終わった『フレンチ・ロケット』

『跳ばない、ロケット！』

私の『シトロエンSＭ』のイメージです。

この車を真上から見ると、毎回
その
後端に行くにつれてのすぼまり感
に驚きます。

このプランビューの、

＊凄まじい先太り感や、
＊先端の矢印感から成り立つ、

唯一無二の、パース感が本当に素晴らしいです。
立体造形基地外の心が踊ります。

それでは、
こんな感じで、行ってみます！

＊実車解説: 『路上の女王』「フランスの知性とイタリアの情熱の融合」
＊外観デザインの特徴：空力＋前衛彫刻
＊『私』とシトロエン・SM
＊三題噺：整備士・マセラティ―・空力
＊その他のアバンガードたち、、、

＊実車解説：『路上の女王』－－フランスの知性とイタリアの情熱の融合！

概略：

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＊エンジン：
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当時シトロエン傘下にあったイタリアのマセラティが開発した、新設計の2.7リッターV型6気筒DOHCエンジンを搭載。コンパクトかつ軽量なボディから170馬力を発揮し、前輪駆動（FWD）として世界最速クラスの性能を誇りました。

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＊外観デザイン：

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チーフデザイナーのロベール・オプロンが手がけた、空力特性と未来的な美しさを融合させた2ドアクーペです。美しい流線型のボディと独創的なフロントマスクは、今見ても色褪せないアヴァンギャルドな魅力に溢れています。n
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外観の主な特徴は以下の通りです：
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＊ガラスで覆われたヘッドライト: フロントマスクは片側3灯の角型6灯（一部仕様）で、ヘッドライトとナンバープレート全体が透明なガラスカバーで覆われているのが最大の特徴です。
＊コーナリング・ライト: ステアリングの舵角に合わせて内側のヘッドライトが左右に連動して向きを変え、進行方向を照らす画期的な機構が組み込まれていました。
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＊空力的な涙滴型（ティアドロップ）ボディ: 空気抵抗を極限まで減らすためにフロントが広く、リアに向かって絞り込まれたCd値0.26の流麗なフォルムを採用しています。

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＊後輪スパッツ: 車体後部のタイヤハウスがカバー（スパッツ）で覆われており、空力性能の向上と独特のシルエットに貢献しています。

 

 

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＊革新的メカニズム

＊まとめ：
シトロエン・SMは、フランスの合理性とイタリアの情熱が見事に融合した結果生まれたカルト的な存在です。オイルショック後の石油価格の上昇などの影響で生産終了となった1975年までのモデルライフ全体で12,920台が生産されました。

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＊外観デザインの特徴：空力＋前衛彫刻ロケット

5：宇宙飛行士のヘルメットのガラス・バイザーのような個性的なフロントフェイシアのデザイン

ーーーーー＞フランス・バンドデシネ創成期の『メタル・ユルラン』誌に出てきそうです．

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＊『私』とシトロエンSM：LAダウンタウンですれ違ったが最後、、、

デザイン学校で知り合った、

尊敬する
日本人デザイナーの最愛の自動車だったことから、
常に気になる存在であり、
この名車に対する知識も多少はあったのですが、

今一つの決め手がなっかったこの30年、
昨年（2025年）暮れにそんな雲が晴れた瞬間に出会いました。

仕事場からの帰り道、
LAダウンタウンのブローウエイと７THストリートの交差点を北に向かい私の前を通過したシャンペンゴールドのSMにすれ違ってしまいました。

渋滞の中、動けないでいる、美しく光るリアゲートを持ったSMの姿を
少し追いかけ気味に撮影したのが、上の写真です。

そこには、
通常の2ドアクーペのカノン（定石）をすべて「外した」
『粋（iki）』の美学が存在していました。

帰宅後、友人と共有するため
写真をトリミングしていた時こんな感じで感動してました。

その後、フランスはNOREV社製、1/64ダイキャスト完成品、を入手、
速攻で、こちらの写真を撮りました‼

（同社製の、1/64シトロエンDSと同様実際には、1/58というのが残念ですが、それを忘れさせるのに十分すぎるほど、充実した、清潔感あふれる造形です。

ーーーー＞リア・タイヤをぎりぎりまで外に出したらスタンスが落ち着き、一気に本物感が増しました！）

残念ながら、一年未満の
付け焼刃な興味のため、、

その他の立体物に対する
知識・経験はありません。

今後もう少し大きな立体を触ってみたい
触感に訴えるデザインです。（笑）

それでは、
三題噺の時間です。

＊三題噺：整備士・マセラッティ・空力

今回も、
会場の皆様の無理難題に
お答えできますでしょうか？

＊整備士
＊マセラッティ
＊空力

今回は、
ALとのコラボでお送りしていきます。

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「エ～一席おつきあいのほどを、、、
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いやぁ、どうも。クルマ好きってなぁ、どうしてこう一筋縄じゃいかない、じゃじゃ馬を愛しちまうんでしょうな。
わしが若い頃、下町で腕のいい整備士をしておりました『八つぁん』という男がいましてね、これがもう、三度の飯より油の匂いが好きってなマニアで。

ある日、八つぁんのトコに、おなじみの熊さんが、えらくすっとんきょうな顔をして転がり込んできた。

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『おい八つぁん！ とんでもねぇ宇宙船を拾っちまった！ 動かねぇんだ！』

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見ると、なんだかノーズが長くて、後ろがキュッとすぼんだ、異様な車。

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『おいおい熊さん、こりゃあシトロエンSMじゃねえか！』

驚き桃の木、シトロエンSM。1970年代にフランスのシトロエンが、イタリアのマセラティのV6エンジンを積んで作った、とんでもねぇ高級GTカーです。

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『おい八つぁん、エンジンをかけようと思ってキーを回したらよ、プシュー、カチカチカチッて変な音がして、車体が地面からムクムク起き上がってきたんだ！ お化けかと思って腰が抜けちまった！』
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『バカ言え！ これがお前、シトロエン伝統の「ハイドロニューマティック」サスペンションってぇやつよ！ 金属のバネなんてケチなもんは使わねぇ。緑色の妖しいLHMオイルと、窒素ガスが詰まったスフィアってぇ鉄の玉で、車体を浮かせてるんだ。この油圧がよ、ブレーキからステアリング、ヘッドライトの向きまで、全部一手に引き受けてる、いわば車の血管よ。だから、放っておくと車高がヘナヘナと下がって、エンジンをかけると生き物みてぇにムクッと起き上がるんだ』

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『へぇ！ 泥棒避けにはいいが、なんだか気味が悪ぃな。おまけにマセラティのエンジンも機嫌が悪くて、まともに走らねぇんだ』

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『当たり前だろ！ マセラティの官能的な心臓に、シトロエンの超複雑な油圧システムが合体してんだ。どこか一箇所からオイルが漏れたら、ブレーキは効かねぇ、ハンドルは重くなる、車高はペッタンコ、おまけにライトは明後日の方向を向く！ 整備士をノイローゼにさせるための芸術品さね！』

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『そんな危ねぇ車、なんで乗るんだよ？』

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『お前さん、わかってねぇな。このロベール・オプロンがデザインした「空力」のボディを見てみな。フロントのガラスカバーから、後ろに向かってキュッと絞られたティアドロップ形状。空気の壁を切り裂くように走るから、高速道路じゃまるで魔法の絨毯に乗ってるみてぇに快適なんだよ！ マセラティのV6エキゾーストを響かせながら、空力を味方につけて突っ走る…くぅーっ、想像しただけで一杯やれるねぇ！』

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『だけどよ八つぁん、そんなに油圧だの空力だの、繊細な車じゃ、俺みたいな素人にはおこがましくて乗れねぇよ』

ｎ

『心配ねぇ。ハイドロのオイル漏れはな、お前さんがこの車を愛してるかっていう、いわば「お布施」みたいなもんだ。手が真っ黒になるのを粋だと楽しめなきゃ、SMのオーナーは務まらねぇんだよ。よし、俺がこのマセラティの心臓と、ハイドロの血管をバチッと整備してやる。もう一度、おフランスの風を吹かせてやろうじゃねえか！』
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『へえ、頼んだぜ！』

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『よしきた！ お前さんのSM、俺が極上のチューニングで、またビュンビュン飛ばせるように仕上げてやらぁ。…って、おいおい。空気抵抗を減らすボディもいいが、お前さん、自分の頭の空気抵抗（うすい髪）まで減らしてどうするんだい！』

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『やかましいわ！ これこそが、ハイドロの油圧（毛髪）が抜けた、粋な風切り頭ってやつよ！』

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…そんなこんなで、今日も町工場から、
マセラティ―の心地よいV6サウンドが響いておりました。
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お後がよろしいようで。
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*その他のフレンチ・アバンガードたち、、、

その他の、
変わり者なフランス車は
こんな感じです！

＊シトロエンGS・パラス, 1970（オレンジ）

（DSの縮小版的な小型セダン、DSのプロポーションにSMのサイド面を融合した感じ？

ーーー＞日本国内でも当初、148万円で販売され、昭和区の学生街等でよく見かけました。

(DS, SM以上に未来的な、GSA型のインストルメントパネル）

＊ルノー・ヴェルサティス、1998年パリサロン、【コンセプト・カー】

（当時飛ぶ鳥も落とす勢いだった、パトリック・ルケモン率いるルノーデザインの傑作、それまでのどんな車にも似ていない、斬新な4ドアプレミアムセダンの提案

－－－－＞インテリアのポスト・モダンな味わいにも感銘を受けました。

＊シトロエン・Cエア・ラウンジ、2003【コンセプト・カー】

(フランス版『一筆書きデザイン』の傑作、リアクオータビューが特に秀逸です。

ーーー＞インテリアの清潔感と柔らかさも絶品です）

個性的外装のフランス車には

素晴らしいインテリア・デザインが
付きものなんですね！！

次回はフランス車デザイン最終回、
ブガッティ・
ラ・ヴォワチュール・ノワール、2019
につてお送りしたいです。

お楽しみにーー

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Translated in English !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Miniature car for photography: NOREV, 1/58 Citroën SM (Champagne Gold) — Modifications: Front and rear tracks maximized)

Favorite Car Designs: Part 38—The Lineage of 2-Door Coupes: Part 18 [French Cars] Citroën SM, 1970 (Champagne Gold) “A Miracle Born from a Joint Venture with Maserati!” Citroën SM, 1970 “Maserati Engine Made This Beast”

#Favorite Car Designs—The Lineage of 2-Door Coupes:

For this 38th installment, titled “The Lineage of 2-Door Coupes, Part 18,” I’d like to discuss luxury 2-door (GT) coupes and roadsters, which strongly reflect the national character and unique exterior design styles of various countries. [Note: Includes convertibles]

We’ll proceed as follows.

For this 18th installment, we’ll focus on [French Cars]

We’ll be discussing the
Citroën SM, 1970 (Champagne Gold),
which was unveiled in 1970.

[The Lineage of 2-Door Coupes: Table of Contents]

[American Cars Edition]
Part 1: Cadillac El Mirage, 2013 (Metallic Red)
Part 2: Lincoln Continental MK4, 1972 (Black)
Part 3: Mercury Cougar, 1967 (LT Metallic Green)

[German Cars Edition]
Part 4: MB 500K Special Roadster, 1936 (Black)
Part 5: MB 300SL Roadster, 1957 (Silver)
Part 6: MB SLS AMR Gullwing, 2010 (Black)

[British Cars]
Part 7: McLaren F1, 1992 (Metallic Orange)
Episode 8: Jaguar XKSS Roadster, 1957 (Royal Blue)
Episode 9: Jaguar XKR Coupe, 1996 (Dark Metallic Green)

[Japanese Cars / Nissan Edition]
Episode 10: Nissan First-Generation Silvia, 1965 (Champagne Gold)
Episode 11: Nissan 5th-Generation Silvia, 1988 (LT Metallic Green)

[Italian Cars]
Episode 12: Ferrari 250TR Pontoon Fender, 1958 (Red)
Episode 13: Ferrari 250GTO, 1962 (Italian Red)
Episode 14: Lamborghini Concept S, 2005 (Pearl White)

[Japanese Cars: Mazda Edition]
Episode 15: Mazda Cosmo Sport, 1968 (Racing White)
Episode 16: Mazda Eunos Cosmo, Type-S (Two-Tone: Black & Gray)

[French Cars]
Episode 17: Bugatti Type 59, 1935 (French Blue)
Episode 18: Citroën SM, 1970 (Champagne Gold)
Episode 19: Bugatti La Voiture Noire, 2019 (Black)

[Japanese Cars / Toyota Edition]
Episode 20: Toyota/Yamaha 2000GT, 1967 (Ivory White)
Episode 21: Toyota 2nd-Generation Soarer, 1986 (Two-Tone: Black & Gray)
Episode 22: Lexus LC [GWZ100], 2017 (Metallic Red)

[American Cars Part 2]
Episode 23: Dodge Challenger & Plymouth Barracuda, 1971
Episode 24: Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR, 2008 (Black)
Episode 25: Ford Shelby GR-1 Concept, 2004 (Chrome)

[Japanese Cars: Mitsubishi Edition]
Episode 26: Mitsubishi Galant λ, 1976 (Brown Metallic)
Episode 27: Mitsubishi Eclipse [North American Spec], 2006 (Orange Metallic)

[German Cars Part 2]
Episode 28: BMW M635CSi, 1984 (Dark Metallic Blue)
Episode 29: Mercedes-Benz 560SEC AMG 6.0 Widebody, 1989 (Black)
Episode 30: BMW M2 with Genuine Performance Parts, 2025 (Neon Lime)

[Japanese Cars: Subaru Edition]
Episode 28: Subaru Crosstrek XV, 2012 (Lime Green Metallic)

The Corvette Lineage: (Special Edition)
Episode 1: 1967 Stingray [C2] Convertible (Hardtop, Metallic Blue)
Episode 2: 1972 Corvette [C3] Convertible (Metallic Blue)
Episode 3: 1984 Corvette Coupe [C4] (Bright Red)
Part 4: Stingray Concept [Pre-production Prototype], 2009 (Metallic Blue)

#The Short-Lived “French Rocket”

“A Rocket That Doesn’t Fly!”

That’s my impression of the “Citroën SM.”

Whenever I look at this car from directly above,
I’m always
surprised by how
it tapers toward the rear.

In this plan view,

* the striking bulge at the front and
* the arrow-like shape of the nose combine to create

a truly wonderful, one-of-a-kind sense of perspective.
It makes my heart, as a fan of three-dimensional design, leap with joy.

Well then,
let’s get started with this!

* Real-Car Commentary: “Queen of the Road” — “A Fusion of French Intelligence and Italian Passion”
* Exterior Design Features: Aerodynamics + Avant-Garde Sculpture
* “Me” and the Citroën SM
* Three-Theme Story: Mechanic, Maserati, Aerodynamics
* Other Avant-Garde Models…

* Car Review: “Queen of the Road”—A Fusion of French Intelligence and Italian Passion!

Overview:

Introduced in 1970, the Citroën SM was a high-performance GT coupe based on the flagship “DS” of the time. Combining a sleek body with excellent aerodynamic characteristics, a Maserati-built V6 engine, and hydropneumatic suspension, it stunned the world as a “flying carpet” capable of reaching a top speed of 220 km/h.
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Key Features of the Citroën SM (1970)

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* Engine:
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It was equipped with a newly designed 2.7-liter V6 DOHC engine developed by Maserati, an Italian automaker that was part of the Citroën group at the time. Delivering 170 horsepower from its compact and lightweight body, it boasted some of the world’s fastest performance for a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle.

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* Exterior Design:

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Designed by Chief Designer Robert Opron, this two-door coupe fused aerodynamic efficiency with futuristic beauty. Its beautifully streamlined body and distinctive front grille exude an avant-garde charm that remains timeless even today. n
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The main exterior features are as follows:
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* Glass-covered headlights: The front fascia features six rectangular lights—three on each side (on some models)—and its most distinctive feature is that the headlights and the entire license plate are covered by transparent glass covers.
* Cornering lights: It incorporated a groundbreaking mechanism in which the inner headlights swiveled left or right in unison with the steering angle to illuminate the direction of travel.
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* Aerodynamic teardrop-shaped body: To minimize air resistance to the utmost, it adopted a sleek form with a Cd value of 0.26, featuring a wide front that tapers toward the rear.
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* Rear wheel spats: The rear wheel wells were covered by spats, contributing to improved aerodynamic performance and a distinctive silhouette.

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* Innovative Mechanisms

Citroën’s advanced technologies were generously incorporated, including headlights that swivel left and right in response to steering input, a hydropneumatic suspension system that maintains a constant ride height, and “DIRAVI,” a speed-sensitive power steering system.

*Summary:
The Citroën SM is a cult classic born from the masterful fusion of French rationality and Italian passion. A total of 12,920 units were produced over its entire model life, which ended in 1975 due to factors such as rising oil prices following the oil crisis.

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#Key Specifications:

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Model: Maserati C114/1
Total Displacement: 2,670 cc, water-cooled V6 DOHC 12-valve
Fuel System: Weber triple carburetor
(Bosch D-Jetronic electronically controlled fuel injection was also introduced starting in 1972)
Maximum Power: 170–178 ps / 5,500 rpm

Maximum Torque: 23.7 kg·m / 4,000 rpm

Drivetrain: FF (Front-wheel drive)

Seating Capacity: 4 passengers (2+2)
Body Style: 2-door (4-seater) coupe
Top Speed: Approx. 220 km/h or higher (the fastest front-wheel-drive production car of its time)
Wheelbase: 2,900 mm

Overall Length: 4,893 mm
Overall Width: 1,836 mm
Overall Height: 1,324 mm
Curb Weight: 1,460 kg

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*Exterior Design Features: Aerodynamics + Avant-garde Sculptural Rocket

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When you line them up vertically like this,
it really brings to mind the image of
the classic rockets from the “Magma Ambassador” era. (lol)

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What are the defining features
of this Citroën SM’s exterior design?
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Based purely on my own subjective opinion,
I’d like to highlight these six points.

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1: A streamlined, space-age design featuring a “teardrop-shaped ≈ rocket shape” that enhances the sense of speed, defined by the line near the base of the doors
ーーーーー＞The relatively large fastback cabin doesn’t stand out much.
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2: The exquisite sense of imbalance created by the ideal side view—thanks to the Maserati engine mounted in the front-mid position—contrasted with the plan view (top view) featuring a wide front and narrow rear.
————> No matter how you look at it (perhaps a deliberate avoidance of perfect balance?), the unexpected sharpness and that “unpleasant” vibe are wonderful.

3: By skillfully rendering the crease line at the bottom of the body side in three dimensions and applying color, the rocket-like shape is emphasized; the line tapers upward toward the rear, creating a sense of lightness and speed.

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4: The freedom with which the very top of the body’s cross-section converges into a single broken line toward the rear end.
——> It blends a rounded front face with a angular rear fascia.

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5: The distinctive front fascia design, reminiscent of the glass visor on an astronaut’s helmet
————> It looks like something that might appear in *Metal Hurlant* magazine from the early days of French bande dessinée.
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6: A “bizarre” graphic sensibility that becomes increasingly elaborate toward the rear—something that seems otherworldly and brimming with a sense of spontaneity
ーーーー＞Although from a different era, it brings to mind the rear graphics of recent Cadillac EV SUVs (such as the Lyriq).
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Now, let’s
go through each one with photos!

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1: A streamlined, space-age design featuring a “spindle-shaped + rocket-shaped” silhouette that enhances the sense of speed, defined by the line near the base of the doors.
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(Although it’s a 2-door grand tourer-style coupe, this design helps create a spacious interior where four adults can relax comfortably.)
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————> The relatively large fastback cabin doesn’t stand out too much.
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2: An exquisite sense of imbalance created by the ideal side view—featuring a Maserati engine mounted in a front-mid position—contrasted with a plan view (top view) that is wide at the front and narrow at the rear

(While this kind of quirky three-dimensional design is common among French cars, the Citroën DS and SM stand in a class of their own, having successfully “brewed” a unique sense of edginess.)

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————> No matter how you look at it, the “uncomfortable angle”—which seems to deliberately avoid perfect balance and is full of unexpected edginess—is wonderful.
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3: By skillfully adding depth and color to the cut lines at the bottom of the body sides, the rocket-like shape is emphasized; the lines tapering upward toward the rear create a sense of lightness and speed.
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4: The organic, rounded top of the body’s cross-section converges toward the rear end in a single, free-flowing break line.
(If you look closely, you’ll see that the line becomes a break line starting from the rear fuel filler cap.)

ーーーー＞It blends a rounded front face with a angular rear fascia.

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5: The distinctive front fascia design, reminiscent of the glass visor on an astronaut’s helmet

ーーーーー＞It looks like something that might appear in *Metal Hurlant* magazine from the early days of French bande dessinée.
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6: The rear end exudes an extra dose of whimsy—a “bizarre” graphic style that seems otherworldly and brimming with a sense of spontaneity.

(I can’t get enough of how it literally celebrates “France, the Land of Freedom.”)

ーーーー＞Although the eras are different, it reminds me of the rear graphics on recent Cadillac EV SUVs (such as the Lyriq).
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*“Me” and the Citroën SM: The moment I passed it on a street in downtown LA was the beginning of it all…

I met him at design school,

and since it was the beloved car of a
Japanese designer I deeply respect,
it has always been on my mind,
and while I had some knowledge of this legendary car,

for the past 30 years, I lacked that final deciding factor—
until late last year (2025), when I experienced a moment that cleared away those clouds.

On my way home from work,
I happened to pass a champagne-gold SM heading north at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Street in downtown LA.

Stuck in traffic, I snapped the photo above—
capturing the SM with its beautifully gleaming rear hatch—
as I followed it slightly from behind.

There,
I sensed an aesthetic of “iki” (refined elegance)
that had “broken free” from all the conventional norms of a standard two-door coupe.

After getting home, while cropping the photo
to share with a friend, I was deeply moved by details like these:

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* Side windows that are quite wide vertically,
* A rear window perched atop a drastically narrowed rear hatch,
* Low-mounted rear combination lamps that create an enigmatic graphic rhythm,
* The large, sweeping convex surface on the side that changes cross-section midway into a broken line,
* A three-dimensional form that feels like a subtle, hidden element—not as obvious as the DS’s design

Later, I got my hands on a 1/64 die-cast model made by the French company NOREV,
and I snapped a photo of it right away‼

(Just like their 1/64 Citroën DS, it’s actually 1/58 scale—which is a bit of a shame—but the rich, clean design is more than enough to make you forget that.

——> Once I moved the rear tires out as far as they’d go, the stance settled down, and it instantly felt much more authentic!)

Unfortunately, since this is just a
fleeting interest that’s lasted less than a year…

I have no knowledge or experience
with other three-dimensional models.

I’d like to try working with slightly larger models in the future—
it’s a design that really appeals to the sense of touch. (lol)

Well then,
it’s time for the “Three-Theme Story.”

*Three-Theme Story: Mechanic, Maserati, Aerodynamics

Once again,
will I be able to answer
the impossible challenges posed by the audience?

* Mechanic
* Maserati
* Aerodynamics

This time,
we’ll be bringing you this segment in collaboration with AL.

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“Well… please bear with me for a moment…
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Hey, thanks for having me. Car enthusiasts—I mean, why do we end up falling in love with these wild horses that just won’t play by the rules?
Back when I was young, there was a guy in the downtown district who was a skilled mechanic—we called him ‘Hachian.’ He was a total nutcase who loved the smell of oil more than his three daily meals.
One day, our regular customer, Mr. Kuma, rolled into Hachan’s shop looking utterly bewildered.
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“Hey, Hachan! I stumbled upon this crazy spaceship! It won’t start!”
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When I looked at it, it was a strange-looking car with a long nose and a tail that tapered sharply.
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“Whoa, Mr. Bear, isn’t this a Citroën SM?!”

A real surprise—the Citroën SM. It’s an outrageous luxury GT car that Citroën of France built in the 1970s, powered by an Italian Maserati V6 engine.
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“Hey, Hachi, I went to start the engine and turned the key, and—psh, click-click-click—it made this weird noise, and the whole car just started rising up off the ground! I thought it was a ghost and my legs went weak!”
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“Don’t be ridiculous! This, my friend, is Citroën’s legendary ‘Hydropneumatic’ suspension! It doesn’t use anything as cheap as metal springs. It’s kept off the ground by that mysterious green LHM fluid and these iron spheres filled with nitrogen gas. This hydraulic system handles everything—from the brakes to the steering to even the headlight aim—it’s basically the car’s circulatory system. That’s why, if you leave it alone, the ride height sags all limp, but when you start the engine, it springs right back up like a living thing.”
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“Wow! It’s good for deterring thieves, but it’s kind of creepy. On top of that, the Maserati’s engine is acting up and won’t run properly.”
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“Of course it won’t! It’s a fusion of a Maserati’s sensual heart and a Citroën’s ultra-complex hydraulic system. If oil leaks from just one spot, the brakes won’t work, the steering gets heavy, the ride drops to the ground, and to top it off, the headlights point in the wrong direction! It’s a work of art designed to drive mechanics crazy!”
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“Why on earth would you drive such a dangerous car?”
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“You just don’t get it. Take a look at this “aerodynamic” body. It’s a teardrop shape that tapers sharply from the front windshield toward the rear. Since it cuts through the air like a knife, driving on the highway feels as comfortable as riding a magic carpet! Roaring the Maserati V6 exhaust while racing with aerodynamics on my side… Man, just imagining it makes me want to have a drink!”
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“But hey, Hachi, a car that’s so sophisticated—with all that hydraulics and aerodynamics—is way too much for an amateur like me to even think about driving.”
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“Don’t worry. Hydraulic oil leaks are like a ‘tithe’—a sign of how much you love this car. If you can’t enjoy getting your hands black as a sign of style, you’re not cut out to be an SM owner. All right, I’ll give this Maserati’s heart and its hydraulic system a thorough overhaul. Let’s make that French breeze blow through it once again!”
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“Wow, count on it!”
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“Alright, here we go! I’ll tune up your SM to perfection so it’ll be zooming around again. …Wait a minute, though. A body designed to reduce air resistance is all well and good, but what are you going to do by reducing the air resistance on your own head (thin hair) too?!”
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“Shut up! This is exactly what I call a stylish, wind-slicing look—the ‘Hydra’s hydraulic fluid (hair) has been drained’ look!”
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…And so, once again today, from the small local workshop,
the pleasant V6 sound of the Maserati echoed out.
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That’s all for now.
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*Other French avant-garde cars…

As for other
eccentric French cars,
here’s what they look like!

*Citroën GS-Pallas, 1970 (Orange)

(A compact sedan that’s like a scaled-down version of the DS—a blend of the DS’s proportions and the SM’s side profile?

――> Initially sold in Japan for 1.48 million yen, it was a common sight in student districts like Showa Ward.

(A GSA-style instrument panel that looks even more futuristic than the DS or SM)

*Renault Versatis, 1998 Paris Motor Show, [Concept Car]

(A masterpiece from Renault Design, led by Patrick Lequemon, who was at the height of his success at the time—a proposal for an innovative four-door premium sedan unlike any car that had come before

－－－－＞I was also impressed by the postmodern flair of the interior.

*Citroën C-Air Lounge, 2003 [Concept Car]

(A masterpiece of the French “one-stroke design” style; the rear quarter view is particularly outstanding.

――＞The clean lines and softness of the interior are also exquisite.)

It seems that French cars with distinctive exteriors

always come with
wonderful interior designs!!

Next time, for the final installment on French car design,
I’d like to feature the Bugatti
La Voiture Noire, 2019.

Stay tuned—

Translated with DeepL.com

ABOUT ME

折り紙キャット

愛知県生まれ、米国在住の立体造形好き、2025年の山火事で自宅、趣味で改造したガンプラ、フィギュア、ミニカー等のコレクションすべてを焼失。自宅再建と失くした物の買い直しについての日記です。

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