The SM Tribute: Rebirth Of The Iconic Citroën DS

The SM Tribute story began with the Citroen DS, introduced in 1955, the DS wasn’t just a car; it was a revolution in automotive design, technology, and comfort.

As an icon of the mid-20th century, the DS captured imaginations with its futuristic design, innovative hydropneumatic suspension, and luxury features that were ahead of its time.

The original Citreon DS

Revered by car enthusiasts, designers, Government and even musicians, this French beauty earned a place in the annals of automotive history, influencing the trajectory of modern car manufacturing.

Now, decades after the last Citroen DS rolled off the production line, DS Automobiles is paying homage to this legendary vehicle with their striking SM Tribute.

This tribute blends the rich legacy of the original DS with modern luxury and advanced technology. The SM Tribute doesn’t merely copy the past—it reinterprets it for the future, offering car lovers a unique glimpse of what happens when classic design meets cutting-edge innovation.

Smart Motoring takes a look at the history of the Citroen DS, exploring its cultural and automotive significance, and delving into how DS Automobiles has masterfully crafted a tribute worthy of its name.

Whether you are a fan of the original DS or curious about the future of luxury cars, the SM Tribute offers a fascinating glimpse into the world where tradition and modernity intersect.

• The Citroën DS Legacy
• The Birth of the Citroën DS
• Design Marvel: A Car Ahead of Its Time
• Innovative Hydropneumatic Suspension
• The Citroën SM and the DS Connection
• DS Automobiles and the Modern SM Tribute
• The SM Tribute: Classic Design Meets Modern Luxury
• Concours d’Elegance 2024: The Grand Reveal
• Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Citroën’s Innovations

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The Citroën DS Legacy

When the Citroën DS first rolled onto the scene at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, it was unlike anything the automotive world had ever seen.

Citroën made automotive history with the unveiling of the DS at the 1955 Paris Motor Show. In just the first 10 minutes, they received over 700 orders for the groundbreaking car.

By the end of the 10-day event, that number skyrocketed to an astounding 80,000 orders, setting a sales record that stood unchallenged for more than six decades.

This overwhelming demand solidified the DS as a symbol of innovation and French engineering prowess.

Its space-age design and groundbreaking technology left an indelible mark, and the DS quickly earned the nickname “La Déesse” — the Goddess.

Over its 20-year production run, from 1955 to 1975, the DS not only pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation but also became a symbol of French style and ingenuity.

The DS wasn’t just a car; it was a revolution in design, comfort, and engineering. From the hydropneumatic suspension system to the futuristic looks, the DS cemented its place in automotive history, influencing generations of cars and earning cult status along the way.

The Birth of the Citroën DS

The DS emerged at a time when Citroën was known for innovation, particularly with the utilitarian 2CV. But with the DS, Citroën aimed for the opposite end of the market: a luxurious, forward-thinking vehicle.

Designed by Italian sculptor Flaminio Bertoni and aerodynamics expert André Lefèbvre, the DS was a masterpiece that defied conventional car design​.

At its debut, the DS captivated with its aerodynamic shape, innovative single-spoke steering wheel, and novel use of materials.

Its avant-garde design set it apart from anything else on the road, and it was soon the car of choice for French presidents and style-conscious consumers around the world.

Design Marvel: A Car Ahead of Its Time

The DS was not only elegant but also meticulously engineered. The sleek bodywork, with a drag coefficient that rivaled modern vehicles, showcased Citroën’s dedication to both form and function.

Bertoni’s thermoplastic dashboard was another first in automotive design, and the car’s wide, spacious interior made it a luxurious ride​.

But what really set the DS apart was its ability to adapt to driving conditions through its self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension.

This system allowed the car to “float” over rough roads, providing passengers with an unmatched level of comfort.

Innovative Hydropneumatic Suspension

Arguably, the DS’s most famous feature was its hydropneumatic suspension system. This innovative technology allowed the DS to adjust its ride height and maintain a smooth drive, even on rough terrain.

Drivers could manually control the suspension settings, which also doubled as an anti-theft feature: lowering the car so it couldn’t be towed​.

This technology gave the DS its legendary “magic carpet ride” feel, making it one of the most comfortable vehicles of its era.

It was this level of comfort and control that allowed French President Charles de Gaulle’s DS to escape an assassination attempt in 1962 when the car’s ability to keep driving, even with blown-out tires, saved his life​.

The Citroën SM and the DS Connection

Building on the success of the DS, Citroën developed the SM in the 1970s, blending the elegance and luxury of the DS with high-performance capabilities.

The SM was intended to be a grand tourer — a luxury sports car that could combine comfort with speed.

Though the SM was a distinct model, it shared many key innovations with the DS, including the hydropneumatic suspension and sleek design elements.

However, the SM took things a step further by introducing a Maserati engine under the hood, offering a higher level of performance that distinguished it from its predecessor​.

DS Automobiles and the Modern SM Tribute

Today, DS Automobiles, the luxury sub-brand of Citroën, continues to honor its innovative past while looking towards the future.

Though no longer directly affiliated with Citroën, DS Automobiles has embraced the challenge of recreating the Citroën SM for the modern era, crafting a luxury car that pays homage to its roots while boasting cutting-edge technology​.

Their latest creation, the SM Tribute, captures the essence of the original SM, blending retro styling cues with modern luxury features.

The design of the SM Tribute is a delicate balance between nostalgia and contemporary appeal — a nod to the iconic shapes of Citroëns from the 1960s and 70s but with the technology and refinement expected from a luxury car today.

The SM Tribute: Classic Design Meets Modern Luxury

The SM Tribute reimagines the timeless aesthetics of the Citroën DS and SM in a bold and modern way.

It retains key design elements such as the aerodynamic silhouette and hidden rear wheels, a signature feature of Citroën’s post-war designs.

The car is painted in a luxurious Gold Leaf color, an homage to the original 1971 Citroën color palette, featuring a satin varnish with a handmade patina​.

Inside, the SM Tribute offers a blend of opulence and advanced technology.

Ivory leather and curves dominate the cabin, giving it a retro-futuristic look, while the dashboard features a curved screen console that brings the car firmly into the 21st century.

This meticulous attention to detail allows the SM Tribute to straddle the line between classic car design and modern luxury.

The SM Tribute cockpit looks nothing short of spectacular.

Concours d’Elegance 2024: The Grand Reveal

DS Automobiles plans to unveil the SM Tribute at the prestigious Concours d’Elegance in September 2024.

This event, known for showcasing the world’s most beautiful cars, will offer the perfect stage for the SM Tribute to make its debut.

Enthusiasts and collectors alike are eager to see how DS Automobiles has interpreted the past while pushing towards the future.

There are high expectations that the SM Tribute will include Citroën’s famous hydropneumatic suspension system, allowing the car to deliver the same smooth ride that made the DS and SM famous​.

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Citroën’s Innovations

The Citroën DS and SM remain icons in automotive history, celebrated for their audacious design, technological innovation, and luxurious comfort.

Today, DS Automobiles continues this legacy by creating cars that honor the past while embracing modern luxury.

The SM Tribute stands as a perfect example of how the spirit of innovation that defined Citroën decades ago is alive and well in the 21st century.

Whether you’re a collector of classic cars or an enthusiast of modern luxury vehicles, the Citroën DS, SM, and their modern tributes serve as reminders that the most extraordinary cars aren’t just built — they’re designed with passion, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of innovation.

The new DS SM Tribute masterfully retains the original Citroën SM’s signature silhouette while incorporating modern luxury and design elements.

Just like the 1970s original, the Tribute’s low-slung, aerodynamic shape and sleek, elongated profile evoke the same sense of futuristic elegance that made the SM such a standout.

The pronounced, sloping front end—an iconic feature of the SM—remains a focal point, preserving that classic Citroën allure.

In the Tribute, the wide stance and curved rear arches, which partially conceal the rear wheels, harken back to the design choices that made the SM so visually distinct.

This rear-wheel treatment, combined with the flowing lines and sculpted body, helps maintain the fluid, dynamic look that was groundbreaking in its time.

DS Automobiles has managed to strike a balance between modern refinement and the nostalgic quirkiness of the original, ensuring that the car not only pays homage to its predecessor but continues to turn heads in the modern era.

The overall design clearly respects the unique proportions of the SM, a car celebrated for its avant-garde styling. However, the modern reinterpretation infuses more aggressive lines and luxurious materials, updating it for a contemporary audience while maintaining the unmistakable character of the original SM.

This blend of past and present results in a car that feels both familiar and forward-looking, capturing the essence of Citroën’s iconic design language.

Under the hood, while DS has not disclosed full details on the powertrain, it’s likely that the SM Tribute will feature a fully electric system, aligning with DS’s modern focus on sustainable luxury.

The car’s striking appearance is dominated by a long, dramatic hood and a tapered rear, reminiscent of the original SM’s sleek profile.

Its dimensions are only slightly larger than the original, growing by just 30mm in length and 20mm in height, but it has been widened significantly by 140mm to emphasize its bold, more muscular stance. It sits on imposing 22-inch wheels, with a reduced ground clearance of 35mm to enhance aerodynamic efficiency.

The design language extends beyond mere aesthetics. The retro-futuristic elements seen in the car’s ribbed seats and rectangular steering wheel invoke a modern interpretation of the 70s-era SM, while the LED-lit front and partially shrouded rear wheels bring it into the contemporary world.

These details aim to evoke the spirit of the SM without slipping into mere nostalgia.

Overall, the DS SM Tribute stands as a perfect embodiment of how a modern luxury brand can pay homage to its roots while staying relevant in today’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape​.