Crusty interior fixed! Citroen SM interior and Dash install.

After finding this rare French Maserati powered super car forlorn on the side of the road, I make some BIG improvements this week!

[@LittleCarol]

My absolute respect your upholsterer, brilliant job I am a seamstress and looking at those seats I would never have chosen to fix them. The leather cut out was brilliant, I could never take on work like that. Incredible job with lots of complex stitching and foam refilling. Even with 55 years of experience at sewing, I am in awe of that work. Worth every penny on the bill Alex. He earned every dollar to do that job. Happy Driving. xx

[@rachelh5211]

I, too, am a seamstress (not professional, but lots of experience) and was equally impressed with that upholstery job.

[@messoussiahmed9910]

maestro mike is the shidoshi of sue

[@maryleemcdaniel7274]

This car deserves to be red!!! It's gorgeous! So beautiful with the new upholstery and new dash board! So great you were able to save this Beauty and put her back on the road!!! One of a kind vehicle for one of a kind person.

[@toobusy63]

I hope the color change doesn't depreciate it. Or not a whole lot.🙏🙏💞

[@Kimella777]

Yep it deserves to be red👍🏻😎

[@radole4596]

You just have to love this cars. I was infected in the early eighties. My Dad bought one because then you could get them very cheap (as opposed to now :-)). I was 15 and hooked to this car. Took me 38 years from there to actually own one myself (an 1974 injection) but 3 years ago I bought one that had been sitting for 30 years. Driving it always makes me grin. The combination of comfort, sound and even speed (for a 50 year old car they are fast) is great. Everything that at first looks strange becomes so normal and make sense that all other cars are feeling strange. Said that, I don`t know the situation on parts in Canada or the USA. Here in Germany there is a owners Club that has a lot of parts and even remanufacture some of them. So if you need something you can`t get in the USA, give me a shout and I can look if it`s available here. I would like to know if you did some checking on the engine becauce the chaintensioners are prone to give up, old valves that are filled with a salt agains overheating can break, certain timing chains where unreliable, the drive for the oilpump was underdimensioned... you probably read already about all of this...and yes, I am jealous of the colour. Mine is Roquebrune Métal and I always wanted a red one. It just suits.

[@silkdestroyer]

Hiya RA. I first "became aware" of SMs in the early 80s, a bit like yourself. It has take me 40yrs to fulfil my dream. Just last weekend I flew out to Sweden to view a blue, 73 model, fitted with a 3lt engine and 5 sp box. I have bought it and am leaving it over there until the summer, when I intend cycling up there to collect it and drive it home, (UK.) The engine has been re-built so all of the "good stuff" has been done to it. Can't wait for the summer and the trip home, (maybe the long way!) Where abouts in Germany are you? I was amazed at how well this red paint came up. Red wouldn't be my first choice but there are some beautiful colours. How come modern cars are by and large so dull? Variations on grey usually. Just look at C6s for example. (I'm just talking about the colour of course! They are far from dull!) Anyway, enjoy your car, LG.

[@sylviahoffman9440]

I love the original color, but your TLC in making her cherry is wonderful. It was fun hearing the engine purr and not seeing a lot of vibration in the video. Sweet ride! Enjoy. Poor Jason sitting in it with his knees all buckled up. 🙂

[@pattimessenger6214]

Alex, you have created a network of people that you can count on to do a fantastic job on whatever project you have! And you have introduced us to them. You know just where to go to get your classic cars reupholstered, body work done. You have a great mechanical talent to other repair or get repaired whatever needs fixed o get the old beauty purring again! So, we have seen you look at a hoarder house, that would seem insurmountable to the rest of us, but you roll up your sleeves and plow through the mountains of junk to find value where it wasn’t apparent. Not just historic gems, but actual gems…lots of them. Anyway, I admire your work ethic and your willingness to share your positive attitude, knowledge and wisdom with us. Because of your choices, you now live with your wonderful family in that gorgeous new house, on a fantastic piece of land. And you don’t have to work 80 hours a week to make it happen. You just made good choices over a period of years and now you can live your dream, with your family, but without having to sacrifice most of your life to earn a living. I hope others pay attention so they too can earn a living by doing what they love. Edited to add: you are willing to sell things you love. Cars you worked very hard to fix up, art, antiques that are truly one of a kind, and then you are on to the next deal. And with that, you keep income coming in. That is a rare gift, to be able to give up “things”, so you can focus on providing for what is really important, family!

[@marystrenke3050]

Perfectly expressed, Patti, this is exactly how I feel about our wonderful friends, the Archbolds❤️

[@janeysiegrist5061]

I think this is one of the most unique cars I've ever seen..if not for you, I would never know it had existed 🥰

[@jenaemarieAZ]

Seatbelt, Alex? Oh hey - very nice reno! You are so good at this!

[@CuriosityIncorporated]

It’s a lap belt

[@jenaemarieAZ]

@@CuriosityIncorporated You were scaring me!

[@rosilindschroeder1880]

In case no one else has mentioned it, put a nylon stocking over the hose on vacuum. Stops screws etc from bein vacuumed away. Have enjoyed you show for a long time now. Keep it up!

[@kathyfettkether3690]

La vie en rose, French background music during the test drive, nice touch!!!!

[@2Dogeared]

Of all the cars you've brought back to life, this is my favorite! It just looks great. I hope you drive it for a very long time.. you look happy in it!! Thanks for taking us along.

[@jima1924]

I've never seen a car like that but I must say that is beautiful after all the work you have done on it that's a rear piece of history I love it and I hope you keep it. 😃👍❤

[@bryndishuldaasgeirsdottir6373]

You are truly ‘born under a lucky star’! I was actually not surprised that you managed to find a new original dashboard for your Citroën still in the original box, one begins expecting such miracles where you are concerned 😉 Great to see this beauty of a car back in tip top shape. Great job Alex, and thanks for taking us along.

[@MoonRaven777]

I admire you so much,Alex..how you fix cars all on your own!🙏🏻🥰 And this care is stunning and red,love it❣️😍

[@Nancy_S]

Alex, you have introduced me to so many cars I’ve never heard of and of those cars, this one is my favorite ❤️. I love how it sounds, you say it rides really nice, and is red! Oh, and the seats! To me, it’s the total package.

[@Gigi-000]

I love that car you need to keep it! Your skill with all these vehicles continuously impress me all the time.

[@tamarrajames3590]

That upholsterer is an absolute master at his craft. The car would be stunning in the blue, but it wears the red well. Great find on the dash, gotta love new old stock. A good polish on the steering wheel would be the crowning touch. She is a true beauty.🖤🇨🇦

[@jojocatattack]

I loved hanging out in the garage with my Dad, assisting him by holding the light or handing him the requested tool. After my Dad died, I would step into the garage just to smell the smells from past car work. It was like smelling Dad's cologne! Maybe you can convince one of your children to become your sous-mechanic! It taught me how to diagnose simple car problems myself!

[@Erintube360]

My husband and I enjoy watching your videos together and I appreciate that! You are one Cool Guy!

[@ViKee010]

That is definitely a keeper. Alex I just want you to know that for me, watching you do your thing either with a car or a box of jewelry, is so entertaining. I believe of all the people I watch on KZbin, and that is a lot, that you are the most entertaining in your content and education to us of the things we most likely never see in our lifetime, if not for you. Well that’s a rambling statement but it’s true. Thank you for letting us come along for the ride. Oh and how dare someone steal from you. The one person who would give the shirt off his back to those in need. This world need more like you my friend. Love from Tennessee to you and your lovely family. 🤟🏼🤍

[@mcanthony183]

On Jeopardy tonight an answer was: What is Citroen. I knew this answer, thanks to you. 😃

[@christanolde4126]

Citroen's hydraulics are just amazing. We have a Citroen C5, and nothing compares to the smooth and easy feel it is to drive in ❤️ The SM is a absolute beauty 😍

[@mr_jake.y8348]

You know how to bring a car back to life. Love your channel keep up the good work .

[@danielulz1640]

Your upholsterer did a fantastic fabulous job.

[@kathleenshelton7939]

I had an uncle who had one of these cars. It was his pride and joy. He really liked to show off the hydraulics.

[@bobfrizzell1059]

Well done Alex. You were so fortunate to get that NOS dashboard.

[@jimkreiling9166]

So beautiful. Wish I could see it in person.

[@leeslabach7427]

What a great car! You have again wrought an amazing transformation on restoring a vehicle to its former glory. I really enjoy your channel; just never know what you are going to tackle next!

[@EJohnDanton]

I remember an old CHiPs episode (Season 1, Episode 9 if you are curious) that had a Citroen and it was able to go down the road on 3 wheels because of the unique suspension.

[@jennyrenken8451]

You have so much fun! Beautiful makeover!

[@secondchairmm]

What a beauty!! I love this car. The interior looks amazing! Thanks for sharing the transformation Alex.

[@dulcie7715]

So far I think every car has been my favourite lol. I feel like a kid in a candy store when I watch your car videos ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@Carolbearce]

The Citroen looks amazing. Now you can take it to car shows and be very proud of it.

[@tinareaume7484]

I love the French test drive music! Clever!

[@makingprofits8546]

Hello, This is a beautiful car. Very futuristic. The pillar by the front windshield is the “A” pillar.

[@katwitanruna]

Piece by piece she’s coming together…

[@franswey2]

You have the magic touch! 🎉This is a beautiful car red 🚗 and much prettier than the blue 🚙.

[@craigcottingham35]

Wow. That's transformed the inside of that car.

[@arleendamico2734]

Your Car looks fabulous! Enjoy it . Thanks for the ride .

[@normakennedy4569]

Curiosity Ink that is a beautiful car. God bless your channel.

[@XanBos]

I know I may have said it before, but this car is not the first car that comes to mind as one to own…having said that, you really have made stark improvements on it and it does look awesome! There are features that you don’t see on other cars, mainly the skirted rear wheels, and the hydraulic suspension. After seeing the original color of the car, I agree I like the red, but would be curious what your Midas touch would have done to that blue paint job! You really did this car proud!

[@tamararidgeway8211]

Very cool car! You did a great job fixing it and got super lucky getting the dash.

[@cathycartier484]

WOW !!! Now you truly have a show piece you can be proud to display at a car show . You look so happy in it Alex and after all your hard work over rhe years you deserve to own a '' few '' toys . Wishing all the best for you and your lovely family .

[@gailjohnston6102]

Love the way that you bring these gems back to their glorious beauty. Really something to be appreciated.

[@alexandershatzko8748]

winters comming ---I have some sheep skin seat covers that are portable, that I use when passengers complain about the chills..my tender tootsie likes it too---- Edmonton is my old home town--live in BC now --they call it the lower mainland---south of Vancouver--- also had a large sheepskin spread for my truck--that is warm in winter and cool in summer--- my gal loves them ... nice channel to watch --- all the best with your projects

[@lisafuselier4408]

I'm not really into cars, but I LOVE this one!

[@IamSnowbird]

Great job. Now it's time to find a hoarder house!

[@CitEnthusiast]

Nice job on the interior. Look like you are doing a good job with restoring this neglected car. My family has 3 SMs, we've driven Citroëns for more than 50 years and still love them. Not a fan of the red color, but to each his own. As for the radio, you will find the console is shallow, but a modern media only (no CD or tape player) unit will fit nicely, you just need to properly adapt the cover. When we redid the interior on one of our SMs side bolsters were added to the seat backs, makes a difference. Now I have to watch your other SM videos, this one was posted to an SM group so I just learned of your efforts.

[@neilperry2224]

You should save the box and put your old one it, it help you when you send it out to them.

[@margarettallett762]

It looks very snazzy! Red suits it wayyyy better than the blue!!

[@jackeeschwartz7647]

Loved the addition of the French music. I think it's an amazingly cool car!

[@needfortweed8734]

"I'll keep it around" he says. I wouldn't be surprised if it was sold before Christmas. Or at least easter at a stretch...

[@vcrouch6041]

Alexander, thanks for sharing your adventures in restoration.

[@suzieq2958]

My mum's cousin was a car dealer in the east end of London back in the 60s/70s and I am pretty sure I remember riding in one of these in the blue back then (not sure if it was this exact model but same colour!) remember the windows and Uncle Dave showing off the lifting suspension for us kids💜 Great to see the old girl back in the pink! 😃 Thank you for another smashing vlog and loved the "french" music 😃

[@lindaboyack3164]

Cute car. Well done. My brother used to do upholstery, that guy did a nice job. ,

[@deborahmarion9038]

I love the Citroen! She is beautiful. 😍

[@carolynhurnacki8866]

Looking great! So happy you can deal with all those details!

[@maryfurey3543]

Alexander, any garage video that starts out with music and the King in it has got to be good! You did a great job I love this car absolutely stunning. I think it looks good on you and you need to keep it around for as long as you can it fits you well! Thanks for another enjoyable automobile beautifying video. Really enjoyed it. Thanks

[@MrPhilipPomeroy]

WOW, the seats look amazing!

[@neilperry2224]

You should buy yourself the corgi Citroën SM, it's available in red and relatively cheap. Those front seats would make great chairs for the house, on office chair bases. How cool would yhat be with one-off the chrome lights that hang over on an arc.

[@forthwithtx5852]

There’s a car museum in Pinellas Park Florida that has one of these. The museum owner specializes in cars that are examples of unique and pioneering technologies. This car was an example of the Citroen hydraulic suspension. Weird car, for sure.

[@armandob.castenelli3525]

Gorgeous car. Come to Colorado again...🛻🏎

[@bethnolastname]

You are awesome! I was thinking that all of the way through this video...so I had to tell you. I'm delighted that you are using your gifts and enjoying the benefits they bring you. I hope all is well with the credit card situation!

[@robincochran7369]

Interior looks great! At least when you go to another car show, nothing will stick to you when you get out. :0)

[@chanmi1957]

The blue color was the same blue as the Citreon I saw at a traffic light in 1975 in Kettering, Ohio. I love that car. It is as unique as it is beautiful. Enjoy her Alex! Thanks for the video!😁✌🚗

[@rikspector]

Alexander, You probably won't read this, but I thought you did an excellent restore on this and the little spray painted car. It must really feel good to have that BIG garage and soon, A NEW LIFT!!! Cheers, Rik Spector

[@margaretf6147]

Great job🎉 Get at least three lifts in your garage, you’ve already out grown it lol

[@MelindaMc]

Love the work you did on that fab car!

[@DSperation]

I know this a year old but I've just watched this and your other SM video - great job you did, that interior looks amazing. I think the original colour is Bleu Platiné (code AC632) same as my 1970 D Super, or possibly Blue Delta (code AC640). There should be little silver disc somewhere on the firewall or close by with the code on it.

[@mannyortiz4814]

Alex my darling. The citron looks beautiful. Good job on the dashboard and interior seats. You are a looker in the car. Congratulations on a good job. Take care and stay safe 🌈🌞❤️🌹🇺🇸🎈👍🙏😇🍺🕊

[@eloisebates7827]

Early 60's high school friend's dad had a Citroen in smallish -town Wisconsin. Truly unique there in the land of Detroit cars. It was always fun when her dad was the designated driver for teenaged girls.😍 Only one thing, in the close ups, the steering wheel looks rather dull and a bit grungy compared to the new dash and upholstery.

[@rachelh5211]

Yes, as many in the comments have suggested, the steering wheel could use some polishing.

[@The_Smith]

Nearly unbelievable score finding that NOS dash! good job all round.

[@maggie2u135]

I don't know how you do it Alexander but you kept this 74yr. old G-grandmother watching a video of you putting the finishing touches on a French car. And I can't even pronounce Citroen.

[@marystrenke3050]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 this old gal from Wisconsin too!

[@mikaeljonsson4686]

A beautiful car, inside and out! 😍

[@ValleyOakPaper]

That is such a cool car! If you're looking to improve it just a little bit more, you could polish the steering wheel, so the plastic finish looks more even. Love the improvements you made already! 😻

[@celieneohara521]

Amazing upholstery work!

[@shelleynobleart]

So fun! Thank you for taking us along for a ride with you today.

[@Funsho97]

You have that Citroen looking very nice, I usually like original colors but that car looks good in red. The engine sounds fantastic and sounds like it wants to rev higher like you could really wind it out a little more. Being such a unique automobile, I think you should keep that one in the collection for a long time. If looking at it from an investment stand point, it will only increase in value. Good job!!!

[@LarcR]

I know it's not your usual _modus operandi,_ but this one looks like a keeper.

[@Wildevis]

I love French cars and that is a beauty

[@janettescott580]

Wonderful job,a true thing of beauty.

[@Bill23799]

The Citroen reminds me of Commander Straker's car from Gerry Anderson's first live action series, " UFO ". Only his car was not as tall and it had Gull Wing doors.

[@cme2cau]

Leather is amazing stuff. I once recomissioned an old barbers chair. How old? It was stuffed with horsehair and kapok! The leather wasn't cracked, but it was hard as a rock. It drank leather restorer, but after a few applications, it came back soft as ever. Those seats look fantastic and worth every cent. The SM is a rare masterpiece and I love what you are doing with it

[@SwirlingSoul]

I absolutely love the citroen. I've been driven around in one in France, one summer when I was 14. Windows open, loud, but gentle happy music, wind in our hair... and the smoothness.... as if you're driving a pillow. Although yours has a maserati engine. Mine had a softly purring older one. It's horn was a rediculously thin little beep that made everyone laugh, and I loved that car. It wasn't mine, but I loved the ride. I hope you keep it. And perhaps even consider a pro paintjob later, perhaps to a one tint stronger blue than the original? Somehow I've seen too many red cars really....that french blue, when it's fresh, new and polished? I think it suits the car. But red is pretty too. That's up to you. I loved this episode. I can never get enough of some tinkering around! Oh, and 21:00 and for a few gorgeous seconds there, we all go to Alexanders Happy Place. Thank you for sharing! Your joy is wonderful to feel. :D

[@lindafrance9192]

I love that you have such happy memories of your experiences riding in that car from your youth and are able to convey that feeling to us.

[@SwirlingSoul]

@@lindafrance9192 Thank you! 🥰

[@Kkuts37]

Somehow, Alexander, I am not at all surprised there is a Banjo in your front seat! Would expect that from you! Great job on the car! Looks awesome!

[@lindafrance9192]

I know, right? Now we know he has it, I hope he will play something on it. It’s been quite a while since we’ve heard Alex play the guitar and sing.

[@annmcdaniel9448]

Neighbor: What was that? Spouse: Oh, that must be Alex in one of his cars again. Didn't you watch today's episode? Sounds like a Mazerati.

[@jrand2631]

Wow, nice score with the new dashboard - I think Scott from Cold War Motors envies you! lol

[@Sofia-zp6qp]

The interior looks amazing

[@rhondallyons9842]

That car is beautiful and cool! You really got it in top shape!

[@gregorcameron8638]

Loved this video. Great job on interior. May I suggest removing white walls that are out of character with such a lovely car.

[@frankcornett5295]

Love the Citroen I'm glad you got it up and running in the interior looking way better please keep this one it's one of my favorites

[@sandranokes7443]

Fantastic job on the seats. When you started talking about how much of the dash you have to take out I thought. oh boy! But then I remember that rat ate car you literally put back together. This will be a piece of cake for you!

[@Brando-Green]

Such a cool car! Love your channel.

[@mjgholfza]

Wow, great car! It would have looked good in the blue color too.

[@catty2chatty]

Looks beautiful now.

[@robstephens]

Turned out great. Applying some 303 Aerospace protectant to the dash would help to preserve it especially since it is several years old.

[@brucemaurer1926]

Man! I would like to see a game of pig or horse with you and Jason on your basketball court. He looks like you ! Good stuff. GO BILLS from Buffalo Bruce

[@ronaldsnell1503]

Awesome job! Big fan of the channel 🎉

[@stephanemathieu5721]

La voiture du siecle !! Amazing car

[@lesleybennet4804]

Wow great job done today on your car ❤❤

[@beckywebb1916]

I kind of like the blue, but what a great job the guy did on the seats! And only you would be able to find a new old dash replacement!

[@RXRSawdustStation]

Great work, Alex! She looks amazing! Sounds equally amazing! Nice!