2002 Smart Crossblade

• One of only 2,000, a skateboard for grown-ups, packaged by Mercedes for Smart
• 70bhp Brabus-tuned 599cc 3-cylinder engine. Six-speed semi-automatic transmission
• '0105' has been uniquely finished as a Sir Stirling Moss / 722 tribute car
• Only 7,334 miles on the odometer. Fresh MOT
• Excellent condition throughout. 'X1 BDE' will remain with the vehicle

The venerable Smart Car has always been somewhat of an outsider in the automotive world, thanks to its diminutive proportions, quirky styling and unusual mechanical setup, although it has found favour with city-dwellers and car enthusiasts alike, and no Smart is more unusual than the somewhat whacky open-cabin Crossblade of 2002. Initially unveiled in 2001 at the Geneva Motor Show as a concept vehicle, the reaction to the design was such that Smart, owned by Mercedes-Benz, moved to put the Crossblade into limited production, with a total of 2,000 being produced, each individually numbered and designed as collectors items from the outset. Marketed as a vehicle “uncompromisingly designed for blue skies and high spirits” many considered the Crossblade to be the spiritual successor to the likes of the Bond Bug, Beach Buggy and Mini Moke, cars that were designed with joy and fun as their utmost priority, and practicality and driving experience as an afterthought.That said, the driving experience did receive some attention courtesy of Brabus, who tuned the 599cc three-cylinder engine to produce 70bhp, which may not sound like much, but gives the Crossblade plenty of excitement out on the road, thanks to its exposed nature and low kerb weight of only 1,600lbs.

This particular example has enjoyed the company of only four owners throughout its 20-year lifetime, during which it has covered c.7,500 miles, as substantiated by its MOT history and other records. Purchased by our vendor - a serial Smart enthusiast and ex-Smart Car specialist - around four years ago, the intention was to follow the world-famous Mille Miglia around Italy, which - along with his love of Sir Stirling Moss and heritage Mercedes-Benz race cars - led to the decision to transform this Crossblade with a number of vinyl graphics into a Sir Stirling Moss tribute car. Unfortunately, this planned trip never came to fruition as a result of various lockdowns throughout 2020 and the reversal of the MM route in 2021.

This bad luck, along with the imminent shrinkage of the vendor’s car storage space, has forced the sale of this unusual and head-turning example of the quirky Crossblade.

The vendor states that other than some minor paintwork, the application of the racing-inspired graphics and general servicing, this example has wanted for nothing, and it recently sailed through its latest MOT test, with the examiner commending the condition of the vehicle and the care that our vendor has put into maintaining it to the highest standard.

The cherished registration, X1 BDE, seen on the vehicle is included in the sale. This is a rare opportunity to obtain one of just 2,000 Crossblades, a rare example of concept design making it to the production stage with minimal changes, and a true landmark in the Smart Car history books - one not to miss!