Introduction
Darren Rungasamy
A lightweight roadster combining great looks, fun handling and individuality.
Based on the innovative Smart car, the Roadster-Coupe incarnation was released in 2002. Echoing the styling of a well-received concept car design, the 2-seater roadster was available with a Targa roof and electrical soft-top. Featuring a showcase of innovation, it was powered by a turbocharged 3-cylindered 0.7-litre engine, mated to a single-clutch automated transmission and F1-style paddle shifters. Almost uniquely placed in a market of open-top sports cars, the rear-engined sports car soon captured the public imagination and became a strong seller across Europe.
Brabus-tuned versions like this one became the range toppers, with increased power and plusher fittings and details. This includes modified suspension, twin sports exhausts and unique six-spoke aluminium alloy wheels. An additional limited edition of just 50 RHD models was produced in 2005, known as the Roadster Coupe Racing Edition (RCR). The RCR model pays visual homage to the prototype V6 bi-turbo model, utilising the same Ferrari red colour panels and silver Tridion cell. Fitted with unique black Alcantara and leather seats with red diamond pattern stitching, colour-coded trim, and a numbered plaque, this RCR model also has an SB2 power upgrade kit taking it to ~90BHP. This is a unique opportunity to obtain car number 13 out of 50. It was owned for 19 years by its prior owner and has only ~30,332 miles. Beautifully presented with an MOT to August 2025 it also has two keys.
This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Danny the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.
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We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.
Full Transparency
8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.
Vehicle Delivery
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I WANT ONEAsk Questions
If any serious potential buyer has additional questions and / or concerns after thoroughly reading the description and studying the photographs / videos, then I would strongly encourage you to contact Trade Classics to arrange a viewing so you are able to see the quality of the vehicle first hand.
Good afternoon Danny,
Just three questions.
. For a one owner car the Smart Roadster doesn’t have or come with a full service history?
. The air conditioning is faulty and doesn’t work?
. Everything else is fine?
Thank you and kind regards
Ian
Hi Ian,
The original owner is adamant that the vehicle was serviced at Basingstoke Smart (the supplying dealer) before he moved house; however, there is no documentation to verify this, as it was reportedly lost during the move. I spoke with Mercedes/Smart, who are responsible for the Basingstoke branch, and unfortunately, their computer systems do not retain this information for an extended period (they also had no records of the work for which documented evidence exists – photographed).
As per the description (and subsequent answer to a further question below): “The air-con is not operational.”
The final question is quite open-ended, but as far as I am aware, everything else is operational.
Good luck with your bid.
Danny
Hi there. I realise this is a completely unrestored example and that it will need brake pipes and suspension components replaced in the near future but can you please confirm why the LH Front wheel arch liner – front of – is loose / unattached / mis-aligned. Is there any damage to the wing / fasteners in that area? Also, the ‘driving’ video didnt quite show the turbo boost gauge under full acceleration – can you confirm what max boost it reaches on the dial? Thanks in advance for your reply
Hi,
I cannot say for certain why the wheel arch liner may be slightly loose, but it is likely to have been removed within the past 19 years or so for a remedial job. I don’t recall looking at the turbo gauge while driving but it certainly doesn’t appear to lack power. The specialist garage (Rob @ S2 Smarts) didn’t highlight any issues after his recent test drive.
Kr,
Danny
Thanks for your reply but you havent answered my question ie is there a reason why the arch liner is loose? Saying it is likely to have been removed for maintenance isnt a relevant answer as it would surely have been replaced as well? [ and the front liner cannot be removed anyway without removing the suspension and brake pipe brackets – so it highly unlikely to have been removed especially given that the car still has its original suspension and brake pipes fitted]. Its the wing that is attached to the liner, not the other way round. SO : can you CONFIRM that there is no damage to the NSF wing please
Hiya. Has the car ever leaked through the roof etc.? Where has it been stored?
Hi,
As per the listing: “The RCR-branded mats and carpets are tidy, with minor age-related wear in the foot wells. All are dry, with no evidence of historic leaks.”
I haven’t noticed any obvious signs of previous leaks and it has been stored in a garage / car port.
Hi,
Please re-read the description in its entirety and study the photographs as it appears the answers to the majority of your questions are within the listing, and I wouldn’t want you to have inadvertently overlooked any important information.
I (& have re-)read description and my questions aren’t answered. I know the car has AC and electronic softop. So I wanted to know if both work well.
While pics of service history show 2 in 20yr’s at Mercedes. While description mentions a specialist.
I’ve also now watched the car walk-arounds, and noticed rust on Tridion (silver safety cell) and crunched jacking points. So how much have you been quoted to fix these?
Also, we’re the leaks necessitating carpet and handbrake console removal (I can see no other reason for) fixed, and anything damaged requiring removal/replacement, e.g SAM?
As per the listing:
“The air-con is not operational.”
“The RCR-branded mats and carpets are tidy, with minor age-related wear in the foot wells. All are dry, with no evidence of historic leaks.”
There are both photographs with the roof up and down.
It was seen by a specialist (S2 Smarts) who gave it a test drive and welded an exhaust bracket.
I am unsure what rust on the Tridion or crunched jacking points you are referring to – it has a valid MOT until August.
Please refer to the pinned comment at the top of this messaging area if you have any further concerns.
Also, does AC blow cold, what temp does engine/temp gauge get upto, and does soft-top go up/down smoothly?
Hi, how much service does this have (other than 2 S/Merc receipts shown) and where (e.g which specialist mentioned squeaking bushes was normal)?
Vehicle Location
Sawbridgeworth
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