2004 SMART BRABUS ROADSTER COUPE

This Smart Brabus Roadster Coupe is a fun, lightweight convertible, which packs plenty of character into a small, city-friendly package. It is powered by a 698cc turbocharged engine producing 99bhp, with rear-wheel drive via a six-speed automated manual transmission with paddle shift - all in a package with a kerb weight of just 840kg. The odometer shows just 25,717 miles from new.

First registered in September 2004, this Brabus Roadster Coupe is understood to have been first owned by a Smart dealer, which means it was most likely a demonstrator vehicle. It was sold to its second UK keeper in 2005 and its third in 2019.

The vendor acquired the car when it was sold in a Collecting Cars auction in May 2020. It was subsequently transported to the Netherlands, with the intention of importing it. However, as the personal import route in the Netherlands is currently slow and complex due to COVID-19, and with a view to trimming back his collection of cars, he has made the decision to offer it to another enthusiast to enjoy. The Smart is now in the UK again, in temporary storage in Berkshire.

The bodywork of this car is reported to be in excellent condition, with no signs of any accident damage. Its Speed Silver paint finish appears to be original, and remains very smart all around the car. Some gravel chips are present around the lower bumper, and a small chip on the edge of the driver’s door has been touched in. All of the light lenses are in good condition, as are the durable plastic body trims.

The retractable black fabric soft top is in great shape, with no rips or fraying, and the mechanism works perfectly. It rides on the original set of 17-inch alloy wheels with a five-spoke double-arm design. They have evidently never been refurbished, and there are a few kerbing blemishes, as well as some prominent lacquer damage on the nearside rear wheel. Given the impressive appearance of the paintwork, the alloys would certainly benefit from renovation.

Inside, the interior trim is in impressive condition. There is dark blue leather upholstery on the seat bases and bolsters, complemented by textured cloth centre panels. The trim is undamaged, and shows only signs of light use in line with the low mileage. Leather is also used for the finish on the steering wheel rim, door panel inserts, and dashboard top sections. There is some modest wear on the tailored floor mats, but the carpets underneath are still in superb order. Cabin equipment includes heated seats, air-conditioning, and an aftermarket Alpine stereo head unit.

This car has been looked after exclusively by Smart and Mercedes-Benz main dealers from new. After arriving in the Netherlands, it was sent to Louwman Mercedes-Benz in Breda, where it had a major service in June 2020 at 25,473 miles. As well as renewing the fluids and filters, the headlight bulbs were also replaced, along with the spark plugs, and a wheel alignment was carried out.

The previous scheduled maintenance was in February 2016 at 24,139 miles, consisting of a B service carried out by Smart of Leicester. Prior to this, it was seen in July 2012 at 22,050 miles at Smart of Nottingham. A summary of the service history is included below.

Its most recent MOT test was on 19 September 2019 at 25,200 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with two advisories that noted slight wear on the rear shock absorber bushes, and some corrosion on the rear coil springs. In September 2013 the offside brake light was faulty, but other than these notes the car has never had any other advisories - testament to its impressive condition. It is fitted with Michelin tyres on the front axle, and brand-new Maxxis tyres at the rear. The car will need a fresh MOT test in the UK before going back on the road.

Accompanying the car are all of the original books, housing the clear plastic pouch, as well as two remote keys. All previous MOTs are documented, and there are some old receipts from maintenance work as well.

Having run a Smart Brabus as a long-term test car for Evo magazine, motoring writer Richard Porter called it: “an under-rated modern take on the lightweight sports car”. McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray was also a fan, using a Smart Roadster as his daily driver for more than 13 years. He summed up his ownership by saying: “I can’t find anything else which is that small and is that much fun”.

This Smart Brabus Roadster Coupe is a low-mileage example of an esoteric modern classic, which is in very good condition throughout. Of interest to bidders in or around London is that the Roadster is compliant with the Ultra-Low Emission Zone requirements, so it is a great choice for residents or commuters alike. While there are a few areas that could benefit from some cosmetic improvement, this is a highly original and unmodified car that should prove to be an enjoyable ownership prospect.

Summary of service history:

• 17/05/2005 – 2,428 miles
• 06/02/2007 – 10,859 miles
• 26/06/2008 – 17,625 miles
• 21/09/2009 – 19,317 miles
• 04/07/2012 – 22,050 miles
• 08/02/2016 – 24,139 miles
• 11/06/2020 – 24,573 miles

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.