Description
Right. Before you scroll past thinking “four grand for a Smart? He’s lost his mind,” let me explain why this particular example is worth more than your average shed-on-wheels masquerading as a roadster.
This is a 2004 Smart Roadster with just 38, 280 miles on the clock. That’s barely run-in by modern standards. While every other example has been “improved” by Dave from down the pub who once watched a YouTube video about turbos, this one remains mercifully stock. No bodged modifications. No “upgrades” involving cable ties and hope. Just a proper little sports car as the Germans intended.
It was purchased from G&H Motors in Horsham - proper dealers, not some bloke selling cars between the bins behind Asda. Since then, it’s been maintained exclusively by s2smarts, who actually know what they’re doing with these things. That’s like having your Aston serviced by Aston Martin, except your Aston probably cost more than my house.
Now, I won’t lie to you - it’s over 20 years old, so it’s not showroom fresh. There are some paint chips on the doors (show me a Roadster that doesn’t have them), and there’s a patch of missing lacquer on the boot. The interior shows limited wear because, well, it’s been used. But here’s the thing - it has the genuinely rare orange interior. Not black. Not grey. ORANGE. It’s like sitting inside a Tango advertisement, and it’s magnificent.
Best of all, this one came with the flappy paddle steering wheel. Yes, you can change gears with proper steering wheel paddles like you’re Lewis Hamilton, or use the gear stick, or just let it do its automatic thing while you concentrate on not dying. It’s like having three cars in one, except they’re all the same car, which is confusing but rather clever.
Look, at £4, 000, this isn’t cheap for what is essentially a very small, very impractical car. But find me another one with this mileage that hasn’t been butchered by someone who thinks louder equals faster. You can’t. Because they don’t exist.
This is your chance to own a proper little piece of automotive oddity. A car that makes no logical sense whatsoever, yet somehow works brilliantly. It’ll make you smile every time you drive it, even if you can’t fit your shopping in it.
Serious enquiries only. No dreamers, no time-wasters, and definitely no one planning to “improve” it with a body kit from eBay. I bought this ridiculous little thing because it’s the most honest fun you can have with your clothes on. It’s not pretending to be a supercar - it IS a supercar, just scaled down to fit in your garage without selling a kidney.
The moment you drop into that orange cockpit, you’re not just driving - you’re performing. Every journey becomes theater. The steering wheel is practically in your lap, the engine’s burbling away behind your right ear, and suddenly you feel completely, utterly present. No distractions, no isolation - just you, the road, and this wonderful mechanical conspiracy.
And because there are so few of them left, especially ones that haven’t been molested by someone called Darren with a Halfords loyalty card, it’s proper eye-catching. Small children point and wave like you’re driving the Batmobile. Adults do that brilliant double-take thing - ‘Was that… was that actually a Smart?’ Yes, yes it was, and it’s magnificent.
The thing is, every time you climb in, you can’t help but grin. It’s automotive Prozac. And when you have to get out? Genuinely sad. It’s like ending a conversation with your best mate - you know you’ll do it again, but you don’t want it to stop.
That’s what makes it special. It’s not transport - it’s pure, undiluted joy with number plates.
