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2003-2005 Smart Roadster Coupe
Smart Roadster Coupe
2003-2005 (First Generation) · sports car
Rarity Score
7/10 - Rare. While not a supercar, they were produced for a very short window and many have been lost to mechanical neglect or water damage.
Spot Difficulty
8/10. Very rare to see outside of Europe and parts of Asia; almost non-existent in North America due to import restrictions. Most likely found at enthusiast meet-ups.
Engine & Performance
Engine: 698cc turbocharged 3-cylinder, rear-mounted, roughly 80 hp and 81 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission & Drivetrain: 6-speed automated manual transmission (Softouch), rear-wheel drive (RWD).
Performance: 0-60 mph in approx. 10.9 seconds, top speed of 112 mph, lightweight curb weight of around 815 kg (1,800 lbs), and high fuel economy (approx 45-50 mpg).
Exterior
Yellow body panels with a black Tridion safety cell. Two-door coupe body style with a glass hatch back, black multi-spoke wheels, and distinctive bug-eye headlights.
Interior Features
Minimalist dashboard with two auxiliary gauges (boost/temp) on top, black fabric seats, small sporty steering wheel, and basic climate controls.
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paint appears glossy, the trim is intact, and the aftermarket black wheels complement the two-tone yellow/black scheme.
Condition Issues: Possible minor fading on exposed black plastic trim; typical for these models are water leaks through the roof seals and potential actuator wear in the transmission.
Estimated Mileage: 50,000 - 80,000 miles (80,000 - 130,000 km)
Historical Significance
Represents a unique era where Smart (Daimler) attempted to create a lightweight, fun-to-drive sports car based on the principles of the Austin Healey Sprite or Lotus Elan.
Notable Features
Removable roof panels, prominent Tridion safety cell, glass rear 'bubble' on the Coupe version, and extremely low center of gravity.
Production Numbers
Approximately 43,000 units total across all Roadster variants worldwide.
Valuation
Estimated Market Value: $7,000 - $12,000 USD (depending on local market demand in regions like Europe or Taiwan)
Auction Estimate: $8,000 - $15,000 USD for a well-maintained low-mileage example.
Maintenance Recommendations
Check SAM unit for water damage, service the turbocharger regularly, and ensure the automated manual clutch actuator is properly adjusted and lubricated.
Fun Facts
Gordon Murray, designer of the McLaren F1, famously owned one and praised its handling. It was discontinued early due to high warranty costs regarding roof leaks. Despite its looks, the car is shorter than a modern Mazda Miata.
Identified on: 4/8/2026
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