Every so often, a carmaker puts out a model that is an answer to a question no one was asking. But once experienced, it becomes unforgettable. The MINI Coupé, Land Rover Evoque Cabriolet, and the recent Porsche 911 Safari are good examples of that.
The Crossblade was a concept car at the 2001 Geneva Auto Show, a less-is-more design study. However, after overwhelmingly positive public response, Smart—in a surprisingly bold move—produced 2,000 units the following year. Its turbocharged three-cylinder Mercedes-Benz powerplant was tuned by Brabus and never have 70 horsepower felt so bonkers.
For perhaps obvious reasons, they were never sold in the US but a handful did manage to come over. Every couple of years one of those comes on the market. This one—complete with US title—is all the more unique in that its zaniness was kept to less than 1,500 kilometres. Find it on Cars and Bids with bidding currently at $30,000. Auction ends January 9th at 1:38 PM EST.