70 hp, 499 cc horizontal inline three-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic gearbox, independent front and rear suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 71.3 in.

• Brabus-tuned, 70 horsepower, half-litre engine

• Six-speed automatic transmission

• Limited production model; car number 0591

• Offered from the Zegwaard Collection

The Smart Crossblade was created under the mantra “less is more”; it exists as an unusual amalgam of a Fiat Jolly and a motorized roller skate. Small size and surprising power out back move it along in traffic, due in part to the fact that the car weighs a fly-weight of 1,600 pounds. That minimal weight is largely due to what the designers eliminated, like a windshield, roof, air conditioning, doors, windows, leather upholstery, and more. The Crossblade’s 70 horsepower, courtesy of tuner Brabus, is substantial considering it is produced from a 500-cubic centimetre engine.

The Crossblade is particularly interesting because it is very different than the “Smart for Two” platform on which it is based. The donor car is a very sensible and very tiny machine best suited to moving two people and groceries or hand luggage in an urban environment. They’re relatively economical, and since they are extremely small, they’re easy to park. The clever packaging came from Mercedes-Benz, which designed the car for the Swiss Swatch company and also supplied the base engines.

This Smart Crossblade is finished in gloss black and matte grey and features a striking red and black interior. Instead of doors, each side has what is essentially a side-intrusion bar that swings down into position to both keep passengers inside and large objects at bay. Instrumentation and controls are simple but attractive and functional. The odometer reads just 300 kilometres, and just looking at the exterior, interior, and engine compartment, they reinforce that this fun and spritely machine is virtually unused.