The Smart roadster and its cousin, the roadster Coupe, had a low posture, mid-engine placement, a paddle-change gearbox and big, wider tires protruding from the sides, just to say: “Let's go for a ride.”

The hottest member of the Smart series, it was sophisticated, stylish and a stimulating ride.

The roadster was powered with 61 or 82 hp versions of the turbocharged 3 cylinder engine.

Both were later available in a Brabus version, with power increased to a whopping 101 hp and weighed in at 1,600 pounds.

Like its unique design, this Smart roadster was an outstanding and uncompromising driving experience.

The Smart Roadster's 82-hp super-turbo engine accelerated from 0-100 mph in 10.9 seconds.

While offering innovative solutions, such as an electric, fully automatic soft-top and a soft touch automatic gearshift mode with a “kick-down function,” selected by the push of a button.

The cars body panels came in a range of six colors glance gray metallic, champagne remix metallic, star blue, jack black, spice red and shine yellow), while black is the standard color for the Tridion safety cell.

It had a BMW Z3 Coupe-like rear end, which increased luggage space. In addition to a 911-style luggage space at the nose, this tiny car was highly practical.

Smart Roadsters had fun gauges and its center console distinguished the Smart from its rivals.

The efficient Smart Roadster was Smarter than you might think- sporty and purist at the same time. Everything felt well-built, engineered for fun and attractively styled.

It was an efficient sporty roadster and it was an exotic car and lots of fun to drive. Still, the roadster's price was not cheap. Prices ranged from $23,254.65 to a loaded price of $37,564.00.

At Smart Cars of America, we have driven both models. The well-designed interior of the roadsters was spacious, with generous legroom. Drivers and their passengers sit as low as in many super cars, yet both front and rear visibility were superb. 

Unfortunately, sales figures for the Smart roadster were far under the projected numbers, so with smart car company's uncertain future, Smart discontinued the roadster in 2005 as part of an initial broad restructuring of the brand, which has not made a profit since its creation.

The final Smart roadster roared off the production line on November 4, 2005.

However, the Smart Roadster through Project Kimber will live to roar again.

Kimber group has assembled a high-profile set of European industry executives to revive MG sports cars, using technology from the Smart car brand.

It will wear the MG brand, founded by Cecil Kimber in 1924, and could well be called the Midget in honor of that popular sports car.

Smart also sold Kimber production equipment for the two roadster models.

The first Kimber Group Smart Roadster car may come to market as early as 2008. We'll be watching and waiting.