[UK2USAsmart]

I recently bought a smart car from a friend he got it in early 2000 its a UK model shipped to USA I was wondering if anyone could help me find out the exact model and where I can get replacement plastic (the car sat in the sun for years). thanks!

 

[Miss Mercedes]

Hmmm, I don’t see any federal compliance parts on that car.

It appears to be a genuine 1998-2002 mcc smart city coupe. Huh, I thought the almond headlight 450s weren’t legal for importation.

Either way, you’re going to be looking for replacement panels for a smart city coupe, model years 1998 through 2002. 2002 is also when the “peanut” headlight design debuted, so be careful buying a new front panel.

If you can PM me the VIN, I may be able to tell you more about it.

 

[jwight]

Begs the question of why and how it was imported? As parts? Anyway, Evilution has a pretty good look at the various smart versions: https://www.evilution.co.uk/index.php?menu=info&mod=610

 

[MB DNA]

Begs the question of why and how it was imported? As parts?

Sure does BUT, it is wearing an old "Discover" plate from that sometimes anything goes state of Floriduh . . . :shrug:

 

[Miss Mercedes]

I mean, a lot of the Canadian diesels have leaked in through Florida so it doesn't surprise me.

 

[lebikerboy]

Don't blame us for that one...

 

[smark]

Windy City smart, in Palestine Illinois. Use to import in 450’s in the County. Federalize them for NA use. Sales and service.
If I remember right. There were diesel models sold from them. I believe, there long gone now. Since the intro of the 451 in 2008.

The vin number should give you the model year. You can purchase, used body panels, From Europe. Smart car, parts Brokers all over there. Look up a UK, smart car part broker. On the Internet. Give them your vin number. They can help you find some salvage body panels, you need. Here’s one source......

https://www.onlinecarparts.co.uk/car-brands/spare-parts-smart.html

 

[Miss Mercedes]

Windy City smart, in Palestine Illinois. Use to import in 450’s in the County. Federalize them for NA use. Sales and service.
If I remember right. There were diesel models sold from them. I believe, there long gone now. Since the intro of the 451 in 2008.
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Correct, Windy City smart in Palatine IL is permanently closed. Neither of the original importers list the 450 on their site, though I wonder if you could still get one imported through them.

According to the feds, the oldest importable smart is 2002. Alright, time to do some Google-fu.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/documents/elig120115.pdf

I looked at the attached dockets and it seems there were only two actual importers of gray market smarts, JK Technologies and G&K. Afaik, neither importer dealt with the cdi models because the engines just could not meet regulations. G&K did a lot of visual modifications, however JK Technologies did not. It also looks like while G&K only sold peanut headlight smarts, JK did dabble into almond headlights. This would explain the almond variant I saw for sale in Chicago and another almond unit that a member here had.

So, assuming it wasn't a recent import, the OP's car may be one of those rare JK Technologies conversions.