The remarkable smart is now entering its second generation. Il all started 10 years ago, in 1997, with the official market introduction. But did you know that designers had already sketched such a concept in 1981 and 1982?
Traffic car
To address the rising phenomenon of city gridlocks and counter the oil crisis, Daimler-Benz designers came up in 1981 with a vision of a little urban vehicle that could park perpendicularly -- the traffic car. About 2.5-m long, it set the standards for what a true city car should be.
The smart only began to materialize in 1993 with what was nicknamed the Eco Sprinter study. This coupe model, designed for urban use, could sit two passengers. A convertible variant called Eco Speedster was later introduced. Its stylish, jazzy-colored interior hinted at a car that was both fun to drive and to look at. The smart then evolved into the prototype that was showcased during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
The same year, at the Paris Motor Show, Daimler-Benz went even further by incorporating the now-famous tridion safety cell as well as interchangeable body panels.
With the help of Nicolas Hayek, creator of the Swatch watch concept and firm believer in the smart, the German automaker finally went through with the market launch, in 1997.
The car's trademark was its customization potential. A wide selection of materials and fabrics were available, all more flashy and colorful than the other. Just like a Swatch watch, the smart was all about style, fashion and exposure.
The introduction of this tiny two-seater kept designers buzzing with innovative ideas. For instance, a special Firefighter edition was created in 1999, followed by an Executive model.
One year later, smart officially introduced a convertible to complement its fun-loving urban car lineup. But designers didn't stop there: they unveiled the smart translucent study, made of transparent and fluorescent materials.
In 2001, the first right-drive smarts arrived in England and Japan, marking the brand's rapid globalization.
Traffic car
To address the rising phenomenon of city gridlocks and counter the oil crisis, Daimler-Benz designers came up in 1981 with a vision of a little urban vehicle that could park perpendicularly -- the traffic car. About 2.5-m long, it set the standards for what a true city car should be.
 |
| Eco Sprinter |
The smart only began to materialize in 1993 with what was nicknamed the Eco Sprinter study. This coupe model, designed for urban use, could sit two passengers. A convertible variant called Eco Speedster was later introduced. Its stylish, jazzy-colored interior hinted at a car that was both fun to drive and to look at. The smart then evolved into the prototype that was showcased during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
The same year, at the Paris Motor Show, Daimler-Benz went even further by incorporating the now-famous tridion safety cell as well as interchangeable body panels.
With the help of Nicolas Hayek, creator of the Swatch watch concept and firm believer in the smart, the German automaker finally went through with the market launch, in 1997.
The car's trademark was its customization potential. A wide selection of materials and fabrics were available, all more flashy and colorful than the other. Just like a Swatch watch, the smart was all about style, fashion and exposure.
The introduction of this tiny two-seater kept designers buzzing with innovative ideas. For instance, a special Firefighter edition was created in 1999, followed by an Executive model.
One year later, smart officially introduced a convertible to complement its fun-loving urban car lineup. But designers didn't stop there: they unveiled the smart translucent study, made of transparent and fluorescent materials.
In 2001, the first right-drive smarts arrived in England and Japan, marking the brand's rapid globalization.
 |
| Here's the car that debuted at the 1996 Paris Motor Show. |