2009 Smart Fortwo Brabus Cabriolet

Hey, talk about German cars that we never feature? The Smart is up there! From its phone-booth-on-wheels styling to the 1.0-liter 3-pot developed by Mitsubishi and linked to a 5-speed semi-automated gearbox (both introduced for the second generation); well, it’s an unusual car. Making things even more odd, German tuner Brabus threw their hat into the ring and turned up the power for the second generation – slightly – to just over 100 on the turbocharged variant. However, we didn’t get that here. So what did we get from the Brabus version? They also gave it some pretty cool double-staggered wheels, a sport suspension, a sport exhaust system, retuned shifting for the Getrag semi-automatic, and lightly revised styling. They were only available in silver or black, and they were not cheap. Out the door, the drop-top version would set you back over $21,000 plus fees. So what does one of these crazy A451s set you back today?

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2009 Smart Fortwo Brabus Cabriolet on eBay

Year: 2009
Model: Fortwo Brabus Cabriolet
VIN: WMEEK31X59K223294
Engine: 1.0 liter inline-3
Transmission: 5-speed semi-automatic
Mileage: 36,000 mi
Location: North Hollywood, California
Price: $10,950 Buy It Now

Exterior Features

15″ front & 17″ rear Brabus Monoblock VII alloy wheels
Automatic pwr convertible top w/glass rear window
Brabus color-keyed front/side/rear skirts
Brabus fuel door applique
Color-keyed heated pwr mirrors
P175/55R15 front & P215/35R17 rear tires
Projector beam halogen headlights
Speed-dependent interval wiper w/wash function

Interior Features

12V pwr outlet w/cover
3-spoke leather steering wheel w/paddle shifters
Additional instruments -inc: clock, revolution counter
Automatic temp control air conditioning -inc: dust/pollen filter
Brabus aluminum sport pedals w/rubber surface
Brabus velour floor mats
Coin holder
Dome light
Heated leather front bucket seats -inc: flat folding passenger seat, passenger backrest adjustment
Instrument cluster -inc: multifunctional display, fuel, coolant, service interval, trip mileage, clock
Leather shift knob
Lockable glove box
Outside temp display
Pwr central lock system w/autolock
Pwr windows w/one-touch lower
Rear window defroster
Remote keyless entry w/panic button
Storage areas -inc: door panels, beside steering wheel
Visors w/passenger side mirror

Mechanical Features

1.0L MPFI 12-valve I3 engine
5-speed manual transmission w/automatic mode
Black tridion safety cell
Brabus sport exhaust
Brabus sport suspension
Electronic pwr steering
Front lower wishbone McPherson strut suspension w/anti-roll
Pwr hydraulic front disc/rear drum brakes
Rack & pinion steering
Rear DeDion axle w/coil springs
Rear wheel drive
Tire repair kit

Safety Features

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) w/electronic brake-force distribution
Front full-size airbags w/seat weight detection
Front side airbags
Front side curtain airbags
Seat belts w/belt tensioner, belt-force limiter
Tire pressure control system
Top tether for child restraint system

Entertainment Features

AM/FM stereo w/6-disc CD/MP3 changer -inc: (2)

Okay, I’ll be the first to admit it – and no, I haven’t been hitting the Christmas ‘nog this morning; with the Brabus tweaks, I think these look neat. The wheels in particular are slick, and the exhaust and body kit make the “car” look a lot more purposeful. Would I drive one? To the beach? Sure. In traffic? No. I already feel pretty vulnerable driving a small BMW in traffic; I’m literally looking out my window at the tire line of most SUVs. But this thing? Can you imagine what getting hit by a full-size truck would do? And since they couldn’t see you, they’d undoubtedly just drive over you. But, maybe if you live in a beach town and want a fun and efficient runabout to head to the local Starbucks or get your ready-made Margherita mix? Well, there aren’t many cheaper convertibles.

-Carter