A development of Smart’s innovative City Coupé, the Crossblade roadster targeted an exclusive clientele who attached great importance to personal freedom and independence but valued style above all else. Not a car for the shy or retiring, the Crossblade found favour with confident, larger-than-life customers, among them singer Robbie Williams, owner of the first car sold. The radical Crossblade first surfaced as a concept car at the 2001 Geneva Salon and launched as a limited edition model 12 months later. Robbie Williams’ association with the brand began in December 2001, and the international superstar took delivery of his specially requested chassis number ‘008’ (the car offered here) at the official launch in Hamburg in April 2002, even though he did not possess a driving licence at the time! ‘Wow, I just love this car. It’s innovative and unconventional, the two main qualities I look for in new projects,’ the singer enthused. The first Crossblade produced (chassis number ‘001’) was auctioned by the manufacturer, raising over 51,000 euros (approximately £35,000) on behalf of Robbie’s charity, ‘Give It Sum’, which helps disadvantaged communities. The open two-seater Crossblade is constructed around a reinforced ‘safety cell’ complete with integral roll bar. Instead of doors there are sturdy steel safety bars, which must be secured in order for the engine to start. Qualifying for reduced road tax, the 600cc Suprex Turbo motor delivers its maximum power of 70bhp via a six-speed semi-automatic transmission. Top speed is a (restricted) 84mph. Although intended only as occasional ‘fun’ transportation, the Crossblade boasts a specification comparable with many a full-size luxury car, incorporating ABS; electronic traction and stability control; dual airbags; seatbelt tensioners; rear fog lights; 3-spoke aluminium wheels; remote central locking; immobiliser; and a 6-CD, 4-speaker stereo system as standard. Roofless, door-less and only made in left-hand drive form, the £16,000 Crossblade found few buyers in the UK, which is not surprising given this country’s often inhospitable weather. Only 2,000 consecutively numbered examples were made during 2002/2003, and the exclusive Crossblade can only become increasingly collectible. Presented in ‘A1’ condition throughout, this example has covered a mere 114 miles from new and comes complete with its original sunglasses, an essential accessory for a car with no windscreen. Taxed for the road and freshly serviced by Smart, the car comes with warranty card, instruction manual, service booklet and spare keys, while Robbie Williams’ name is recorded in the accompanying signed Swansea V5 document as its keeper from new. A unique opportunity to acquire an exclusive model made even more desirable by its association with one of the highest-profile entertainers of the day.
A development of Smart’s innovative City Coupé, the Crossblade roadster targeted an exclusive clientele who attached great importance to personal freedom and independence but valued style above all else. Not a car for the shy or retiring, the Crossblade found favour with confident, larger-than-life customers, among them singer Robbie Williams, owner of the first car sold. The radical Crossblade first surfaced as a concept car at the 2001 Geneva Salon and launched as a limited edition model 12 months later. Robbie Williams’ association with the brand began in December 2001, and the international superstar took delivery of his specially requested chassis number ‘008’ (the car offered here) at the official launch in Hamburg in April 2002, even though he did not possess a driving licence at the time! ‘Wow, I just love this car. It’s innovative and unconventional, the two main qualities I look for in new projects,’ the singer enthused. The first Crossblade produced (chassis number ‘001’) was auctioned by the manufacturer, raising over 51,000 euros (approximately £35,000) on behalf of Robbie’s charity, ‘Give It Sum’, which helps disadvantaged communities. The open two-seater Crossblade is constructed around a reinforced ‘safety cell’ complete with integral roll bar. Instead of doors there are sturdy steel safety bars, which must be secured in order for the engine to start. Qualifying for reduced road tax, the 600cc Suprex Turbo motor delivers its maximum power of 70bhp via a six-speed semi-automatic transmission. Top speed is a (restricted) 84mph. Although intended only as occasional ‘fun’ transportation, the Crossblade boasts a specification comparable with many a full-size luxury car, incorporating ABS; electronic traction and stability control; dual airbags; seatbelt tensioners; rear fog lights; 3-spoke aluminium wheels; remote central locking; immobiliser; and a 6-CD, 4-speaker stereo system as standard. Roofless, door-less and only made in left-hand drive form, the £16,000 Crossblade found few buyers in the UK, which is not surprising given this country’s often inhospitable weather. Only 2,000 consecutively numbered examples were made during 2002/2003, and the exclusive Crossblade can only become increasingly collectible. Presented in ‘A1’ condition throughout, this example has covered a mere 114 miles from new and comes complete with its original sunglasses, an essential accessory for a car with no windscreen. Taxed for the road and freshly serviced by Smart, the car comes with warranty card, instruction manual, service booklet and spare keys, while Robbie Williams’ name is recorded in the accompanying signed Swansea V5 document as its keeper from new. A unique opportunity to acquire an exclusive model made even more desirable by its association with one of the highest-profile entertainers of the day.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
