20 Years of smart: Hail to the Pocket Car
Twenty years ago, one of the most unusual production vehicles ever was launched onto the market. Measuring barely over two and a half metres in length, the two-passenger smart fortwo fitted crossways into parking spaces and established a whole new class of its own.
Following its world premiere at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, production began in July 1998, and 20 years on it is apparent that the idea has caught on in a big way, with over 2.2 million smarts sold to date worldwide.
Here is a photo gallery that shows where the smart fortwo took its inspiration from and how it has evolved over the past two decades including its numerous concepts and variants.
Made for two: As early as 1982, the NAFA model presented a practical automotive solution to problems of urban mobility.
Small but stylish: The smart eco sprinter design study from 1993 focused on a compact format with refined appointments.
As bright as the Californian sunshine: The smart eco speedster (1993) prefigured the design concept for the smart cabrio.
A sketch of the original smart.
A car for all seasons: Winter testing of the smart fortwo in 1997.
First generation of the smart fortwo. A tiny legend was born.
First generation of the smart fortwo cabrio. How can you not want to go to the beach?
The smart fortwo looked like no other car on the market... and still does today.
smart crossblade concept
smart crosstown show car
The four-passenger smart forfour: the more passengers, the merrier.
smart forfun concept – looks fun, indeed!
2010 smart fortwo model range, coupe and cabriolet
The first smart fortwo BRABUS models
The first smart fortwo micro hybrid drive
The first smart fortwo electric drive. Today, the entire range of smart is electric.
smart roadster – too bad it didn’t last
2014 smart fortwo: design sketch of the exterior
smart fourjoy: the compact four-seater with electric drive is the forerunner of a new smart generation
2014 smart fortwo: Body panels in midnight blue (metallic), tridion safety cell in white
2016 smart fortwo cabrio
smart fortwo cabrio edition flashlight
smart forstars concept vehicle, fit for Hollywood and SEMA!
smart for-us: a pickup concept made for the U.S. How cool!
The new smart electric drive models
Autonomous concept car smart vision EQ fortwo: Welcome to the future of car sharing.