$58k buys you this elderly Smart exotic or a new BMW 5-Series

U.S.-based car dealership Vantage Auto is selling a rare Smart Fortwo Crossblade. The ultra-compact speedster debuted in the distant year 2003 and is in subpar condition, but the seller believes it worth the $58,500 asking price. That’s about as much as an entry-level BMW 5-Series costs in the USA.

The Smart Crossblade (see video) was originally a concept car that the company decided to produce. It is based on the Fortwo roadster chassis, but lacks most of the windshield – there’s only a small visor to keep you from the onrush of wind. A roll bar above the seats substitutes for the roof, and the doors are styled as simple hinged bars. Needless to say, driving the supermini in bad weather is out of the question.

Like all Fortwo models of the era, this one had a tiny 600cc engine. However, it received a decent performance boost from Brabus, going from the standard 60 to 70 metric hp (from 44 to 51 kW). It still needed roughly 17 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph).

Out of the 2000 units produced in total, the one on sale is number 1722. It has 14,500 km (9,000 miles) on the odometer since 2003, which took a toll on its condition. The exterior may look fine, but a closer look reveals peeling paint and undercarriage rust, among other unpleasant defects.