The Smart Crossblade is already legendarily bizarre. Released between June 2002 and December 2003, it stripped away the doors, the roof, and the traditional windshield, replacing them with safety bars and a tiny wind deflector. While official marketing advertised a limited run of 2,000 units, only 1,995 vehicles were ever produced, making any standard Crossblade a rare sight today.
However, hidden within the history of this extreme roadster lies an even rarer, virtually unknown variant: the Smart Crossblade Diamond Edition. Limited to just 40 pieces, this local dealership special edition combined raw automotive eccentricity with high-end luxury jewelry.
The Munich Connection: Smart Meets Juwelier Fridrich
The Diamond Edition was not a global factory release, but rather an ultra-exclusive collaboration between the SMART Center Munich/Augsburg dealerships and the historic Bavarian jeweler Juwelier Fridrich (a prestigious Munich jewelry house established in 1864).
To elevate the Crossblade’s radical lifestyle appeal, each buyer of the 40 limited-edition units received a genuine 0.30-carat diamond complete with an official certificate detailing its weight, color, cut, and clarity.
Luxury Options for the Diamond
The buyer wasn’t just handed a loose gemstone; Juwelier Fridrich offered three custom mounting options tailored to the owner’s personal style:
- A Ring: For a classic touch of luxury behind the wheel.
- A Pendant: To be worn as a necklace.
- A Navel Piercing (Navel Stud): Perfectly matching the rebel, outdoor, body-conscious vibe of driving a doorless, roofless car in the summer heat.
Uncompromising Specs: Built for Fair-Weather Thrills
Mechanically and cosmetically, the Diamond Edition maintained the hardcore, open-air DNA that made the Crossblade an instant collector’s item. Every surface of the vehicle was built to withstand the elements without compromise.
1. Engine and Performance
- Engine: 599 cc SUPREX 3-cylinder turbo engine with intercooler, tuned to produce 52 kW (71 hp) and 108 Nm of torque at 5,470 rpm.
- Transmission: SOFTOUCH automated sequential transmission.
- Top Speed: Electronically limited to 135 km/h (84 mph)—which feels twice as fast given the lack of a windshield!
- Kerb Weight: A featherweight 990 kg.
2. Weatherproof Interior and Exterior Styling
Because the interior is permanently exposed to rain, wind, and sun, Smart engineered specialized materials for the cabin:
- Waterproof Cabin: The instrument panel and seats were upholstered in a special weatherproof, water-resistant synthetic material in a striking “black/red” color combination.
- Protected Controls: The leather steering wheel, gear knob, and integrated audio system (including a waterproof radio) were all sealed against moisture, featuring a waterproof storage compartment in the rear.
- Aggressive Stance: Fitted with 16-inch “Spikeline” alloy wheels wrapped in 195/40 R16 tires up front and wide 215/35 R16 tires at the rear.
Neither a Bike nor a Convertible: “It’s Showtime!”
The original promotional brochure captures the spirit of the car best through its bold marketing hooks:
“A Motorcycle? Too unsafe. A Convertible? Too normal. A Limousine? Too boring! -> It’s showtime! All in one: Crossblade.”
The Smart Crossblade Diamond Edition stands out as one of the most eccentric dealer-commissioned special editions in European automotive history. Merging 71 horsepower of exposed-air driving with a 0.30-carat diamond, it remains the ultimate Holy Grail for Smart collectors worldwide.
