Carlsson Smart Edition C25: A €50,000 Smart Fortwo Cabrio
German tuner Carlsson created the Smart Edition C25, a €50,000 one-off based on the Smart Fortwo Cabrio, featuring bespoke styling and extensive interior upgrades.
Carlsson is a German tuning company with a reputation for its work on Mercedes-Benz vehicles, often creating unique, high-performance versions with bespoke styling. In 2010, Carlsson applied its expertise to the Smart Fortwo Cabrio, a compact city car produced by Daimler. The result was the Carlsson Smart Edition C25, a one-off project that merged elements from Carlsson’s own C25 supercar with the much smaller Smart platform.
Background: Carlsson and the Smart Fortwo Cabrio
Design and Exterior Features
The Edition C25’s most striking feature was its appearance. Carlsson gave the Smart a bespoke look, painting the body in a combination of grey and black with an orange highlight stripe running along the car. This colour scheme echoed the Carlsson C25 supercar, linking the two models visually despite their very different sizes and purposes.
Carlsson also installed its own LED lighting system, which included new front and rear lights. The car was fitted with a set of unique wheels and tyres, chosen both for their looks and to enhance the car’s stance. The suspension was upgraded with custom springs, lowering the ride height and giving the Edition C25 a sportier, more aggressive profile compared to the standard Smart Fortwo Cabrio. The exhaust system was replaced with a Carlsson-branded unit, further distinguishing the car from its factory counterpart.
Interior Upgrades and Customisation
Inside, the Smart Edition C25 continued its theme of exclusivity. The cabin was reupholstered in a mix of grey and orange, mirroring the exterior and the C25 supercar’s interior. The seats, door panels, and other surfaces featured this custom trim, giving the car a more luxurious and individual atmosphere than the standard model. Carlsson also added bespoke accessories, such as redesigned metal pedals and a new handbrake handle, further setting the Edition C25 apart from any production Smart.
Technical Focus: Handling and Visual Impact
Unlike many tuner cars, the Edition C25 did not receive a major engine upgrade. Instead, Carlsson concentrated on improving the car’s handling and visual appeal. The lowered suspension improved road presence and potentially enhanced cornering, while the unique wheels and tyres contributed to the car’s showpiece status. The new exhaust and LED lighting added to the sense of occasion and exclusivity.
Price and Position in the Market
At €50,000, the Carlsson Smart Edition C25 was several times more expensive than a standard Smart Fortwo Cabrio in 2010. This price reflected the level of customisation and the car’s status as a one-off showpiece rather than any dramatic mechanical transformation. Carlsson’s intent was not to create a mass-market product, but to showcase its ability to transfer high-end design cues and craftsmanship to even the smallest members of the Mercedes-Benz family.
| Model | Approximate Price (2010) |
|---|---|
| Smart Fortwo Cabrio (standard) | €12,000 – €16,000 |
| Carlsson Smart Edition C25 | €50,000 |
Legacy and Rarity
The Smart Edition C25 remains one of the rarest and most distinctive Smart cars ever produced. As a one-off, it was aimed at collectors and enthusiasts interested in unique vehicles with a strong design pedigree. The project demonstrated Carlsson’s willingness to experiment beyond its usual Mercedes-Benz base, applying luxury and supercar-inspired touches to a city car platform.
While it never entered production, the Edition C25 is still remembered as an example of how far personalisation and tuning can go, even with the most compact of vehicles. It stands as a unique chapter in the history of both Smart and Carlsson, and a talking point for those interested in automotive customisation.
Summary of Features
- One-off custom based on Smart Fortwo Cabrio
- Exterior finished in grey, black, and orange
- Custom Carlsson LED lighting and exhaust system
- Lowered suspension with new springs
- Unique wheels and tyres
- Interior trimmed in grey and orange with bespoke accessories
- No major engine upgrades; focus on handling and appearance
