Kimber’s Smart Roadster

Kimber’s new Smart Roadster is planned to remain similar to the Smart original with only minor changes. Front and tail ends are planned to be restyled by no other than former Jaguar designer Keith Helfet, thus giving the car a fresh look and distinguishing it from the Smart-built Mk 1.

On the technical side the roadster is planned to use the latest 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Mitsubishi engine, which will come in normally-aspirated as well as in turbocharged form. It is also planned to receive a Getrag-supplied manual gearbox to replace the original Smart clutchless transmission.

There have been various rumours as to the name this roadster will appear under. The latest stories suggest that in search of an appropriate British name, Kimber is planning a deal with Alan Lubitsky, the owner of AC Cars, to use that name. Production is planned to begin next summer at Kimber’s new base in Wales.
The aim is to build 7000 roadsters in the first year, then go up to 11000 once properly up and running.