News

You could buy Simon Cowell’s modified Brabus Smart car

Here’s your opportunity to own a Smart Fortwo that was modified for music executive, TV star and all-round celebrity, Simon Cowell. 

Only three examples of the Brabus Smart Ultimate 120 were made in right-hand drive, so this was a rare city car to start with. 

However, being specified and owned by one of the biggest pop music influencers of the 21st century propels this diminutive Brabus towards superstar status. 

Brabus has got talent

Brabus has spent a lifetime tuning and enhancing Mercedes-Benz models, so it was only a matter of time before a Smart went under the knife. 

Although the German company began enhancing Smart cars in 2002, it ramped things up with the Ultimate 120 in 2012. Brabus built 120 examples, and Cowell’s car is number one from the production run. 

Based on the open-top Cabriolet version of the Smart Fortwo, Brabus threw the kitchen sink at the Ultimate 120 when it came to modifications.

Finished in Deep Black metallic, a Brabus Widestar body kit stretches the Smart to almost comedic proportions. 

Giving Smart the X Factor

The Fortwo rides on a set of 18-inch Brabus Monoblock F alloy wheels. Filling the already stretched wheel arches, a matt titanium finish and low-profile Toyo tyres help them to stand out.

More Brabus exterior modifications include a deeper front splitter, rear diffuser and large side skirts. A roof spoiler and twin-exit exhaust are further highlights of the Ultimate 120 package.

Brabus also turned its attention to the turbocharged 1.0-litre engine, tuning it to deliver 120hp and 118lb ft of torque. Combined with a five-speed automated manual transmission, the Ultimate 120 can accelerate from 0-62mph in around eight seconds. Top speed is limited to 106mph.

Coilover suspension and upgraded brakes with red-painted calipers boost the car’s handling and stopping ability, too.

Back in black

On the inside, Brabus treated the Ultimate 120 to a healthy dose of black Mastic leather upholstery. Black Alcantara covers the dashboard, while a combination of leather and Alcantara wraps the Brabus steering wheel.

The main instrument panel is updated with Brabus-branded gauges, along with the dash-mounted tachometer and clock.

As might be expected from a music fan, there is an Alpine LCD head unit that also incorporates the satellite navigation system. A Pioneer subwoofer is fitted beneath the carpet, along with More Elate three-way speakers and Hertz HDP 5 D class five-channel amplifier. 

All this is capped by limited edition plaque on the dashboard, along with Brabus floor mats and plenty of Brabus badges.

A real Little Mix

The Brabus has had four owners since Simon Cowell used it to commute around London, with a total of just under 15,500 miles now recorded on its odometer.

There is plenty of service history included with the car, along with the original handbook and Brabus brochure. 

Bonhams has given the Smart an estimated sale price of between £17,000 and £22,000. Online bidding is open until 11 December, leaving time to select your very own miniature pop idol.

ALSO READ:

2001 Smart City Coupe review: Retro Road Test

Smart #3 2024 review

Smart #1 2023 review

John Redfern

Share
Published by
John Redfern

Recent Posts

1975 Audi 80 GT review: Retro Road Test

A sporting saloon and forerunner to the Golf GTI, the Audi 80 GT is a…

53 mins ago

2001 Audi RS4 (B5) review: Retro Road Test

The original B5 Audi RS4 Avant is a practical family estate and a surprisingly specialist…

2 weeks ago

Big cat hunting: Classic Jaguars up for auction in December

The Classic Sale at the Warwickshire Events Centre features an array of sporting Jaguar models…

2 weeks ago

1995 Ford Mondeo Mk1 review: Retro Road Test

A true 'world car', the Mondeo changed Ford for the better – and became familiar…

3 weeks ago

Ultra-rare MG XPower SV-R supercar is up for sale

One of only 42 examples built, this V8-engined MG XPower SV-R is a true piece…

4 weeks ago

Rover Mini Cooper Sport review: Retro Road Test

We get a nostalgic reminder of the back-to-basics brilliance of the classic Mini, driven here…

1 month ago

This website uses cookies.