Paris Van Gorder
Paris Van Gorder Associate editor
8/8/24 11:27 a.m.
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Are Smart cars the next big thing in off-roading? Probably not, but hey, why not try it out?

When you daydream about off-roading, Subaru and Jeep are the usual suspects. But a bold soul decided to shake things up.

Someone transformed this 2007 Smart car into what resembles an off-roader by slapping on a 16-inch lift kit and 33-inch …

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theruleslawyer
theruleslawyer Reader
8/8/24 11:59 a.m.

That looks very tippy...

Coniglio Rampante
Coniglio Rampante Reader
8/8/24 12:06 p.m.

Should handle the switchbacks on Black Bear Pass with ease.  Send it!laugh

einy (Forum Supporter)
einy (Forum Supporter) Dork
8/8/24 12:14 p.m.

I don't hate the thougth of that ... !!

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
8/8/24 12:36 p.m.

Rather surprised this isn’t in Florida. 

Recon1342
Recon1342 UltraDork
8/8/24 12:43 p.m.

You could tip that thing over by leaning on it too aggressively...

RevRico
RevRico GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
8/8/24 12:53 p.m.

There are multiples of those local to me, and I gotta say, they're better done and less tippy looking. They're also running 33" AT tires, not side by side tires, that probably helps the look.

 

I want one bad, just to keep as a toy. Liter bike motor swap, 33s, and send it. 

 

Toyman!
Toyman! GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
8/8/24 12:57 p.m.

I considered doing that to my Samurai. It and a Polaris Ranger are similarly sized. 

20170912_161104_HDR.jpg

DavyZ
DavyZ Reader
8/8/24 1:22 p.m.

That's the best thing to happen to that car or any Smart car for that matter.

1988RedT2
1988RedT2 MegaDork
8/8/24 3:04 p.m.

It really doesn't look any more ridiculous than a regular "Smart" car.  Short wheelbase like the Daihatsu Rocky.  I mean, why the heck not?

Edit:  Okay, I watched the video in the article.  It does look more ridiculous than a regular "Smart" car, but only a little.

Edit Edit:  Who knew there was more than one Daihatsu Rocky?  I was referring to the original F70 variant, which was the only one I knew existed.

Rons
Rons GRM+ Memberand Dork
8/8/24 3:12 p.m.
MadScientistMatt
MadScientistMatt UltimaDork
8/8/24 3:13 p.m.

Looks more like someone put a Smart car body on a UTV chassis.

llysgennad
llysgennad HalfDork
8/8/24 3:18 p.m.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
8/8/24 3:48 p.m.
Colin Wood
Colin Wood Associate Editor
8/8/24 3:53 p.m.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

If you thought bringing a Subaru up the mountain would make the Jeep people mad, just wait until you bring that up the mountain.

vwcorvette (Forum Supporter)
vwcorvette (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
8/8/24 7:07 p.m.

If the roads around here get any worse I'm getting or building one. Should never let the last one go.

Oapfu
Oapfu GRM+ Memberand Reader
8/9/24 1:17 p.m.
MadScientistMatt said:

Looks more like someone put a Smart car body on a UTV chassis.

I think that's what they did with the one built for Dakar back in 2013-ish.  The video of the one on for sale on FBM sounds like an ATV.

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/can-we-please-stop-hotlinking-pics/20411/page3189/#post2088805

grover
grover GRM+ Memberand Dork
8/9/24 1:49 p.m.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

Dude, that thing is awesome! Modern dune buggy. 

grover
grover GRM+ Memberand Dork
8/9/24 1:49 p.m.

Smart Cars are popping up at drag strips as a replacement for 4wheelers to tow cars out to the track, seems like a pretty good application to me.  

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
8/9/24 2:43 p.m.
Colin Wood said:

In reply to David S. Wallens :

If you thought bringing a Subaru up the mountain would make the Jeep people mad, just wait until you bring that up the mountain.

We should do that.

Although after my SxS incident, maybe not. :) 

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