2012 SMART Brabus Ultimate 120

Like many a Mercedes-Benz before it the Smart Fortwo was selected for the full Brabus treatment for the first time in 2002 with the addition of unfeasibly chunky wheels and a bit of extra turbo boost. Things got serious in 2012, however, when Brabus produced the Smart Ultimate 120. Now producing 120PS and limited to a run of just 120 units, the Ultimate 120 was just that – the pinnacle of Smart evolution to that point. Nicolas Hayek had died of a heart attack in his office at Swatch a couple of years earlier, so he was never able to pass judgement on the Ultimate 120. One suspects he would have liked it.

This example is really the ultimate... Ultimate 120. Attributed as number 1 of the strictly limited run and originally owned and specified, neigh designed in places, by one Simon Cowell of general entertainment mogul fame. Seemingly the perfect city transport for a discerning and diminutive producer-about-town, the Ultimate 120 has had the Brabus parts book figuratively thrown at it, as we shall hear. It is also confirmed as one of just three right hand drive examples produced, rendering it as a ready-made collectors’ grade rarity.

This unique example is now in the ownership of another Simon, having acquired it in July 2015 to become the Ultimate’s fifth owner. Having done around 6,700 miles at that point, Simon has added just under 9,000 miles to that total in the last 9 years. Offered today with a full service history, immaculate presentation and that all important celebrity provenance, this Ultimate 120 surely deserves the Golden Buzzer treatment.

The Smart Brabus Ultimate 120 is based on the Cabriolet version of the second generation, or 451 series, Smart Fortwo. Already a chunky car the numerous Brabus additions further emphasise the rugged, boxiness of this archetypal city car. Presented in gleaming Deep Black metallic paintwork it is probably the sublime alloy wheels that first arrest one’s attention. The 18-inch Monoblock F Brabus wheels are a delight to behold. Filling the arches to almost overflowing, these forged alloy gems are multi-spoke, deeply embossed with the Brabus emblem and specially tagged as “Platinum Edition” items. They exhibit a matt, titanium finish and a delightfully deeply dished design.

The extremities of these, and their ultra low-profile Toyo tyres, are contained within a Brabus Widestar body kit complete with appropriately flared arches, side skirts, deep front spoiler, rear diffuser and roofline spoiler. A centrally placed twin tailpipe exhaust further graces the rear diffuser. The landau style cabriolet hood offers up three easily achieved configurations; tightly closed to insulate occupants from the prevailing conditions; half open when the fabric folds back to the B-pillar leaving the rear window and fabric surround in place, and fully open when everything concertinas, pram-like down to the rear scuttle level. The condition appears A-list appropriate and in keeping with the Ultimate 120’s 15,500 miles to date.

The cosy cabin of this Ultimate 120 is a veritable sea of black Mastik leather with matching stitching and piping and swathes of complementary Alcantara fabric. The high backed seats are horizontally box pleated for additional support and comfort. They are two stage heated to keep the chill off celebrity bottoms in winter. A leather and Alcantara Brabus steering wheel is present complete with gear change paddles. Even the quirky gauge set is Brabus branded, consisting of the half-moon speedometer and the dash top mounted tachometer and clock.

Other key highlights are the gloss back accent panels, original Brabus mats, Alpine LCD head unit combining audio and satellite navigation and Pioneer, slimline under carpet subwoofer. There are also Morel Elate 3 -Way Limited Edition speakers and a Hertz HDP 5 D class Five Channel amplifier. The all-important Brabus 1/120 embossed and enamelled special edition plate takes pride of place on the Alcantara covered glovebox lid. Illuminated Brabus sill protectors are fitted and the Brabus name further graces the chunky leather handbrake lever as well as the big “B” appearing on the gear selector knob and steering wheel boss. You are never likely to forget this Smart Fortwo’s Brabus connection!

The boot is surprisingly practical in both shape and size given this car’s dimensions and cabriolet configuration. A sensible drop down lid gives off a mini Range Rover vibe as well as providing somewhere to rest your gold disks whilst you load them.

In the Ultimate 120 the Fortwo’s three cylinder, 999cc Mitsubishi derived 3B2 engine is turbocharged and boosted to an impressive 120PS or 118bhp. A useful 160 NM of torque are also available with both push and twist delivered via a five speed automated manual transmission. Modest figures by some standards but with a kerb weight of well under 1,000 kg, a 0-60 mph time around the mid eight second mark is achievable. Top speed is electronically limited to 106 mph for those drivers who aren’t biologically limited by the abject fear of travelling in a Smart car that is doing over the ton….whilst weighing less than a tonne...

Even that little power plant buried away beneath the boot floor doesn’t escape the Brabus name drop. A handsome looking, heavily Brabus embossed alloy cam cover is fitted and presented in red crackle finish paint. The underside of the Ultimate 120 looks well preserved and affords a glimpse of the special Brabus coil over suspension set up. Even the visible elements of the brakes look appropriately trick. Vented disks and red finished callipers are the order of the day, here.

With a birth name like Ultimate and such esteemed provenance it is only appropriate that this car’s documentation is top notch, too. The current V5 registration document and advisory free MoT are both present in hard copy. The latter is valid until July 2025.

Other highlights include the original book pack together with Ultimate 120 sales brochure. The service book documents full services at 8,875 and 13,163 miles and a further eight main dealer oil and filter changes with the most recent in November of this year. Numerous accompanying invoices provide the detail behind the stamps and there are plenty of earlier MoT hard copies on hand also. It is reassuring to note that this Smart has never had an advisory across its whole MoT history to date

The Smart Fortwo was undoubtably a revolutionary car when it debuted in 1998. It successfully redefined the city car segment and injected some much needed verve and character at the same time. Unlike, for example, the Mitsubishi Charisma this car’s “Ultimate” moniker is richly deserved. Transformed in a way that only Brabus can legitimately pull off, this is a remarkable car. In tribute to its first owner, we can honestly report that we don’t like it…………we love it!

Being 1 of 120 special editions is a great start for any collectable car, let’s face it. Stir the Brabus name into the mix, add that this is one of just three right hand drive models and confirm that Simon Cowell ordered and specified it, and it is hard to imagine a more desirable Smart car. We’ve tried and we can’t.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £17,000 - £22,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.