King Midget Kit Using a Smart Fortwo as the Donor Car?

This is a 'just thinking out loud' type of blog. I like to think of 'what ifs' situation. This one involves a not produced King Midget car and the parts of a Smart Fortwo (actually most of the Smart Fortwo and custom panels / extensions that would give the Smart Fortwo the appearance of the Mark 4).

Here is a scan from a magazine that had an article on the King Midget car. There is some information on the scanned page but it is blurry and difficult to read. It is not listed on the International King Midget Owners website. It is also not at the Midget Motors site. I have a feeling that if King Midgets were made after the Mark Three - perhaps the above would have been the Mark Four? - it would have been made? 

There is some history of the King Midget car at the history section of the King Midget Car Club.

The idea of this blog is to see if one could take the parts - mostly everything from a Smart Fortwo - and use them to make a kit car that looks like the Mark Four (a name I gave it since I am unable to read the blurry text part of the scanned image). It would obviously be bigger than the original King Midget which were really small cars. If it was just a matter of changing panels and slight frame adjustments, it could be safe for road use; since the Smart Fortwo is safe for road use. 

Here is the outline for the Smart Fortwo. It is similar to the King Midget in that they are both rear wheel rear engine vehicles. The difference is that the Fortwo has an water cooled engine as opposed to the air cooled one of the KM. The Smart has a three cylinder engine as opposed to the one cylinder the KM has. I believe if one could make a Fortwo looking like a Mark 4, it would be bigger, more comfortable, be safer, and be more highway capable than the Mark 4 (assuming it was ever made and was not limited to just concept drawings). I wonder how many would prefer it - the Smart KM4 (name of the Smart King Midget hybrid design) over the Fortwo since it would be longer, which some would associate with safer. 

I have a feeling that Smart would not be interested in making such a vehicle because they have all those cool concepts that would have increased the appeal of the Smart brand (since they are usually bigger than the Fortwo) but have not gone beyond the concept cars. 

I wonder how many micro cars with rear engine / rear wheel drive could be 'updated' (taking a Smart Fortwo and changing it to look like the older rear wheel / rear engine micro car but making it bigger and safer than the original)? I will post some of these in this blog in the future. It would be similar - in my opinion - to what Fiat did with the newer 500 and what Mini did with the newer Cooper. 

A lot of my ideas will never get off the sketchpad but it is neat to imagine what could be. If I had a lot of resources, they might become reality. Until then, I just like to design and think of the possibilities.

Big Goofy Guy

much improved personal web site.

My Art at Cafe Press

some of my art at my store at the Cafe Press site.

It still needs better photos but most pretty good.

smart electric drive Production plant Hambach

I saw this on YouTube. It is the Smart ED being assembled. I think it is very interesting. I think it is very similar to the gas powered 452 being assembled. 

smart electric drive Production plant Hambach - YouTube link.

the 2016 Smart Fortwo ED. One can see the ED logo on the tridon. 

Drivers of the gas powered Smart Fortwo have been asked if their vehicle was electric. Now they can say yes. I have been asked 'how far does it go on a charge?'. I tell them it is a gas powered vehicle and they look surprised. 

It is odd and funny how some people have asked if the Smart was electric while the driver of the tiny car was at a gas station filling it up with gas. 

I found that the range of the Smart ED is about 124 miles. It seems they improved it. I believe it was a lot less. I think this increase in range would make it more appealing. Being a two seat car with two doors might lessen its appeal. I think the range would also be determined by how fast one drives and the weather conditions (hot or cold days) and how many devices one runs in the car while driving. 

Smart USA Fortwo ED Pure.

Hopefully they will bring an electric version of the Forfour to the US. I think it could have a greater appeal than an electric two seat two door car. It could also carry more too. They decided not to bring the gas version of the Forfour to the US but I am hoping they will bring the electric version of the Forfour here. 

Personally I think a fuel cell powered electric Smart Fortwo would be really cool. It would be faster refueling than it would take to recharge the battery version. One could get a hydrogen station for ones home so one can refuel there. 

I believe Smart had a fuel cell powered Fortwo at one time. I know I saw it online but have yet to find it. It will be a separate post when I do. 

While this isn't the fuel cell one, it is cool and it would be greener if it was powered by a fuel cell. I have seen some really small ones. Intelligent Energy has some small fuel cells (as do other companies but IE is the first to come to mind). IE Automotive. 

This is one of their products. It looks like it could fit into the engine area of a Fortwo (not easy to tell since one can see how big or how small it is with nothing to compare it with - visually). 

 

TomLeeM @ Cafe Press.

BigGoofyGuy

This is How Smart Cars are made: One of Smallest Car in The World

Here is a video that I found on YouTube. It is on how a Smart Fortwo is made; actually assembled. It does not show the whole process but the final assembly. It is of the newer 452 model. 

This is How Smart Cars are made: One of Smallest Car in The World - YouTube (link).

I think that is really cool. It is neat seeing it assembled. It is the 452; the newer model of Fortwo. 

I think it is a mistake that Smart will only sell the electric version of the Fortwo in the US and Canada. The Smart ED does not really have the range that is needed by most Americans. If they could double the range, it would have a great appeal to Americans. 

I know that Smart had a fuel cell version of the Fortwo. I think that would do better than just a battery powered Fortwo. It is faster to refuel and one can have a fuel station at ones house. 

I think it is a mistake that Smart did not sell the Forfour in the US. I think it would have a greater appeal than a two door two seat car. They say the market for this type of vehicle is too crowded. I think it is crowded for a reason; more want a four door / four seat car than a two door / two seat car.

I think Smart should have created a newer roadster and sold it in the US. I think it would have greatly improved the Smart brand name and broaden the model range. It would have shown that Smart is not just economy cars but also sporty. 

Some of this is me letting off steam about what Smart is or isn't doing 

to the American market. It would be nice if they read

this post and took it into consideration. 

TomLeeM aka BigGoofyGuy

(without my glasses).

Big Goofy Guy

like me, a work in progress

TomLeeM - artist - store

my store at Cafe Press that has my art on things.

One Cool Smart Camper Concept

While I don't think this got any farther than the drawings, I think it is one cool camper concept. It is show with a Smart Fortwo; which is why I am showing it here. I think any small car could tow it.

The designs are from a site called Car Body Design. 'TheAutoConnection has revealed some official sketches that preview a possible line of accessories for the new Smart ForTwo, but at the moment there are no production plans.'

It is also shown at the site of Auto Blog.

It appears to be for one person. It looks like it would have a lot of places for a lot things that one would bring on a camping trip.

The same designer has one for cargo - or in this case a motorcycle trailer. It looks like it could be used for not just a motorcycle but also a scooter or similar sized two wheeled vehicle. 

Here is his idea for a boat and trailer. I think it is very clever. Like the Smart Fortwo, the boat looks like it would be seating for two people or one very comfortably. 

The one article indicated is one persons ideas of what could be. The article is dated 2007, the year before the Smart Fortwo was sold in the US. I think it would be nice if someone did actually make them, at least the camper one. It could be sold as a camper that any really small car can tow, not just in the US but also any place that has small cars. 

Big Goofy Guy

a work in progress, like myself. 

TomLeeM art at Cafe Press

my store with my art on items for sale

(also a work in progress).

Zacua - Smart like and a Rival for the Fortwo and Mini Cooper?

I came across a compact electric car that is being (or will be made) in Mexico. The company is called Zacua.  It is the M2 and the M3. From what I have read about it, they are both electric vehicles.

The M2 reminds me of a lengthened Smart Fortwo or of a Mini Cooper roadster.

I think it looks like a lengthened Smart Fortwo. It seems like it would be a Fortwo if Smart decided to make it a two sedan. 

it seems similar to the Mini Cooper roadster but without the roof that looks similar to a helmet. 

I wonder if one could take the engine and transmission from a Fortwo and put it into the M2.  I think it would give the Smart car a greater sense of safety. 

I wonder if Smart could use this design or similar one to it in making the next Fortwo? I think it would or could have a greater appeal to the current model; 451 or 452.  Perhaps with its longer length, Smart could make it a gas battery electric hybrid or a fuel cell battery hybrid. 

The M3 reminds me of a Mini Cooper. I don't have dimensions but I wonder if it is close to the older Mini Cooper or the newer Mini Cooper. 

This seems similar to a Mini Cooper. It could be a less expensive version of the Mini Cooper. It is definitely an electric version of it. 

Here is the newer Mini Cooper. It seems bigger than the M3. It seems to have the same size doors but is longer in length. 

Here is the older Mini Cooper. The size of the M3 seems closer in size to it. The M3 seems to have bigger doors than the original Mini Cooper.

I like their logo. I wonder if one could get on merchandise?

Perhaps they could open a store with a site similar to that of Cafe Press.

Big Goofy Guy

My web site on me

TomLeeM at Cafe Press

my art on things for sale

A SUV Version of the Smart Fortwo?

There is an article at Car Scoops titled 'Smart Fortwo Tries An SUV Suit For Size'. I agree with the article that it may never come to be but I am hoping they make this one. Smart has other concepts that are way cool but never lead to an actually production vehicle.

I think a Smart SUV - like this one - could not only broaden the mode line of Smart but it would appeal to those in colder climates and those who go on roads that not all that great. Since it has a bigger hood and a slightly longer back to it, it would give a greater sense of safety too.

Personally, I think it is like a muscle bound Fortwo that has steroids. In this case, the steroids has produced a really - in my opinion - cool looking sport utility vehicle. I would not mind trading in my current Smart Fortwo (a 2012 black and silver Passion).

On one post about it, they indicate it resembles an AMC Gremlin. I can see the resemblance. Since I really like the AMC Gremlin, this is a good thing. If one does not like the resemblance to the Gremlin, it might be a bad thing.  The site shows it in different colors but I like this one since I like blue. With its bigger tires and wider stance, I think it would do great in off road and / or colder climates. 

One can see some of the Fortwo heritage in the front end of this car. It does look wider than the Fortwo, which could be good since it would make it more stable and less likely to roll over.

While I really like the blue color, the other colors are really nice too. I think it looks great in red.

I think black gives it a sense of mystery.

I think the white one gives it a sense of being owned by Mr Clean.

I am not sure what color this is but it does look nice. It is like a golden color but does not have too much yellow in it. I think it is pretty.

Big Goofy Guy

a site on my and my interests 

(needs to be updated but still good).

TomLeeM - Artist

photos of some of my artwork at the Cafe Press site

(needs better photos of what I have created to make better items for sale).

Lexus SF-A; Smart Fortwo Rival?

While doing a search for Smart Fortwo concepts, I came across this concept from Lexus called the LF-SA.  The article - Lexus LF-SA Concept Might Morph Into Smart Fortwo Rival - is by Between the Axels. The article is dated March 1, 2015. It is very interesting.

The official site for the Lexus LF-SA. There are nice photos and video's at the site.

It is similar to the Fortwo in that it has two doors. The downside of the Fortwo is its length. It seems many don't realize how safe it is because of its short length. Since this is longer, it seems to have a greater perception of safety than the Fortwo has. It does look a lot sportier than the Fortwo. Being longer, it might not have the advantage of being as easy to park as the Fortwo. 

It is different than the Fortwo door since it has a back seat which seats more than two people; the Fortwo is for two people. Seating only two people might be a disadvantage from some but the back seat of the LF-SA does not look very roomy or comfortable. Perhaps it would be better if it was a two seat car like the Fortwo.

I really like the interior. It looks nice but does not seem as roomy as the Fortwo. I have a Fortwo but never seen the LF-SA in real life so I can only compare using photos.

I think it looks really stylish. I am not sure about the large grill but it seems to work with this design. I like the 'smile' on the Fortwo (at least I think it is a smile). I like the two tone (top black bottom silver) look of the LF-SA. I also like the two tone of the Smart too. 

Since Mercedes Benz will not sell the gas powered Fortwo in the US or Canada, I am hoping Lexus builds and sells it in the Canada and the US. I really like the design. I hope it isn't too expensive. If it is too pricey, it could limit sales of such a cool car to those who don't mind paying a lot for such a small vehicle. 

Big Goofy Guy

a site about me - it really needs a lot of work on it.

My Art at Cafe Press.

stuff with my art on it - hoping to get better higher density photos of my art soon so I can put it on my items.

Top Gear - Brabus Smart Roadster v6

Here is an episode of Top Gear where Richard Hammond drives the V6 Brabus version of the Smart Roadster. I think it is way cool. It is now my new dream car. Daily Motion. It is my dream car. If I had the money, I would definitely get one.

It looks cool. Per Top Gear, it performs quite well.

There is no room for stuff and it is expensive but still really high on the cool side. 

It is unfortunate that Smart has decided to only sell the electric Fortwo in the USA and Canada. There are many - from what I have read - Mercedes dealers who will no longer sell Smart cars. The electric Fortwo does not make sense for most of America since it is so big and one needs more range that the ED version is capable of. I am hoping Smart change their minds and not only continue selling the Fortwo in the US and Canada but also the Forfour with the SUV variation. It would be cool if they had and updated roadster that they sell here too. 

Big Goofy Guy

a big fan of Goofy plus

Art by TomLeeM on Stuff

My Cafe Press store

Smart ForTrack?

I came across this and think it is really cool. It is ForTrack. There are drawings and photos at Behance.net. It shows the varied designs that was considered.

It was posted on Smart Car of America forum, it indicated it was a student design. It was taken from the Smart Club Forum. I think it was really well done.

There is a post at Foro Smart Forum. There is a great photo of the ForTrack (posted below).

I think this would be really cool if it was at tack where one can drive them. It would be even cooler to be able to buy one so one can not only drive them on a track but also around on the roads. 

This is the photo from the Foro Smart Forum. I think that looks really nice.

Smart USA

home site of Smart in the USA;

As a note, I think it is dumb for Smart to not sell the Forfour in the US and dumber for Smart to stop selling the gas powered Fortwo after 2017. 

Big Goofy Guy

a guy who is a fan of Goofy who is big

TomLeeM art at Cafe Press

photos of my art on items for sale.

Tow Sport; Smart Camper Trailer?

I read an article at the New Atlas site about the Tow Sport trailer. It is small and compact. It looks like it could be towed by a Smart Fortwo. The photos show how compact the trailer is yet versatile.

The images above are from the New Atlas article. There are way more at the site and I would recommend reading the article.

The Tow Sport web site has more information on it plus accessories. I will be checking it out more. 

Big Goofy Guy

my site on me

TomLeeM - Artist

my art printed on items

R.Q.Riley Trimuter using Smart Car Parts?

I think the Trimuter from R. Q. Riley is really neat. It has a nice design. It might be have some stability problems with a trike design but could be stable depending on the design. It reminds me of a concept design by GM many years ago.

Since the Smart Fortwo is a rear engine rear wheel drive vehicle and since this Trimuter is also a rear engine rear wheel drive design, I wonder if the Smart car can be used as a donor car in making the three wheel vehicle? Since they are plans and not a kit car with parts, perhaps it could be adapted for the Fortwo parts? (just thinking out loud what could be done using a Smart Fortwo).

I like how it opens up. It might not be good when it rains or snows but still cool.

I like the pop up lights. 

I think it opens in a really cool way. 

(photos are from the R. Q. Riley site for the Trimuter).

I doubt any would use a Smart as a donor car for a Trimuter but I think someone could. I like to think of the possibilities. 

R. Q. Riley.

Big Goofy Guy

Cafe Press - TomLeeM

Three Wheel Smart Fortwo?

I was online doing Google searching for something else and came across this three wheel version of the Smart Fortwo. It looks really neat. It is at the Freaking News site. It might be a 'photo shopped' picture but it looks like it could be done.

I am not sure what they would do with the radiator and other items that are in the front but it does seem like something that is doable. I have seen other similar city cars with a trike arrangement. 

Big Goofy Guy

Smart Car of America.

TomLeeM - artist - Cafe Press.

Smart Madness.

Mia Electric Car / Van? Possible Smart vehicle?

There are times I like to imagine what could be. This is one of those times. I think the electric car (van?) from Mia is really nice. It is a shame it is no longer around. This is where my imagination kicks in. I think it could be added to the Smart lineup of vehicles as a Smart ForVan. I think it would - IMO - be a great addition to the Smart lineup. With so many vehicles going electric, I think it would fit in quite well with E.V. trends.

It is very compact in similar manner to the Fortwo.

Electric On Wheels has a nice article on it. They also have some nice photos of it.

The seating is unique. The driver sits in the middle with the passengers being behind. Perhaps this could make it easier to go from a country with right hand drive to countries with left hand drive? 

I think the Auto Car UK has some interesting information on it. 'It’s built in France by a German-backed company' - it sounds similar to the Fortwo; a made in France company backed by a German company. 

One can see the variations of the vehicle. From three seats to four to being a cargo van. Perhaps the cargo van could make local deliveries for flowers, pizza, or other things that are not big and don't require a lot of distance for the vehicle to travel. 

Mia electric car at Wikipedia. This site gives some information on why it is no longer around.

There is a lot of articles on the Mia electric car via Google or Bing.

Big Goofy Guy

a site about a big guy who likes Goofy.

TomLeeM - Cafe Press Store

art on usable items. 

Smart Speedster by Smarpache

I think this is really neat. I think it is very doable. It is a Smart speedster by Smarpache. I think they did a great job in creating it on their computer. I think Smart should take note of this design. I think Smart should visit the Smarpache site for inspirations for future cars. I think broadening their model lineup would be a great boost to their brand name.

I think this makes the Fortwo even more appealing. It seems that Mini and Fiat seem to get the right idea when they broaden their model lineup. I wish Smart would do the same. 

BigGoofyGuy

personal web site of TomLeeM

TomLeeM

store for artist printed items at Cafe Press.

Not So Smart Move by Smart For United States and Canada?

I read that Smart will not be selling the gas powered Fortwo in the United States or Canada after 2017. It seems these two markets will only get the electric powered versions. I think this is not a very smart thing to do. I don't believe the range of the electric Fortwo is all that great when compared to other electric vehicles that is being sold. It might be similar to a couple but newer ones have really great range on a single charge.

I also think it is not very smart of Smart to not bring the Forfour to the United States. I think the Forfour would have a great market appeal than the Fortwo. The Forfour has four door and seats four. Smart indicated the market is too crowded for the Forfour. I think that many in this market segment would indicate that that it would be a bigger appeal for it than the Fortwo. The Fortwo has just two doors for two seats. As a commuter vehicle, it is ideal. I read that most people usually travel to and from work with one (the driver) person and sometimes a passenger.

The Smart Forfour. I am not sure if this is the newer one. There was also supposed to be a 'sport utility vehicle' version of the Forfour. I think the SUV version would be great in snowy colder areas. 

The Smart Fortwo. This is the slightly bigger newer one. 

A possible newer Smart Roadster.

Auto Evolution.

The thread about this on Smart Car Of America. 

CNET.

News JS.

Subcompact Culture. 

Smart Car Of America.

A great resource for all things Smart car

BigGoofyGuy

My personal website.

TomLeeM at Cafe Press

A site of my art on various items.