The 2009 Smart Fortwo Cabriolet, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, stands out among rare supercars and classic vehicles as a symbol of practical urban mobility and personal automotive storytelling. Manufactured by the Smart division of Mercedes-Benz, the Fortwo was first introduced in 1998 as a revolutionary city car designed for efficiency and maneuverability in crowded urban environments.
This second-generation W451 model continued the tradition with a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and an ultra-compact one-box design. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rated it as the most fuel-efficient two-seater in its class for the 2008 model year, achieving up to 41 mpg on the highway. By 2015, more than 1.7 million Fortwos had been produced and sold in over 46 countries, developing a cult following for their efficiency, European design, and surprising drivability.
Museum founder Ron Sturgeon purchased this particular Smart car new after his divorce, seeking something fun and different that wouldn't create the wrong impression. "I always said, 'If you pick up a new girl for a blind date in a Ferrari, you'll never know if she really loves you,'" Sturgeon explained, highlighting the vehicle's role in personal narrative rather than pure performance.
The Smart Fortwo's presence in a museum collection alongside more traditionally valuable vehicles signals a shift in how automotive history is being documented and valued. While lacking a V12 engine or racing pedigree, the car offers insight into the evolution of modern mobility solutions and the stories vehicles continue to tell about their owners and the eras in which they were driven.
For business and technology leaders, the Smart Fortwo's story represents several important trends in transportation and consumer behavior. The vehicle's success across 46 countries demonstrates the global market for efficient urban transportation solutions, while its cult following shows how practical vehicles can develop passionate user communities. The museum's approach to collecting—valuing personal stories alongside technical specifications—reflects changing attitudes toward what constitutes automotive heritage.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, Texas, houses this collection in a 150,000-square-foot facility with free parking and admission. Visitors can explore the museum Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with additional information available at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This particular vehicle's inclusion in a serious automotive collection suggests that future transportation innovation may be evaluated not just by technical specifications, but by the social and personal contexts in which vehicles are used. As urban centers continue to grow and environmental concerns shape transportation policy, the Smart Fortwo's legacy as an efficient, maneuverable city car takes on renewed relevance for planners, manufacturers, and consumers alike.
