Smart house -- not a dealership, but a concept

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Hollywood used the Smart car for a gag in Steve Martin’s ‘Pink Panther’ last year. It has also been seen in myriad other films, including ‘Legally Blonde 2’ and ‘The Da Vinci Code.’ But the last laugh may be Smart’s: Following the lead of such early adopters as the environmentally conscious George Clooney, about 30,000 serious potential buyers are reportedly in line.

This quirky little two-seater may be the future, what with a price starting at less than $12,000, comfort for drivers well over 6 feet and that key intangible: It’s a car that’s, well, just fun to drive. For those wanting to make a new statement about using less, this is an obvious way to make it.

The car’s marketers are living up to the name -- witness the Smart House. The Smart House (in the lifestyle legacy of the Esquire House) is aimed at the design-minded, forward-thinking buyer.

You may not know it, but you will be wanting a smaller car next time out. With gasoline in L.A. nudging the $4-a-gallon mark, it’s pretty much a sure thing. And the oh-so-cutting-edge and eco-friendly Smart House is the first step to convey the message to those savvy hipsters who will set the trend. Are you ready to get Smart?

-- Josh Hancock