Mercedes NAFA (1981): The father of the A-Class and Smart

Internally, the mobile telephone box was also known as the "Vesperwägele"

Mercedes NAFA Concept (1981)

Photo by: Mercedes-Benz

By: Alberto Carmone

Published by: Brian Potter

Jan 25, 2025 at 2:18am ET

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Mercedes' first and soon to be infamous small car was first introduced in 1997 - the A-Class. The first Smart Fortwo followed soon after. However, the first test in this segment took place in 1981.

That summer, a concept called NAFA (an acronym for "Nahverkehrsfahrzeug", or "local transport vehicle") was presented. The idea was to combine urban dimensions with the typical Mercedes style and sophistication. Well, you can decide for yourself whether it succeeded.

Gallery: Mercedes NAFA Concept (1982)

Mercedes NAFA Concept (1982)

Source: Mercedes-Benz

A revolutionary design

With a length of just 2.50 metres and a width of 1.50 metres, the NAFA immediately catches the eye with its compact and unusual proportions - strongly reminiscent of a first-generation Smart.

The design study conceived by Bruno Sacco (who previously designed the legendary W126 and later the A-Class) reflects the minimalist and functional styling of the 1980s: angular lines, a windscreen inclined at 45 degrees, large glass surfaces and a completely vertical rear window.

Mercedes NAFA Concept (1982)

Photos by: Mercedes-Benz

Despite its small size, the interior offers a surprising amount of comfort for two occupants. Sliding doors also ensure easy access in the tightest parking spaces.

Front-wheel drive for the first time

In addition to its particularly extravagant appearance, the NAFA is the first Mercedes with front-wheel drive. And that's not all. Its most impressive feature is the all-wheel steering, which enables a turning radius of just 5.7 metres and thus ensures exceptional manoeuvrability in the tightest of spaces.

Mercedes NAFA Concept (1982)

Photos by: Mercedes-Benz

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The engine, on the other hand, is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder with 40 PS, which fits under the short bonnet at the front and is perfectly adequate for urban journeys and the presumably rather low weight.

Unfortunately, the NAFA was not followed by a production model, but it is clear that both the future A-Class and the Smart were modelled on its concept. The latter was launched in 1998 and achieved immediate success throughout Europe with the revolutionary Fortwo.

More forgotten concept cars:

Forgotten prototypes: Mercedes-Benz Auto 2000 from 1981

Have you ever seen a Fiat 126 like this? Here's the story

Ford Gyron: The UFO on wheels that imagined the future

Citroën C10: The ancestor of MPVs

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