This Letter proposes a simple electromagnetic torque based model reference adaptive system (MRAS) speed estimator for sensorless surface mount permanent magnet synchronous motor (SMPMSM) drive. The proposed estimator is formed using instantaneous measured and estimated electromagnetic torque. The proposed estimator is implemented for 1.5 kW laboratory prototype SMPMSM drive using field programmable gate array ALTERA cyclone II. Experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed scheme under different test conditions viz. different low-speed regions and standstill at different load conditions with uncertainty in machine parameters. Results show that the estimator is stable in low-speed regions and exhibits robustness against uncertainties in machine parameters. © The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2019