This ‘Shorty’ For Sale Takes a Jibe at the Original Mini
Car & Classic
Subscribe to The Drive’s daily newsletter
Stay updated with the latest car news, reviews, and features.
Today's Minis have become quite large compared to their origins. Fortunately, a classic Mini cruising around town retains the charm of a small car. However, in the event that BMW's Mini decides to create an absurdly oversized modern model, there's the “Shorty,” a genuinely compact Mini that is surprisingly street legal.
The “Shorty” is based on a vintage Mini Cooper and features extensive modifications, including a significantly shortened wheelbase and a lowered roof. As reported by Silodrome, the precise history of this mini Mini is “lost to time,” and there appears to be no established standard for these modifications.
The size of these minimalist Minis can vary depending on personal preference. For instance, there are two-seater classic Coopers that can be found, which might even be smaller than go-karts. Since a classic Mini is the only requirement for the donor vehicle, Shortys might be more common than one would expect. Silodrome points out that the original Mini was produced from 1959 to 2000, when BMW launched its own iteration with a contemporary design and engineering.
Over its four-decade run, more than 5.3 million original Minis were manufactured. The conversion currently listed with Car & Classic is a model from 1978.
Car & Classic
The Leyland Mini was transformed into a Shorty around 12 years ago but had reportedly been stored in a barn for the last ten years. The current owner acquired the lime-green Leyland within the past year. The vehicle has undergone various recent updates, primarily cosmetic in nature. Its bumper, grille, and chrome trim are all new, and the interior has been refreshed with new carpeting and reupholstered seats. A new battery has been installed, and the tires were replaced, likely due to its prolonged inactivity while stored.
Despite the bright color of this Leyland Shorty Mini, any potential divisiveness seems irrelevant considering the vehicle's proportions will certainly attract attention. This vehicle is currently in Northern Ireland and reportedly has only 50,000 miles on the odometer. The listing asks for £5,500 ($7,445), but the seller is open to negotiations.
According to the seller, this particular vehicle is “driving very well,” though it may require a new handbrake cable. The driving experience of this car is intriguing to think about. After all, you're taking a vehicle that originally weighed around 1,500 pounds and significantly reducing its weight. Shedding half the sheet metal could potentially double the fun? At that price, this quirky conversion may turn out to be a source of big, affordable enjoyment.
Other articles
This Ferrari F40 available for sale has been transformed into a race car by a gaming icon.
With an estimated value in the seven figures, the transformed F40 competition racer goes up for auction today.
The used car market has now felt the effects of the pandemic supply crisis.
The semiconductor shortage resulted in a reduction of new cars in 2022 and subsequent years, which has consequently led to a decrease in the number of used cars available today.
Americans Are Holding Onto Their Vehicles Longer Than Ever, and It’s Benefiting the Right Individuals | Carscoops
The aging fleet of vehicles in the US has reached unprecedented levels, presenting challenges for automakers while also creating opportunities for the aftermarket sector.
Ford Recall Frustrates Owners, Leading to Legal Action | Carscoops
Owners claim that by using smaller tires, Ford has decreased the van's ride height and diminished its performance in comparison to the original.
You've Encountered This Supercar Previously, But Not With A Body Like This | Carscoops
Commissioned by an Italian collector, the unique 8C features two of Zagato's most notable design elements.
I Enjoyed Nighttime Driving. Then, a Uncommon Condition Altered Everything.
One night, my eyes encountered a significant issue while I was driving home. Four years later, I am still working to resolve it.
This ‘Shorty’ For Sale Takes a Jibe at the Original Mini
Transforming a classic Mini into a two-seat "Shorty" seems like the ideal recipe for enjoyable small-car fun.