Today’s car is the 1962 Mini Cooper Shorty Convertible owned by Mike Quagletti, that I photographed at the Manhattan Beach Cars & Coffee located at The Point, in El Segundo, CA. The car is finished in what appears to be Surf Blue, an original BMC color, with a white interior. It is powered by a 1275cc inline, OHV, four cylinder engine with twin SU carburetors mated to a 4-speed transaxle with 3.77:1 final gear ratio. Slowing this baby down are front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
If it was in its original state this 1962 Mini’s independent suspension would have had rubber cones and shock absorbers, due to the lack of availability the rubber cones in this shorty’s suspension have been converted to coil springs.
There is no telling on how many shorties have been built since each one is a unique custom built car. This one was built as a shorty custom convertible. The original body was shortened 3 feet, the doors were removed and the bodywork seems smooth and seamless. The wheel arch flares, wide John Brown Wheels with 175/50 R13 tires give it an aggressive stance, but this car’s charming appearance is what turns heads and puts smiles on peoples faces including Mike’s😎!
This Shorty is a great car to take to British and local car shows, Cars and Coffee events, an occasional parade or just a cruising around town putting smiles on peoples faces. Thank you for riding along. Frank
