Not the first Mini shorty we've seen - right behind Beetles, Minis were probably the car most often selected for shorty-izing - this 1977 Austin Mini for sale on Hemmings.com is certainly one of the cleanest, having recently undergone a full restoration. If the seller swaps in that 1,275cc engine like he's threatened, then it could very well be one of the fastest, too. From the seller's description:
Car was stripped, taken apart, and every issue was addressed before putting it back together and spraying it with a beautiful dark blue very metalflakey paint (looks like the stock blue in the shade, but when the sun hits it, it sparkles - the picture of the windshield shows it well, although it looks much better in person).Many upgrades have been done, including a new dual exhaust (not pictured), new exhaust and intake manifolds, new electronic ignition, new front disc brake conversion (this car can do brakestands!), new rear brakes (complete), new adjustable suspension, new dash and instruments, new grille, new lights (all of them), new windshield and back glass (with extremely rare rear defog delete), new gas tank, new uprated alternator, and much much more. 2 sets of wheels (white powder-coated 12" Minilites, and silver/chrome 12" Ultralites) with Yokohama tires. Carb has been completely taken apart and rebuilt. Most engine and transmission gaskets have been replaced.
998cc A-plus engine pulls well, although if I don't sell it before I put it away for the winter I will be upgrading to a 1,275cc (and the price will go up accordingly).
This car drives fantastically, and is a blast. It holds the road like nothing I've ever driven, and corners better than a Porsche. I'm 6'6", and admittedly I'm a bit too tall to be fully comfortable, but I've done 200+ mile trips with it without trouble - however, someone under say 6'2" will be more comfortable. The car was road-legal in Florida before I bought it, and it went through both a regular inspection and an engineering inspection (because it's a modified vehicle) when I imported it into Canada, both of which it passed.
The modification took 2-1/2 feet out of the middle of the car, as well as the doors and roof. The structure has been strengthened on the sides and floor, and it's just as rigid (if not more so) than a full Mini. There is a little canvas roof that fits on the top.
This. Car. Turns. Heads. If you don't like constant attention, if you don't like putting smiles on everyone that happens to see you, if you don't like being asked questions at every light, then this is not the car for you.
1977 Austin Mini
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Photo: Grant Cox
Photo: Grant Cox
Time, however, is a relentless tide. As the years slipped by, the Meteor eventually found a new temporary home with a friend in need, with Tim parting from it under the promise of its eventual return - a promise that, like many whispered through the winds of youth, faded into obscurity.
Fast forward to 2007, and Tim’s life had taken a form he had always dreamed of. Now the proud owner of Devlin Rod and Customs, a sanctuary for classic car restoration, the memory of his first Mercury Meteor lingered in his mind like a sweet melody. It was then, amid a late-night browse on eBay, that Tim stumbled upon a 1962 Meteor S-33. This wasn’t just any Meteor; it was a two-door model with bucket seats, a robust V-8 engine, and that all-important factory air conditioning. A wave of nostalgia swept over him, and soon enough, he was the highest bidder.
Photo: Grant CoX
This Meteor was not just a car; it was a canvas, and Tim was ready to create a masterpiece. In 2013, with his shop experiencing a lull in customer projects, Tim decided it was time to breathe new life into his newly acquired classic. He and his team poured their hearts and skills into the restoration, facing the arduous task of hunting down elusive factory parts to bring the car back to its original glory. The project stretched over one and a half years, but the result was nothing short of spectacular.
The original V-8 engine was carefully removed and sent to United Engines, a trusted local shop, for a thorough refresh. This downtime allowed Tim's team to deep-clean the car's suspension and frame, removing years of accumulated grime. The suspension was modified to give the car a sleeker profile while lowering it by two inches. The brake system was upgraded with high-performance components, ensuring that the car would not only look good but also handle smoothly and safely.
Photo: Grant Cox
Externally, the Meteor underwent a meticulous facelift. Gaps were tightened, and the body was prepped meticulously before Ryan James, the shop's talented painter, applied a fresh coat of Oxford Blue Metallic, complemented by a Ford White Code-E on the roof. A custom lace design on the roof added a unique touch, setting Tim's Meteor apart from any other.
Inside, Scott Down from Downey’s Auto Upholstery worked his magic, fitting the car with beautifully contrasting light and dark blue vinyl seat covers and replacing the worn-out original carpet with a plush new dark blue loop style.
Photo: Grant Cox
Spring of 2016 marked a new chapter in Tim's journey with the Meteor. With his son Sam, then a curious, wide-eyed 3-year-old, Tim headed to the GoodGuys car show in Fort Worth, Texas. The car, a mirror to the past, now restored to its full glory, was not just a showpiece but a testament to Tim’s dedication and love for classic cars. It was here that the Meteor, a reflection of Tim's craftsmanship and vision, stole the show and earned the "Steel the Show" award.
That day, as Tim looked over at Sam, whose joy mirrored his own, he realized that the journey with the Meteor was more than just about winning or recognition. It was about legacy, about sharing his passion with the next generation, and about rekindling the memories of a youth spent behind the wheel of a Mercury Meteor, which, like Tim, had traveled through time only to shine brighter than ever before.
Gallery - 1962 Mercury Meteor S-33
Photo: Grant Cox
Hot Wheels Legends Tour
To determine the winners at each event, Hot Wheels designers and celebrity judges closely examine each vehicle based on three key categories: authenticity, creativity, and garage spirit. When searching for the next authentically iconic Hot Wheels vehicle, the judges are looking for extreme, on-trend, relevant vehicles. Judges will also consider the builder’s overall creativity and how the project pushes the boundaries of automotive design and purpose-built performance. Additionally, extra points are awarded when it is evident that the owner put in early mornings, late nights, grit, and determination into the project.
Jorge Lazcano built his winning 1965 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia over the timespan of around two and a half years. Tasteful modifications include a static suspension setup, more power provided by a larger 1600 Dual Port single carb engine, updated modern disc brakes, a new leather interior, custom black 17-inch wheels, and a contrasting combination of antique white and jet-black paint. The custom car’s sleek, sophisticated look impressed the judges and earned it the top spot at Hot Wheels Legends Tour Miami.
Previous champions include the inaugural 2018-winning 2 JetZ™, 2019-winning THE NASH™, 2020-winning 1970 Pontiac® Firebird™, 2021-winning 1969 Volvo P1800 Gasser, 2022-winning “Texas Toot” 1992 Autozam Scrum micro truck, and last year’s 2023 winner, a one-of-a-kind 1990 Mazda MX-5 roadster nicknamed "Chimera.”
“The dedication and enthusiasm we see at Hot Wheels Legends Tour events around the world keep us motivated to build on the tour every year to find more ways to celebrate custom car builders and their drive to become legendary,” said Ted Wu, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Design for Vehicles at Mattel. “This year, the tour will visit Colombia and the UAE for the first time, and we can’t wait to see these unique car communities represented at this year’s Global Semi-Final in November.”
The United States will host 10 more regional events at Walmart locations across the country, culminating with the Global Semi-Final and the Global Grand Finale in November.
Remaining upcoming U.S. Tour dates include:
● June 1: In-Person Event at Walmart in Atlanta, Georgia
● June 15: In-Person Event at Walmart in Charlotte, North Carolina
● June 29: In-Person Event at Walmart in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
● July 13: In-Person Event at Walmart in Detroit, Michigan
● July 27: In-Person Event at Walmart in Chicago, Illinois
● August 10: In-Person Event at Walmart in Indianapolis, Indiana
● September 7: In-Person Event at Walmart in Dallas, Texas
● September 14: In-Person Event at Walmart in Houston, Texas
● September 28: In-Person Event at Walmart in Phoenix, Arizona
● October 5: In-Person Event at Hot Wheels Headquarters in El Segundo, California
● November TBD: Global Semi Final (Virtual)
● November TBD: Global Grand Finale (Virtual)
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