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Call Me Shirley – Shirley Mk II

In 1957 Monkspark Garage of Shirley, Solihull just outside Birmingham started to manufacture 2 and 4 seater fibre glass body shells known as Kenmar Mk I suitable for fitting to Ford Anglia and Ford Prefect chassis respectively.

Shirely MKII, Classic Motor Show, NEC, Birmingham

Two years later a Mk II body was manufactured and marketed as the Shirley Mk II which cost just £89 with an additional £35 for the optional hard top.

Shirely MKII, Classic Motor Show, NEC Birmingham

The main body is a one piece molding with a reinforcing tubular framework and welded mounting points and the bonnet could be front or rear hinged to taste.

Shirely MKII, Classic Motor Show, NEC Birmingham

The shell for this particular vehicle was purchased in January 1997 and fitted to a 1949 Ford Anglia chassis and was ready to run in April 1998. This car has several period improvements including a boxed chassis, fluid cushion suspension, Aquaplane cylinder head, twin carburetors and an additional fuel pump along with 12 volt electrics.

Shirely MKII, Classic Motor Show, NEC Birmingham

Of the 50 shells thought to have been built only 4 Shirley Mk II’s are thought to remain.

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