Jim Short and Ross Baker started the project in ~1989. The idea was to have a Rover-engined car which would be reminiscent of Ferrari Monza, Jaguar D Type or some Maserati.
Apart from the Rover engine and Nissan 5 speed speed gearbox, the rest of the drivetrain comes from the Mark 4 Cortina which also provides the front suspension sub-frame, rear axle and the handbrake lever.
There was an accident with the car where Jim short has damaged the chassis. While the car was fixed, Ross Baker started building the second example. It was fitted with Rover 4.1-liter V8.
While there was a serious intention by Jim Ross to develop the Spyder into a production-ready version, it has never happened. Thus the Short Spyder was built in a total number of just two examples.
A beautiful car, with no follow-up..