Fully restored 289-powered 1966 Sunbeam Tiger Mk1 with modern driveline and upgrades. This award-winning Tiger was originally built in December of 1964 as a ’65 model. It was sold mid-year of 1965 on the west coast and titled as a 1966 model which was a common practice at the time. It was acquired in 1979 by the previous owner in Denver, eventually transported to Michigan and preserved until purchased by the current owner in 2021. The 2-year restoration was completed in June of 2023. The finished restoration gives the appearance of an original Tiger but the numerous upgrades to the driveline, suspension, cooling and electrical system result in a modern, enjoyable driving experience. The car was awarded 2nd place in the concours “personalized” class at the United 40 event for TEAE (Tigers East Alpines East) in Bowling Green KY in September of 2023. A detailed restoration binder comes with the car along with hundreds of restoration photos and a Tiger Certificate of Authenticity. The original 260 engine and Top Loader trans are mounted on rolling displace stand and will be included with the car.
Prior to restoration, the body was solid with minimal rust. All of driving had been in salt-free Californial and Colorado. The body was rotisserie restored. All surfaces were stripped to base metal and coated with epoxy primer. The minor areas of rust behind the wheels and on rocker panels were cut away and replaced with metal. The metal panels were re-fit and finished. All surfaces were painted with acrylic urethane single stage in the original code 58 Midnight Blue. All interior surfaces, floor and underside were painted body color. The underside is body color rather than factory undercoating so that nothing is covered or hidden. The stainless steel bumpers, trim, badges and handles are high quality reproductions. A fully restored black hardtop with rolling storage stand is included. All the upholstery, carpets, interior trim are new and provided by Sunbeam Specialties. The soft-top is a new Robbins Stayfast cloth replacement.
The 289 is a newly built crate motor and it is documented with a full build sheet. It is a 6-bolt block with flat-top hypereutectic pistons, BMP aluminum heads, ISKY hydraulic cam, Edelbrock intake and a 570 cfm Holly Street Performer carburetor. It has never been on a dyno but makes approximately 325 HP. It is mated to a new Tremec TKX 5 speed transmission, bell housing and clutch provided by Modern Driveline. The original rear axle has been refurbished with new axle shafts, bearings and seals. The original 2.88 gears were retained. At 60 MPH in 5th gear, the engine turns at 1700 RPM. Numerous upgrades to the cooling system include a new Griffin radiator, fully enclosed fan shroud and a 5-blade fan. Headers with Jet Hot coating and a new stainless exhaust system were installed.
A Dales Restorations, complete front suspension and steering system replaces the original. It is a fully adjustable and modern system that addresses all the original weaknesses. It comes with coil-over QA1 adjustable shocks and a Wilwood 12” brake kit. The rear suspension has been completely rebuilt with new “Traction Master” torsion bars, KYB shocks and stainless panhard rod. The brake lines are stainless steel, and a Wilwood dual reservoir master cylinder replaces the original single master and brake booster. The wheels are15” LAT 70’s with Yokohama Advan Fleva V701 205/55R15 performance radials. The spare tire and wheel match.
The electrical system is completely new with OEM wiring harness, a single wire alternator, MSD distributor, and high-torque starter. The gauges are new reproductions except for the oil pressure gauge. The dash is a reproduction burlwood replacement. The original Lucas 2-fuse system has been upgraded to a 9-circuit modern fuse block. Detailed wiring diagrams are in the documentation.
The car is easy to show and drive in scenic South Haven Michigan. A lift is available for full mechanical inspection. The sale will include the original driveline on rolling stand, hard top with stand, original gauges, the printed restoration binder and electronic copies of hundreds of restoration photos.
