Vehicle Description
This 1966 Sunbeam Tiger MkI is a true enthusiast's car. After all,
you had Carroll Shelby's winning formula with a V8 in a lightweight
British sports car. But where the Cobra would introduce the idea of
a car we could drive to the racetrack, the Tiger was the car that
was fun to drive everywhere. So to find a first-gen example with
such a stock style really lets your senses visit a bygone era where
it feels like there were more hours on the weekend and the
backroads just belonged to you.
Dual exhaust tips, minilite-style wheels, and a hood scoop are the
subtle yet distinct ways this drop-top announces it's a speedy
machine. And the clean lines of the MkI Tiger show exactly why it
was the right car for the Ford V8 transplant. The outstretched
headlights, deeply sloping hood, full-length trim, and tall rear
fenders with a hint of tailfin remind us of the first Thunderbird.
But this is no mini T-Bird. Sunbeam crafted a true European with
svelte lines, tasteful brightwork, and a compact style that lets
you know it's a nimble machine. The Arctic White paint is the car's
correct color. It has a clean look and an overall driver quality
style, and that may just be the ideal way to present this car. Its
price is on the value end of the scale. So you may just be looking
for a great way to get the car of your dreams, or maybe you're
looking for the right base for your restoration. Either way, this
one gives you a drop-top classic that lets you hit the road for
some carefree fun on day one.
The interior of the Alpine was also the heart of why its Tiger
brother became so well regarded. Sunbeam gave these cars reclining
bucket seats, roll-up windows, full carpeting, and a substantial
dash with plenty of wood. It made these feel comfortable without
being oversized or overweight. This one even has a newer black
convertible top (it may need an adjustment to fit properly.) So the
Tiger had the substantial feel of a car you could drive all weekend
long. And we love how it straddles its American and European
lineage. The thin-spoke steering wheel and Jaeger gauges are pure
British cool. And the floor shifter is unmistakably borrowed from
the same Falcon/Mustang line that donated the motor.
Today we all know the Tiger was no weak feline. The 260 V8 badges
on the fender and rear are quite important. It reminds everyone
that this featherweight British machine has a healthy American
heart. It has a very stock and correct presentation. So you can
choose to give it the paint and polish of a show-ready car, but we
bet you're also excited about a hardy powerhouse that's ready for
back road fun from the start. The V8 fires up nicely and the newer
dual exhaust gives a subtle intimidation note worthy of the Tiger
name. Nimble steering, the control of a four-speed, and the
stopping power of front disc brakes make for an excellent classic
sports car.
There are plans you may want to do with this one, including giving
it a respray (after all, we all dream about diving a blue one like
James Bond.) But those are the kind of projects you can plan for in
the future. From day one you have a very complete car, right down
to earlier maintenance records and the service manual. This example
is the kind of classic that gets you in touch with the driving
spirit that is the essence of the Carroll Shelby magic. It's a true
classic and this one lets you enjoy it without worry today as you
plan for the next steps tomorrow. Call now!!!
