Vehicle Description
Conceived by Ian Garrad, the U.S. West Coast sales manager for
Britain's Rootes Motors, Inc., the Sunbeam Alpine-based Tiger
grabbed a slice of the robust market for American V-8 powered
sports cars during the 1960s. Dropping a powerful American V-8
engine into a small European sports car designed for 4-cylinder
power was no easy task, but as Sidney Allard and Carroll Shelby had
already proven, the concept was viable and represented the fastest
path to winning performance. Rightly, Garrad believed Rootes'
Sunbeam Alpine roadster was a strong candidate for conversion to
V-8 power as a sales and image booster. The Alpine was certainly
attractive and had already won the Index of Thermal Efficiency at
the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1961, and also enjoyed success in
American SCCA production-class competition. Once Garrad obtained
approval from Lord Rootes' son Brian, a Ford 260-powered prototype
was commissioned through engineer/racer Ken Miles, who soon after
joined Shelby American. Shelby also built a V-8 Alpine conversion,
with the car tested by Garrad and then shipped to England for
evaluation in the summer of 1963. Company management, including
Lord Rootes, enthusiastically approved the project, codenamed
'Thunderbolt,' with British coachbuilder Jensen selected to produce
it. First available in 1964 for sale in the United States, the new
car was appropriately named 'Tiger' in honor of Rootes' own 1925
Land Speed Record car. Availability for the British Home Market in
right-hand drive form came in 1965. A ferocious performer worthy of
its nameplate, the Tiger nearly won the SCCA B/Production National
Championship in 1966, and it was a fierce drag racer, taking the
1965 AHRA National Championship in its class. In addition to
high-profile racing victories, Tiger sales were enhanced by
high-profile movie and TV use, including Mel Brooks' popular Cold
War spy comedy series Get Smart, with a Mk I Tiger driven to
Control headquarters in the opening sequences by Secret Agent 86,
portrayed by Don Adams. Just 7,067 Tigers were built through 1968
along two distinct series, the Mark I with 6,495 (Mk I and Mk Ia)
produced, and the updated, 289-powered Mark II, numbering just 572.
Only Chrysler's 1967 takeover of Rootes brought the eventual end to
the potent Ford-powered Tiger. Today, these handsome and fast
sports cars enjoy exceptional loyalty among enthusiasts and
collectors who appreciate the Tiger's role in Ford Motor Company's
legendary "Total Performance" corporate racing program of the
1960s. The Tiger also benefits from the Sunbeam Tiger Owner's
Association (STOA), which maintains a wealth of data on the Tiger
and the examples that survive today. A highly attractive example
throughout, this rare early-production, 260 V-8 powered Sunbeam
Tiger benefits from prior long-term ownership and care. The product
of an outstanding and highly authentic restoration performed by a
marque specialist, this Mark I 260 cubic-inch example is the 54th
Tiger built. It is also exceptionally collectible as one of the
first 100 "transitional" cars that include many distinctive
features that set it apart from the subsequent, more standardized
production models that followed. Engaging livery includes Dark Blue
paint with a correct Light Blue vinyl interior treatment. Desirable
features include a factory hard top, original cream-colored steel
wheels, and more. Details of the transitional model included an
upholstered dash instead of a wood fascia, a slightly different
speedometer, light blue upholstery, fixed quarter lights instead of
vent windows, and more. With its correct details intact, it is also
beautifully finished to a high standard, with gorgeous paintwork
and finishing. The restoration work included fitting a new wiring
loom, complete overhaul of the brakes and chassis components, and a
sensibly updated alternator. The Tiger's 260 hearty cubic-inch Ford
V-8 powerplant was completely rebuilt by PHP Race Engines during
the restoration, and bored slightly over to approximately 273 cubic
inches. The compact V8 is dressed in period-correct components
including a proper hammer tone silver-finished air cleaner, alloy
Tiger rocker covers, Tiger-specification intake manifold, and
high-volume oil pan. The engine is also backed by a T-10 four-speed
manual transmission - another unique feature of the early Tigers.
Lovingly restored to a high standard with an emphasis on driving
performance and reliability, this marvelous, early-production
Sunbeam Tiger is ready to enjoy to the fullest, whether on your
favorite stretch of open road or on a pristinely groomed show
field. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details
please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7439-1965-sunbeam-tiger/
