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. A ferocious performer worthy of its
nameplate, the Tiger nearly won the SCCA B/Production National
Championship in 1966, and it took 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. A
notable offshoot of the Tiger's popularity was the rise of
V8-converted Alpines. Sometimes referred to as "Algers" (a
portmanteau of "Alpine" and "Tiger") these cars range from backyard
swaps to professionally built, highly detailed conversions.
Properly sorted Algers provide all of the thrills and looks of a
Tiger, but at a fraction of the cost. The active Sunbeam Tiger
Owner's Association (STOA), maintains a wealth of data on the
Tiger, helping to identify factory cars from conversions. Highly
attractive throughout, this Sunbeam "Alger" has many early Tiger
characteristics and benefits from long-term ownership. It was
recently treated to a high-quality, extensive restoration,
including all new paintwork, interior, and rebuilt running gear.
The engaging livery consists of Dark Blue paint with a
period-correct Light Blue vinyl interior treatment. Desirable
features include a factory hard top, cream-colored steel wheels,
and more. The body is beautifully finished to a high standard, with
gorgeous paintwork and detailing and the restoration work also
included fitting a new wiring loom, complete overhaul of the brakes
and chassis, and sensible updates like a 12V alternator. Ford's
hearty 260 cubic-inch 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 robust T-10 four-speed manual
transmission - a feature also shared with early Tigers. The car is
an absolute blast to drive, with snorting performance from the
small-block Ford V8, while the nimble, short-wheelbase chassis
makes carving corners a breeze. Lovingly restored to a high
standard with an emphasis on driving performance and reliability,
this marvelous, well-built Sunbeam "Alger" is ready to enjoy to the
fullest on your favorite stretch of open road. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7439-1965-sunbeam-alpine-alger-v8/
