Vehicle Description
From the day it first appeared at the 1964 New York Auto Show,
Sunbeam's fabulous Tiger has maintained a loyal and passionate
following among dedicated enthusiasts. While commonly attributed to
Carroll Shelby, the initial idea of fitting a V8 into the capable
but underpowered Alpine actually originated with Jack Brabham. The
champion Formula 1 driver and constructor had a close relationship
with Rootes Group, running a successful tuning operation that
specialized in Sunbeam automobiles. With firsthand experience of
the Alpine's potential-and its limitations-Brabham suggested the
idea to Rootes Competitions Manager Norman Garrad. Garrad then
relayed it to his son Ian, who was acting as West Coast Sales
Manager for Rootes American. Ian began searching for a suitable
engine to fit within the compact Alpine's bay. Using a creative
approach (sending his service manager to various dealers with a
wooden yardstick), it was determined that Ford's compact new
260-cubic-inch V8 would be a perfect match. Ian Garrad then reached
out to his neighbor Carroll Shelby for a quote to build the first
prototype. As an interesting side note, Shelby was paid $10,000 and
given eight weeks to build the first prototype, but Garrad was
impatient to know if the project was even feasible. He provided a
second Alpine, along with $800, a Ford V8, and a 2-speed automatic
transmission, to Ken Miles. In about a week, Miles had a running,
drivable car! The final version of the Tiger would, of course, be
far more refined, with features such as rack-and-pinion steering,
upgraded suspension, and disc brakes. While Shelby had hoped to
secure the contract to produce the car, Rootes Group ultimately
assigned the job to Jensen in West Bromwich, England, though Shelby
received a royalty for each car produced as recognition for his
role in its development. The Sunbeam Tiger would go on to become
one of the most successful Anglo-American hybrids. Ford's 260 V8
offered ample "go" while being light enough to maintain balanced
handling. The Tiger achieved cult status, inspiring a robust club
scene and a devoted following among enthusiasts who would go on to
preserve, maintain, modify, and race their "baby Cobras" worldwide.
As with many cars powered by American V8 engines, the desire to
modify and race Tigers was strong, and consequently, most have been
extensively reworked, raced, damaged, and hastily repaired. Today,
finding an example restored to factory-correct specifications is
indeed a rare and remarkable event. The 1965 Sunbeam Tiger
presented here is an early Mk I model, one of only 3,764 produced.
According to the serial number on the data plate (B9472598), this
Tiger was assembled in April 1965. Later that year, it was
purchased from a Sunbeam dealer in San Francisco by James Sechini,
a founding member of the Sunbeam Tiger Owners Association. Over the
40 years he owned it, keeping the car until his passing in 2005, he
used the car primarily for club events and diligently preserved its
condition. The car was then sold by the Sechini family to a
gentleman in Georgia, who only kept the car for a year or so before
passing along to its most recent custodian in 2007. Under his
stewardship, the Tiger underwent a comprehensive restoration that
faithfully preserved its original specifications. Finished in a
striking Midnight Blue exterior over a light blue interior, it is
complemented by a black Haartz canvas soft top, which resides
beneath the factory hard tonneau cover. The body panels are
straight, with chrome and brightwork reflecting the high quality of
the paint and bodywork. The Tiger rides on classic Minilite alloy
wheels, fitted with 185/65R14 Dunlop SP60 tires. The interior was
also fully restored to original specifications, featuring light
blue vinyl with correct grain texture. The cockpit fittings are
accurate and excellently presented, with high-quality,
period-appropriate materials used throughout. It retains the
original wood steering wheel, shift lever and boot, wood dash, and
gauge cluster. No detail was overlooked; the trunk was refinished
with correct materials, and beneath the floor lies the original
jack, handle, and spare tire. Under the hood resides Ford's
revolutionary 260 V8, which has been well-maintained since
restoration while showing signs of regular upkeep and preservation.
There has always been a temptation to modify an American V8, this
car has thankfully remained in factory specification, and the
engine number on the valve cover tag matches the data plate. The
restoration has resulted in a car that not only looks the part but
also runs and drives beautifully. This marvelous Tiger was
cherished by its original owner for over 40 years. With its high
quality restoration, this rare and desirable Sunbeam will be a
welcome addition to any enthusiast's stable. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7799-1965-sunbeam-tiger/
