For Sale: 1965 Sunbeam Tiger in Saint Louis, Missouri

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