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
