Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sotheby's Santa Monica event, June
24, 2017.
Estimate:
$130,000 - $160,000 US
One of 15 Tiger GT's ever built; 11 believed to still exist
Ford 260 cu. in. V-8 and four-speed manual transmission
Extensive restoration by noted Tiger collector
2015 restoration has car in largely stock configuration
Removable hardtop included
In 1962 Carroll Shelby was enlisted to engineer a V-8 powered
prototype for the Rootes Group's Sunbeam Alpine. The Alpine was
modified to fit a Ford 260 cid V-8 and manual four speed, and the
Sunbeam Tiger was born, making its U.S. debut at the New York Auto
Show in April 1964.
This car, completed in August 1964, is one of 15 Tiger GT's ever
made, and is one of 11 believed to still exist. The limited and
very rare GT models were equipped with removable hardtops, upgraded
wood dashboards and other improvements. This GT was found in a
garage in Palo Alto in the late '90s and was subject to an
extensive restoration by a noted Tiger collector. It retains its
believed original 260 cubic inch V-8 engine mated to a later Tiger
close ratio top loader manual four-speed.
It is finished in gorgeous black paint with a matching removable
hardtop. The interior is finished in black Connolly leather and
Wilton wool carpets. It also sports four-wheel disc brakes,
stainless steel exhaust and QA-1 adjustable shocks. After his
purchase in 2015, the consigner commissioned a further restoration
by Dale's Restoration in San Bernadino, CA, , returning the car
largely to its stock configuration. Period correct Halibrand wheels
and a LAT hood scoop remain, adding a striking touch. The seller
reports that Norman Miller of the International Registry of Sunbeam
Tigers has certified that this is the only GT verified under the
"TAC" program. A Tiger tool kit signed by Carroll Shelby is
included in the sale.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/.
