- A nicely restored example completed in 2016
- Certified by the Sunbeam Owner's Association
- Thrilling 260-cubic-inch V-8 engine with a four-speed manual transmission
- Rebuilt suspension, new wood dash, new interior, Blaupunkt AM/FM radio
- Fascinating development with contributions by Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles
LOT 214
Addendum: Please Note: This car is titled as a 1965 Rootes.
Selling on Saturday
1965 Sunbeam Tiger MK I
British sports cars have always held a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts, and with their lightweight designs and good looks, they are often the darlings of classic car shows. When the small British sports car called the AC Ace was outfitted with American V-8 power and called the Shelby Cobra, many people were watching, including the employees of the Rootes Group, another British car manufacturer. Inspired by the outcome of the Cobra, they took one of their Series III Alpine Roadsters, originally powered by a small four-cylinder engine, and sent it right to the man himself, Carroll Shelby, to see if something similar could be developed. Shelby and Ken Miles set about fitting a small Ford V-8 into the little Alpine. The Shelby design, with its engine set far back for good balance was chosen for the new power plant, and the Sunbeam Tiger was set to be produced by Jensen Motors Ltd. based out of Staffordshire, England.
One of the most ferocious cats to sprint on the open pavement, the Sunbeam Tiger is the perfect blend of British styling and raw American power. Restored in 2016 to a very high standard, this 1965 Sunbeam Tiger MK I is a wonderful example of the British brand and is well-presented in Carnival Red over a black vinyl interior with red piping. During the restoration process, the suspension was rebuilt, Panasport wheels were sourced, and an all-new interior was installed, along with a Blaupunkt AM/FM radio.
Like the rest of this Tiger, the engine bay is nicely detailed and features a thrilling 260-cubic-inch American V-8 powerplant that is mated to a four-speed manual transmission. A certified example from the Sunbeam Owner's Association, this small, lightweight, and nimble, fully restored Tiger is the ultimate example of how American horsepower can transform an automobile. Ready for spirited driving, this Tiger will be a blast on the road and make its next owner the talk of the town, as these British-built automobiles are becoming harder to find and sightings on the road have become rare today.
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