1965 Sunbeam TIGER Mk I
1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I
Chassis no. B9472881 LRXFE
260ci OHV V8 Engine
Single Carburetor
164bhp at 4,400rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes
*Extensively documented, low-mileage Tiger with just one owner from new until 2014
*Factory LHD Mk 1, delivered new in Europe to first US owner
*Iconic British Roadster with adequate V8 Power
*Offered with substantial history file containing original purchase paperwork
THE SUNBEAM TIGER
Inspired by Carroll Shelby's success in shoehorning a Ford V8 into the AC Ace to create the Cobra, Rootes asked Shelby to perform the same trick with its Sunbeam Alpine sports car. The project was instigated by the company's West Coast, USA distributor, Rootes American Motors Inc, which was located not far from Shelby American. Ford's 260ci V8 was chosen, and even though this had 'only' 164bhp on tap it was approaching double the output of the contemporary Alpine's 1.6-liter four. The transplant radically transformed the character of the car. Introduced in 1964, the Tiger kept the Alpine's basic layout but featured a stronger gearbox and rear axle plus rack-and-pinion steering. Vastly superior to its Alpine progenitor in performance terms, the Tiger stormed to 60mph in under ten seconds and peaked at around 120mph. Tigers would go on to enjoy success in both racing and rallying over the years.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This fine Tiger was ordered by Charles D. Parsons of Bartlesville, OK through Auto Europe of Chicago, IL, to be picked up in Antwerp, Belgium on April 15, 1965. The new car was ordered in Carnival Red with Wedgewood blue seats and many options including ammeter, locking gas cap, trunk mounted luggage rack, U.S. seat belts, undercoating and overdrive transmission. Mr. Parsons drove the car around Europe covering approximately 3,175 miles before sending the car to Oklahoma via Houston, TX where it remained until Mr. Parsons passing in 2014. At some point the car was repainted and the seats were changed to black, but the car remains very original to this day. After Mr. Parsons passing, mechanical repairs were undertaken including all new brake and clutch hydraulics, fuel and water pumps, belts and hoses.
The current owner acquired this exceptional Tiger in 2016, and has continued to perform sympathetic repairs including installment of new carpet and top, new body gaskets and seals, Pertronix ignition, aluminum radiator, and performed a carburetor rebuild. Original parts have been retained, and a set of Panasport wheels with radial tires accompany the car. Thanks to proper stewardship, this car is in remarkable condition. Panel gaps are correct, and the doors shut crisply. The Tigers large history file is well worth a look, and contains many original purchase documents and receipts. Low miles, much documentation and the outstanding condition will insure that this Tiger is a worthy addition to any automotive portfolio.
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1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I
Chassis no. B9472881 LRXFE
260ci OHV V8 Engine
Single Carburetor
164bhp at 4,400rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes
*Extensively documented, low-mileage Tiger with just one owner from new until 2014
*Factory LHD Mk 1, delivered new in Europe to first US owner
*Iconic British Roadster with adequate V8 Power
*Offered with substantial history file containing original purchase paperwork
THE SUNBEAM TIGER
Inspired by Carroll Shelby's success in shoehorning a Ford V8 into the AC Ace to create the Cobra, Rootes asked Shelby to perform the same trick with its Sunbeam Alpine sports car. The project was instigated by the company's West Coast, USA distributor, Rootes American Motors Inc, which was located not far from Shelby American. Ford's 260ci V8 was chosen, and even though this had 'only' 164bhp on tap it was approaching double the output of the contemporary Alpine's 1.6-liter four. The transplant radically transformed the character of the car. Introduced in 1964, the Tiger kept the Alpine's basic layout but featured a stronger gearbox and rear axle plus rack-and-pinion steering. Vastly superior to its Alpine progenitor in performance terms, the Tiger stormed to 60mph in under ten seconds and peaked at around 120mph. Tigers would go on to enjoy success in both racing and rallying over the years.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This fine Tiger was ordered by Charles D. Parsons of Bartlesville, OK through Auto Europe of Chicago, IL, to be picked up in Antwerp, Belgium on April 15, 1965. The new car was ordered in Carnival Red with Wedgewood blue seats and many options including ammeter, locking gas cap, trunk mounted luggage rack, U.S. seat belts, undercoating and overdrive transmission. Mr. Parsons drove the car around Europe covering approximately 3,175 miles before sending the car to Oklahoma via Houston, TX where it remained until Mr. Parsons passing in 2014. At some point the car was repainted and the seats were changed to black, but the car remains very original to this day. After Mr. Parsons passing, mechanical repairs were undertaken including all new brake and clutch hydraulics, fuel and water pumps, belts and hoses.
The current owner acquired this exceptional Tiger in 2016, and has continued to perform sympathetic repairs including installment of new carpet and top, new body gaskets and seals, Pertronix ignition, aluminum radiator, and performed a carburetor rebuild. Original parts have been retained, and a set of Panasport wheels with radial tires accompany the car. Thanks to proper stewardship, this car is in remarkable condition. Panel gaps are correct, and the doors shut crisply. The Tigers large history file is well worth a look, and contains many original purchase documents and receipts. Low miles, much documentation and the outstanding condition will insure that this Tiger is a worthy addition to any automotive portfolio.
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