1965 Sunbeam Tiger
1965 Sunbeam Tiger
Chassis no. 9472772HR0FE
260ci OHV V8 Engine
4-Barrel Holley Carburetor
Approx. 275 bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes
*Extensively modified for long distance rallies
*Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens registered
*Iconic British Roadster with V8 Power
*Supplied with hard top
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 Anglo-American roadster was modified extensively in 2010 with the goal of preparing the vehicle for long distance rallies. Beginning with the motor, a 289 engine with steel rods, forged pistons, larger valves, and hotter cam ensure that there was more than enough power on tap to keep up with even contemporary sportscars. This powerplant is fed into a rebuilt Tiger 4-speed transmission and axle with a Salisbury 3:54 limited slip differential. Two important issues to keep in mind when covering large swaths of land are the operating temperature and fuel capacity. Both have been addressed thanks to an extra row radiator and Kenlowe fan managing the cooling, while an over 20-gallon fuel tank guarantees limited stopping time. The suspension has also been reworked with stiffer springs and bushings in addition to upgraded roll bars. The remaining modifications are truly extensive, and a full list will be available on site detailing them.
The Tiger was purchased by the consigner in October of 2011, and has more recently, received a fresh paint within the last couple of years. Ready for continued years of competition, this impressive machine will bring its new owners many miles of rapid motoring.
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1965 Sunbeam Tiger
Chassis no. 9472772HR0FE
260ci OHV V8 Engine
4-Barrel Holley Carburetor
Approx. 275 bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes
*Extensively modified for long distance rallies
*Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens registered
*Iconic British Roadster with V8 Power
*Supplied with hard top
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 Anglo-American roadster was modified extensively in 2010 with the goal of preparing the vehicle for long distance rallies. Beginning with the motor, a 289 engine with steel rods, forged pistons, larger valves, and hotter cam ensure that there was more than enough power on tap to keep up with even contemporary sportscars. This powerplant is fed into a rebuilt Tiger 4-speed transmission and axle with a Salisbury 3:54 limited slip differential. Two important issues to keep in mind when covering large swaths of land are the operating temperature and fuel capacity. Both have been addressed thanks to an extra row radiator and Kenlowe fan managing the cooling, while an over 20-gallon fuel tank guarantees limited stopping time. The suspension has also been reworked with stiffer springs and bushings in addition to upgraded roll bars. The remaining modifications are truly extensive, and a full list will be available on site detailing them.
The Tiger was purchased by the consigner in October of 2011, and has more recently, received a fresh paint within the last couple of years. Ready for continued years of competition, this impressive machine will bring its new owners many miles of rapid motoring.
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
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