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Inspired by the AC Cobra that was effectively the British AC Ace sports car and powered by the large American Ford 4.2 litre, V8, the Sunbeam Tiger first saw the light of day in 1964. Based upon the Rootes Group, Sunbeam Alpine, the Tiger, with the Ford power plant slotted into the engine bay, became what is surely one of motoring's true 'wolf in sheep's clothing'. With stunning performance due not only to the muscle V8 but also to the lightweight Alpine shell Tigers are sought after for collectors and enthusiasts.
This handsome Sunbeam Tiger is finished in Mediterranean Blue with black trim was built by Jensen in 1965, before being first registered in 1967. Purchased in December 2008 and described as a near concours example, our Vendor then set about converting the Tiger into full historic rally specification with the emphasis on driveability and reliability. The car has been extensively campaigned throughout the UK and Europe in many prestigious events and, we are informed, it has never failed to finish a rally due to mechanical issues. Indeed, we are also informed by the owner that this car is on the button and currently requires no additional expense to enjoy successful historic rallying. From the vendors detailed knowledge of the car and rallying he cannot think of any additional modifications that would improve it, he describes the car as fully rally and road ready.
Importantly, the car itself is a genuine Sunbeam Tiger with Certificate of Authenticity from the STOA USA and STOC UK and is a well known car in classic rally circles and to the STOC. The original 4.2 litre V8 has been replaced with a correct up rated and desirable Ford 289 (4.7L) five-bolt engine providing more power that was standard on Mk. II Tigers. Supplied with an astonishing history file from 1965 to the present day and encapsulates almost every MoT test certificate. Also contained within the history file is the original bill of sale from 1972 and 2008, the green log book dated 1967, the original stamped service book dated 1967, extensive paper and photographic history, receipts from the 1980s to 2008 prior to our vendors ownership, extensive current paperwork and photographic history including all invoices and an engine rebuild from 2009 to 2019, a current FIVA ID card, current wiring diagram for all fuses and relays and finally the original owner's handbook and workshop manual.
The extensive rally modifications carried out include:
• High capacity aluminium radiator • Uprated front anti roll bar• Automatic electric fan with manual override• Twin Facet fuel pumps with fuel filters• Twin coils under the bonnet• Uprated alternator• Recent full engine rebuild with modern USA sourced heads, pistons, rings etc.• Rebuilt Koni adjustable shocks • Quick steering rack• Discreetly installed variable electric power steering rack• Fly-off handbrake • Hydraulic handbrake easily deactivated when rally regulations do not allow it• Long range flat fuel tank for maximum boot storage capacity, approx 18 gallons• Uprated springs front and rear poly bushed• Panhard Rod with poly bushed bearings• 14” Alloy Minilite wheels in excellent condition • Competition clutch from USA with lightly part worn spare• Competition front pads and rear brake shoes• Original front calipers and rear drums to comply with rally regulations • Fuel cooler • Hurst Shifter• Salisbury LSD with rebuilt lower ratio diff 3:54 (original 2:88 diff too high for quick auto test)• Original four speed Ford top loader gearbox in excellent working order• Competition seats with new 3” blue harnesses• Recent full respray in correct Mediterranean Blue, no mileage since• Bolt in roll hoop painted Mediterranean blue with many rally stickers• Bespoke tonneau cover that fits over roll hoop• Original blue hood bins• New hood• Fire extinguisher with fitted cage• Brantz BR32 Rally Timer with operating instructions• Brantz Int Pro Trip Meter with operating instructions• Full sump guard • Cibie driving lamps with adjustable stays• Period Lucas reversing light and two integral original fit Tiger reversing lights, all switched by engaging reverse gear• Stainless steel luggage rack• Motalita steering wheel• Air horns• High performance water pump• Sports exhaust that meets noise regulations, fully secured with chains and skid plates• Towing eyes, front and rear• Heat wrapped headers• Anti tramp bars• Balanced crankshaft and fly wheel • Two digital stopwatches dash mounted, plot light, alloy under dash navigators road book tray, various map pockets, centre armrest storage
This example could, with relative ease, be returned to fast road specification with the benefit of sublime handling for a Tiger, long range fuel tank and exceptional performance. Our vendor has available, by separate negotiation, the original seats, Sunbeam chrome grille, bumpers, air filter and steel hardtop in the correct colour with map pockets, all of which are in very good condition. This a very exceptional Sunbeam Tiger in amazing condition and with perhaps the best history found on such a car. Our vendor has lavished in excess of £40,000 on the vehicle since 2008, it now represents a unique opportunity to own a very special car which would be equally as valuable for historic rallying as it would be presented as a fast road original Tiger."