1965 Sunbeam Tiger Base 4.7L

1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mark I

Sunbeam has set a number of land speed records and was the first British car to win a Grand Prix race. The company was also known for building bicycles. motorcycles and even aircraft during the Second World War.

Rootes Group took over the company and continued to use the Sunbeam Marque. After several successful series of the Alpine were released. Ian Gerrard. the director of operations on the west coast was interested in one of the most successful sports cars of all time. the AC Cobra. Convinced the Alpine frame could also be adapted the same way he contracted Carroll Shelby to prototype one with a Ford engine. Using the success of the Shelby Cobra as a guide they measured up several V 8 engines and determined that Ford's new 4. 3 L V 8 260 cu in 164 hp engine would fit nicely between the frame rails. The result was the Sunbeam Tiger. which went on to be a huge success.

After doing extensive engineering studies Rootes Group subcontracted development and pre-production testing to Jensen. located in West Bromwich. England. Jensen went on to manufacture the Sunbeam Tiger.

Production reached 7. 85 cars over three distinct series (the factory only ever designated two. the Mark 1 and Mark 2 however. since the official Mark 1 production spanned the changeover in body style from the Series IV Alpine panels to the Series V panels. the later cars are generally designated Mark 1 A by current Sunbeam Tiger enthusiasts). Mark 2 production totaled just 536 cars. and these Tigers. with the 4. 7 L 289 cu in 200 hp engine. are rare today. Both the Miles and the Shelby prototypes have survived. along with a number of other historically significant Tigers.

This Mark I Convertible with removable hardtop has undergone an extensive documented restoration. Amazingly it comes with the original purchase order receipt. Nestled between the frame rails is the famed 289 cu in power house which is mated to a top loader 4-Speed gear box. The correct 4. 3 L 260 cu in V 8 still accompanies the car. Finished in the proper colors as it was ordered. this brilliant red Tiger is nicely complimented by the black interior and soft-top. The well-preserved and unrestored hard top finished in black caps this spectacular piece off.

Before you is a rare opportunity to own a significant piece of sports car history.

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