1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mark 1

LMC is proud to offer for sale this 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mark I

When the small British sports car called the AC Ace was outfitted with American V8 power and called the Shelby Cobra, many people were watching, employees of the Rootes Group, another British car manufacturer included. Inspired by the outcome of the Cobra, they took one of their Series III Alpine Roadsters, originally powered by a 1.7L 4-cylinder engine, and sent it right to the source, Carroll Shelby, to see if something similar could be developed. Shelby and another California based racer named Ken Miles set about fitting a small V8 into the little Alpine, in both cases the new, lightweight Ford motor was chosen and successfully put together. Both cars were then sent back to Britain for testing. The Shelby design, with its engine set far back for good balance was chosen and the Sunbeam Tiger was set to be produced by Jensen Motors Ltd. based out of Staffordshire England.

British sports cars have always held a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts, with their lightweight designs and good looks they are often the darlings of classic car shows -- with the Carroll Shelby association, the Tiger is often referred to as the “poor man’s Cobra”.

Presented here is an absolutely stunning example of a fully restored Sunbeam Tiger Mk1. According to the Chassis Number this Tiger was built in the early stages of the Mark I production. This is a very special 1965 Sunbeam Tiger built to drive after a complete ground-up restoration with some tasteful modifications. The ground-up restoration was on a rust-free California car with all original panels and a new interior placed in a super straight body. The immaculate restoration of this Tiger has retained all the proper originality such as the Rootes Group Sunbeam logo and the Powered by Ford 260 Fender/Trunk Tags. The high quality paint job was painted while apart with new trim and interior. The familiar Green, commonly referred to as ‘British Racing Green’ has wonderful depth and shine. Once you lift the hood many of the restoration highlights can be seen such as a custom Four-core Radiator, Custom Fan, balanced and blueprinted Ford 289 cubic inch motor, Aluminum Intake Manifold. Holley 650, Ceramic-coated Headers, Aluminum ‘Tiger Powered by Ford’ Valve Covers, remote Oil Filter, Dales restoration front clip with Rack and Pinion, Dales sub frame and connectors, Sway Bar, Four-wheel Wilwood Calipers, “Toploader 4-Speed Manual Transmission, Dana 44 Rear End and Stainless Steel Exhaust. All this modified power provides a mean growl and is delivered to Kuhmo radial tires mounted on 8-spoke Panasport ‘Racing’ Wheels. The new Black Bucket Seat interior includes a beautiful Burled Walnut Dash with full set of original gauges and Factory Wood Rim Steering Wheel.  all chrome has been replated including the Dual Racing Mirrors, Front and Rear Bumpers complete with Bumperettes, Gas Cap and the Chrome Tips of the Dual Exhaust Pipes. As well the previous owner has passed along his impressive collection of ownership history for this Tiger.

This 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mark I is perhaps one of the best driving and performance Tigers out there!