1964 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I
Not long after Shelby stuck the 260 Ford V8 in the Ac Ace, Ian Garrad of Rootes American Motors had Shelby produce the first Sunbeam Tiger prototype. This became the first of over 7000 similar cars which used American power in an attractive British roadster.
After the Rootes group approved production, Jensen in West Bromwich, England was hired to manufacture the car.
Three separate series were produced and the final used Alpine Series IV panels.
In some cases the car was criticized because the brakes, steering and suspension couldn’t cope with the much more powerful V8.
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | England |
| price $ | $ 3,499 |
| engine | Ford Fairlane V8 |
| valvetrain | OHV |
| fuel feed | Holley 4-Barrel Carburetor |
| displacement | 4262 cc / 260.1 in³ |
| bore | 96.52 mm / 3.8 in |
| stroke | 72.9 mm / 2.87 in |
| power | 122.3 kw / 164.0 bhp @ 4400 rpm |
| specific output | 38.48 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 141.01 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 349.8 nm / 258.0 ft lbs @ 2200 rpm |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | 5.90-13 |
| rear tires | 5.90-13 |
| front brakes | F Discs / R Drums |
| steering | Rack & Pinion |
| curb weight | 1163 kg / 2564 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2184 mm / 86.0 in |
| front track | 1295 mm / 51.0 in |
| rear track | 1232 mm / 48.5 in |
| length | 3962 mm / 156.0 in |
| width | 1537 mm / 60.5 in |
| height | 1308 mm / 51.5 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 2.32:1, 1.69:1, 1.29:1, 1.00:1 |
| final drive | 2.88:1 |
| top speed | ~189.9 kph / 118.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~7.8 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~23.7 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~16.0 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1966 Sunbeam Tiger Series I B382000023LRXFE – sold for $77,000 This beautiful Series 1 Tiger is offered in marvelous condition, benefiting from a recent restoration. The charming Series I body is finished in a wonderful dark blue metallic over a grey interior, an interesting and pleasing combination on this exciting Roadster. The interior features a wooden steering wheel and freshly rebuilt Jaeger gauges mounted in a refinished wooden dash. At some point, this stunning Tiger was upgraded to feature the larger, more potent 289ci engine of the Series II Tiger, bringing the 0-60 time to 7.5 seconds from 8.6.
Auction Source: 2015 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1967 Sunbeam Tiger Mk IA B382002093 LRXFE – sold for $137,500 Restored by Classic Showcase in Oceanside, California, with all systems having been gone through and a full vehicle detail having been performed both inside and out, including on the undercarriage.
Auction Source: 2015 Amelia Island by RM Sotheby’s
1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I Coupe by Harrington B9472164 HROFE – sold for $187,000
The only Harrington Coupe built on a Tiger chassis. Mechanical restoration by the legendary Doane Spencer. Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance class award winner. The only “Shelby Daytona Coupe of Sunbeam Tigers”.
Auction Source: Arizona 2015 by RM Auctions
1964 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I B9471139 – sold for $154,000
1964 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I B9471139 – sold for $154,000 One of Just 27 Tigers Produced in Balmoral Grey. Recipient of Top Awards at Numerous Shows. Accompanied by Receipts, Manuals, Tools, and Original Valve Covers. Fully Restored California Car by Doug Pratte. One of the Finest Sunbeam Tigers Extant.
Auction Source: The 2015 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1965 Sunbeam Tiger B9470832LRXFE – sold for $95,000 Correct Carnival Red with Black interior and Red Piping. In remarkable condition. Minor cosmetic restoration. Original 260CI V-8 2V engine. Close ratio 4 speed transmission. LAT 13 inch aluminum wheels. US royal tiger paw tires. Mahogany dash and steering wheel. Locking center console. Power front disc brakes. Only four owners. In Muscle Car Magazine in September 1993.
Auction Source: Kissimmee 2014, #WhereTheCarsAre by Mecum
1966 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I B9473212LRXFE – sold for $77,000 Authentic Shelby-Upgraded Model Original LAT Performance Options Three Owners from New. Texas Barn-Find Stored for 37 Years. Restoration Completed in Late 2012 Attractive Original Color Scheme.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
1966 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I B382000023LRXFE – sold for $96,250 The Tiger Mk 1 shown here is distinguished as an early model, as it has very little extra trim, which was limited largely to a chrome body strip. Having recently completed a full ground-up restoration, in beautiful dark blue metallic with grey interior, its level of detail is impressive, including fully rebuilt Jaeger gauges, Lucas headlamps, a three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel, and great looking aluminum wheels. Overall, the car shows as-new, down to its fully retractable soft top, and it is listed in the Sunbeam Tiger Registry. This would be a wonderful automobile to drive and enjoy, or to display in local shows with equal pride. It would also make a wonderful counterpoint to a Cobra, as an oft-forgotten part of the Shelby story.
Auction Source: 2013 Monterey Auction by RM Auctions
1967 Sunbeam Tiger Roadster – sold for $26,000 Nice track day or vintage race car. Ford positraction differential. Built race engine. Real Tiger. Metal fender flares. Car carries a clean Missouri title.
Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum
1965 Sunbeam Tiger MkI Roadster – sold for €32,000 This matching-numbers Tiger was acquired in 2009, having recently returned from Texas, by a retired professional motor body repairer. In 2010 it was stripped to a bare shell, any minor corrosion rectified with new panels, and converted to right-hand drive. Bills and receipts totalling in excess of £9,000 come with the car. This was obviously a labour of love and the attention to detail is exemplary, as evidenced by a class win at a prestigious… read more
Auction Source: 2011 Goodwood Revival Sale by Bonhams
