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Why buy an AC Cobra replica when you can have a real Sunbeam Tiger – with the same engine and gearbox – for the same money? Here you get authentic automotive history in a truly raw and exhilarating package.
The Story of the Sunbeam Tiger and Carroll Shelby
In the early 1960s, Rootes Group wanted to give their elegant but underpowered Sunbeam Alpine roadster a serious performance boost. To compete with cars like the Triumph TR4 and the emerging American sports cars, they turned to Carroll Shelby, the man who had just created the AC Cobra, famously fitting a Ford V8 into a small British chassis with brilliant results.
Shelby received an Alpine and, in 1963, built a prototype by installing a Ford 260 V8 (4.2-litre) engine (Nearly identical to the one used in the early Cobra). The result was astonishing: a compact roadster with muscle-car power and refined handling. Rootes immediately approved the project for production.
Production of the Sunbeam Tiger began in 1964, mainly at Jensen Motors in England, using Ford USA engines. The first version (Mk I) had the 260 V8, while the later Tiger Mk II (1967) received the 289 V8 – the same engine as in the Mustang GT.
This particular car is equipped with a genuine 289 Shelby engine.
History
This is arguably one of the finest and most impressive Sunbeam Tigers in existence. The car has undergone a no-expense-spared, nut-and-bolt restoration, with documented costs exceeding 1,250,000 NOK (approx. €110,000).
At the asking price, it would be impossible to build a similar car today.
Modifications
Most Sunbeam Tigers were modified when new. In the 1960s, a dealer in Los Angeles called Los Angeles Tiger (LAT) offered performance upgrades for the model – many of which were actually Shelby Cobra parts rebranded for the Tiger.
This car was modified in the early 1970s using AC Cobra components, including a louvered bonnet for improved cooling and JP lightweight alloy wheels with staggered widths front and rear.
The restoration has preserved the hot rod spirit – everything has been upgraded to handle more power, from the cooling system to brakes and suspension.
Engine
Freshly rebuilt Ford Hi-Po 289 with roller rockers and a fast street cam – rev-happy and brutally strong, producing over 350 hp. This thing does 100 km/h on first gear. This is a highly sought-after engine; original blocks now sell for around $15,000 USD in the U.S. (factory-fitted in GT40s, Shelby GT350s, and Cobras).
Features include:
Interior
Completely restored: red leather seats, new carpets, soft top cover, dashboard, pedals, and wiring harness.
Suspension & Brakes
Transmission & Rear Axle
Body & Paint
Completely restored to bare metal – all rust removed and replaced with lead (no filler).
Professionally repainted and refinished by Jan Car Factory.
Extra
Delivered with tailormade luggage
Conclusion
A highly documented Sunbeam Tiger that delivers immense driving pleasure. This car is thrilling at any speed – and that V8 soundtrack is pure joy. We believe buying and selling classic cars should be a pleasant experience. Please note that the car is sold as-is, without warranty, even though it has been freshly restored. Owning a classic car is a passion – and as with any vintage vehicle, occasional maintenance or repairs are part of the experience.
The car is sold on behalf of the owner, who does not have time to handle the sale personally.
You’re welcome to come and see it – and for serious buyers, we can arrange a demonstration drive (with us behind the wheel).
But be warned: this car is tough, beautiful, and dangerously charming. It’s easy to lose your rational mind and fall in love. And honestly: Isn’t that what it’s all about?
For more info
Why buy an AC Cobra replica when you can have a real Sunbeam Tiger – with the same engine and gearbox – for the same money? Here you get authentic automotive history in a truly raw and exhilarating package.
The Story of the Sunbeam Tiger and Carroll Shelby
In the early 1960s, Rootes Group wanted to give their elegant but underpowered Sunbeam Alpine roadster a serious performance boost. To compete with cars like the Triumph TR4 and the emerging American sports cars, they turned to Carroll Shelby, the man who had just created the AC Cobra, famously fitting a Ford V8 into a small British chassis with brilliant results.
Shelby received an Alpine and, in 1963, built a prototype by installing a Ford 260 V8 (4.2-litre) engine (Nearly identical to the one used in the early Cobra). The result was astonishing: a compact roadster with muscle-car power and refined handling. Rootes immediately approved the project for production.
Production of the Sunbeam Tiger began in 1964, mainly at Jensen Motors in England, using Ford USA engines. The first version (Mk I) had the 260 V8, while the later Tiger Mk II (1967) received the 289 V8 – the same engine as in the Mustang GT.
This particular car is equipped with a genuine 289 Shelby engine.
History
- Year: 1966
- Registered in the UK: 01.01.1966 (Reg. FUH 959D)
- Registered in Sweden: 18.03.1977 (Reg. EKH 770)
- Registered in Norway: 15.04.2004 (Reg. 66-01-01
This is arguably one of the finest and most impressive Sunbeam Tigers in existence. The car has undergone a no-expense-spared, nut-and-bolt restoration, with documented costs exceeding 1,250,000 NOK (approx. €110,000).
At the asking price, it would be impossible to build a similar car today.
Modifications
Most Sunbeam Tigers were modified when new. In the 1960s, a dealer in Los Angeles called Los Angeles Tiger (LAT) offered performance upgrades for the model – many of which were actually Shelby Cobra parts rebranded for the Tiger.
This car was modified in the early 1970s using AC Cobra components, including a louvered bonnet for improved cooling and JP lightweight alloy wheels with staggered widths front and rear.
The restoration has preserved the hot rod spirit – everything has been upgraded to handle more power, from the cooling system to brakes and suspension.
Engine
Freshly rebuilt Ford Hi-Po 289 with roller rockers and a fast street cam – rev-happy and brutally strong, producing over 350 hp. This thing does 100 km/h on first gear. This is a highly sought-after engine; original blocks now sell for around $15,000 USD in the U.S. (factory-fitted in GT40s, Shelby GT350s, and Cobras).
Features include:
- Billet aluminium throttle linkage
- Electric fan and aluminium radiator for improved cooling
- Original Hi-Po valve covers with oil breathers
- Ford Motorsport radiator cap
- Upgraded oil filter system for higher capacity
- Mallory distributor
- Taylor performance plug wires
- Hi-Torque starter motor
Interior
Completely restored: red leather seats, new carpets, soft top cover, dashboard, pedals, and wiring harness.
- Moto-Lita steering wheel
- Smiths 8000 rpm tachometer (LAT) with billet aluminium mount (not installed, original fitted)
- AC Cobra roll bar with harness mounts
- Hurst shifter (AC Cobra)
- Two sets of Willans four-point harnesse
Suspension & Brakes
- AP four-piston calipers with race pads
- Braided stainless brake lines
- Racing leaf springs (rear) with lowering kit
- Traction bars
- Racing coil springs (front)
- Adjustable Spax gas dampers
- Polyurethane suspension bushings
- Reinforced leaf springs with axle tramp bracket
Transmission & Rear Axle
- Ford Toploader 4-speed gearbox
- Overhauled Dana rear axl
Body & Paint
Completely restored to bare metal – all rust removed and replaced with lead (no filler).
Professionally repainted and refinished by Jan Car Factory.
Extra
Delivered with tailormade luggage
Conclusion
A highly documented Sunbeam Tiger that delivers immense driving pleasure. This car is thrilling at any speed – and that V8 soundtrack is pure joy. We believe buying and selling classic cars should be a pleasant experience. Please note that the car is sold as-is, without warranty, even though it has been freshly restored. Owning a classic car is a passion – and as with any vintage vehicle, occasional maintenance or repairs are part of the experience.
The car is sold on behalf of the owner, who does not have time to handle the sale personally.
You’re welcome to come and see it – and for serious buyers, we can arrange a demonstration drive (with us behind the wheel).
But be warned: this car is tough, beautiful, and dangerously charming. It’s easy to lose your rational mind and fall in love. And honestly: Isn’t that what it’s all about?
For more info
