1965 | Sunbeam Tiger Mk I

Inspired by the AC Cobra, which was effectively the British AC Ace sportscar 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 mighty V8 but also thanks 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, it was built by Jensen in 1965 and first registered in 1967. The car was purchased by the previous owner in December 2008 and was described as a near concours example. The previous owner then set about converting the Tiger into full historic rally specification with the emphasis on driveability and reliability. The car was then 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. Importantly, the car itself is a genuine Sunbeam Tiger with a Certificate of Authenticity from the STOA USA and STOC UK and is a well-known car in classic rally circles and to the STOC.

Supplied with an astonishing history file from 1965 to the present day, it encapsulates almost every MoT test certificate. Also contained within the history file are the original bills of sale from 1972 and 2008, the green logbook dated 1967, the original stamped service book dated 1967, extensive paper and photographic history, receipts from the 1980s to 2008 prior to the rally conversion, extensive current paperwork and photographic history including all invoices and an engine rebuild from 2009 to 2019, a 2010 FIVA ID card which expired in 2020, current wiring diagram for all fuses and relays and finally the original owner's handbook and workshop manual.

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. This a very exceptional Sunbeam Tiger in amazing condition and with perhaps the best history found on such a car, the history file is truly vast. The previous owner lavished in excess of £40,000 on the vehicle since 2008, and our vendor purchased the car in 2022, managing to attend many events and shows since then. 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.

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
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
Competition clutch from USA
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
Full respray in correct Mediterranean Blue
Bolt in roll hoop painted in Mediterranean blue with many rally stickers
New hood
Fire extinguisher with fitted cage
Brantz BR32 rally timer with operating instructions
Brantz Internation 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
Moto-Lita 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.

Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1965
Make: Sunbeam
Model: Tiger Mk. I Rally Prepared
Registration: SME 731F
Chassis No: B9472157HR0FE
Engine No: 4E28FC40E6015F
Mileage: 42,110


* Genuine Tiger with Ford 289ci five bolt engine

* Prepared for classic rallies and campaigned with great success

* Supplied with FIVA ID card granted in 2010 and Certificate of Authenticity

* Rally ready example but still wonderful as a fast road car