1965 Sunbeam Tiger 260 Mk I

The West Coast Sales Manager of Rootes American Motors Inc., Ian Garrad, realised that the Sunbeam Alpine's image was that of a touring car rather than a sports car and he set about changing its image using the Shelby Cobra as a guide. Sunbeam asked Carroll Shelby to produce one functional prototype and this was fabricated by Shelby employee George Boskoff and sent to England for evaluation. The Tiger was born. After doing extensive engineering studies, Rootes Group sub-contracted development and production to Jensen, located in West Bromwich and eventually, production of the Tiger reached 7,085 cars. The Shelby prototype has survived, along with a number of other historically significant Tigers including Lister Le Mans racers.

This Sunbeam Tiger was first registered on the 9th April 1965. It acquired its current distinctive registration in the late 1960s and is an original UK-supplied, right-hand drive, vehicle. As confirmed by the UK Tiger Owner's Club, the car boasts matching engine, chassis and gearbox numbers, however, the rear axle was changed at some point in the 1980s.

The V5C documents 8 previous owners and the car formed part of a private collection between 1989 until 2011. We understand this Tiger underwent a restoration between 1993 and 1996 and has covered just 2,651 miles since. The history file details significant numbers of previous MOT Certificates until 1993 at 76,659 miles. Following the restoration the odometer was zeroed, bringing the total mileage to a, believed genuine, 79,310 miles.

Our vendor recently acquired the car from a family member, who delivered it covering over 300 miles without fault. Under the bonnet, the engine is described as "oil tight and benefits from an alternator conversion and two-barrel Holley carb." We welcome pre-sale inspections of this delightful pocket rocket and encourage prospective bidders to contact the office for further details.