Lot details Registration No: CDN111C Chassis No: B9472912HR0FE
- Right hand drive 'home market' example
- Subject to a sixteen-year restoration
- Fresh 302ci (5 litre) V8 engine installed
Further info:
The Sunbeam Tiger was conceived in the West Coast of the USA and inspired by the success of the AC Cobra - the result of inserting a small-block American V8 engine into the nose of the British AC Ace. Rootes American Motors Inc. saw the potential for performing a similar operation on the stylish four-cylinder Sunbeam Alpine. Preliminary research suggested that the engine used to produce the Cobra - Ford's 4.3-litre (260ci) 'Windsor' unit - would be the appropriate powerplant, and a prototype was commissioned from Carroll Shelby, the man behind the Cobra project. Unveiled at the April 1964 New York Motor Show, the resultant Tiger incorporated uprated steering, suspension and brake assemblies but retained the Alpine's basic layout and sheetmetal. With a quoted 164bhp/258lbft on tap, the newcomer was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in under eight seconds and 120mph. Distinguishing itself on race tracks and rally stages alike, the model accounted for some 7,085 sales from 1964-1967.
According to the vendor, this handsome 'home market' Tiger has been subject to 'a sixteen-year restoration project costing more than I would wish to total'. More powerful than the 260ci (4.3 litre) unit it supplanted, a fresh 302ci (5 litre) V8 engine is now installed aboard 'CDN 111C' sports an Edelbrock alloy inlet manifold, four-barrel Holley carburettor, 'Cobra Powered by Ford' rocker covers and a stainless-steel exhaust complete with gas flowed headers. Further benefiting from new soft- and hardtop roofs, the two-seater rides on Minilite-style alloys shod with new tyres and wears discreet '302' (rather than '260') badging. In possession of a valid MOT certificate up until July this year when the vendor chose to take advantage of its exempt status, the Sunbeam is described by him as 'very good' with regards to its engine, manual gearbox, bodywork, paintwork and interior trim. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and a collection of invoices.
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