Lot details
Registration No: LWD607E
Chassis No: 3950147930/HSO
Mot Expiry: May 2011

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 designed AC Ace. Rootes American Motors Inc. saw the potential for performing a similar operation on the stylish but rather pedestrian Sunbeam Alpine, whose 1.5-litre, four cylinder engine made it more of a loping GT car than an out-and-out sports machine. Preliminary research suggested that the engine first used to produce the Cobra - Ford's 4.3-litre (260 cu in) 'Windsor' unit - would be the appropriate powerplant, and a prototype was commissioned from Carroll Shelby, the man behind the Cobra project. Further research and development proved the concept to be viable and, somewhat unsurprisingly, increasing the capacity of the engine by no less than 2.8 litres resulted in a car of completely different character. The basic layout of the Alpine was retained and the car featured independent suspension with coil springs at the front and a live axle for the rear supported by semi-elliptic leaf springs. The 164bhp engine endowed the car with a top speed of around 120mph and a 0-60mph acceleration time of under eight seconds, leading Tigers to enjoy success in both racing and rallying over the years. A total of some 7,085 Sunbeam Tigers were eventually produced, including 536 of the now very rare 4.7 litre MK 2s. Unsurprisingly, numerous Alpines have been converted to 'Tiger' specification over the years.

The right-hand drive car offered is an evocation 'Tiger' based on a 1967 example of the Alpine. It is finished in classic red with a white hard top, complemented by a black vinyl interior that is believed to be largely original. The floor and chassis (prone to rust on these Sunbeams) are understood to have never required welding. Reportedly "looking and sounding the part", the evocation is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its 4950cc engine, four-speed manual gearbox, bodywork and paintwork, while he rates the interior trim and electrical equipment as "good". Recently benefiting from a new clutch, this potent sports car is MOT'd until May 25th 2011.