Carroll Shelby developed a reputation for creating high-performance vehicles, and his ability to shoehorn V8s into small and light British sports cars cemented his standing. This approach gave the world the Shelby Cobra in 1962, and the Sunbeam Tiger two years later. Changing circumstances saw the Tiger program end prematurely, but these cars remain extremely desirable in the current classic market. This 1966 Tiger is a stunning survivor with 37,200 documented miles showing on its odometer. It runs and drives perfectly, making it a turnkey proposition for the new owner. The seller has listed the Sunbeam here on eBay in Hollywood, Florida. They set their BIN at $59,000 with the option to make an offer.
Tiger development followed two parallel paths, with cars fabricated by Carroll Shelby and legendary racer Ken Miles. The Shelby version featured a four-speed manual transmission, while the Miles car’s performance was slightly hampered by its two-speed automatic. Timeframes also made a difference, with Miles given approximately one week to produce his prototype on a budget of $800, and Shelby a month and $10,000. Naturally, the Shelby version was considered the more polished and promising, and was chosen by Lord Rootes as the base for the Tiger. This 1966 example presents superbly in Arctic White with a matching Hardtop and a Black soft-top. The seller confirms that the Hardtop requires restoration, but that seems to be the only significant cosmetic shortcoming. The paint shines nicely, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no rust. The trim and glass are in good order, but purists will notice a few reversible changes. These include period-correct LAT alloy wheels and a hood from the same manufacturer.
While there was little to separate the Tiger and Alpine externally, the same wasn’t true when you lifted the hood. Rootes fitted the 1966 Alpine with a 1,725cc four producing 100hp, but Shelby upped the ante by squeezing Ford’s 260ci V8 into the engine bay to create the Tiger. It required some re-engineering and a change to the steering system, but it proved viable. The Mark II pushed the boundaries further with its 289ci V8, but as this is a Mark IA, it features the 260 that generates 164hp and 258 ft/lbs of torque. The Tiger is a light car, so the performance gains were significant following the transformation. The seller confirms that this classic is numbers-matching, and that the LAT headers, Mallory electronic ignition, and the upgraded Holley carburetor are the only modifications. It has a genuine and verified 32,700 miles showing on its odometer, recently receiving new brakes and tires. It runs and drives well, making the Tiger a turnkey proposition.
The interior reflects the Tiger’s British heritage, with the dash housing a selection of gauges with chrome bezels, toggle switches to operate some features, and lashings of timber on the wheel and the dash fascia. This is worthy of special mention, with both the dash and wheel recently restored to present perfectly. The Black upholstered surfaces are free from visible wear and other problems, and the carpet is clean. Driving this Sunbeam with the top down won’t cause the new owner any shame.
The demise of the Sunbeam Tiger can be traced back well before its conception to the early days following World War II. The Rootes Group was offered the Volkswagen factory and brand as war reparations, but Lord Rootes failed to see the potential in the brand or the Beetle. History shows that this was a very poor decision. Rootes also immediately dismissed the Mini, failing to see the market potential of a small and affordable vehicle that could seat four. When the company realized this error, it rushed through the development of the Hillman Imp. This was an interesting car that provided surprising performance and handling, but reliability issues and warranty repairs essentially bankrupted Rootes. Chrysler bailed out Rootes by becoming a shareholder in 1964, increasing its stake throughout the decade as it became the majority shareholder. Therefore, a Ford-powered sports car was no longer an acceptable part of its model range, leading to the end of Tiger production in June 1967. So ended a chapter in motoring history, although this 1966 example provides a perfect opportunity for someone to relive the glory days of Anglo-American cooperation. Are you up for that challenge?
Ok. Show of hands….. Who though of Get Smart when they saw this ’66 Sunbeam Tiger? Always thought these were a nice alternative to the Cobra.
Wow, here’s Volkswagen (Porsche, Audi) for your troubles. No, thanks! Imagine the possibilities and opportunities lost.
why are both front fenders bent?
They aren’t. Shadows.
This car is a definite repaint. The seller does not claim that it’s original, but whom ever did the body work was not familiar Sunbeams. The rocker panels are not looking original, the grill area should be satin black in the coves and core support. The brake booster is a Lockheed replacement and no pics of the underside. I’d say given the current market he’s about $25k high on his price. To quote the seller,”just my opinion”.
I spotted the rockers too. Went to the eBay site and the left side definitely looked lumpy. At first I thought it might be shadowing, but no, there’s definitely incorrect bondo work there. I also noted that the door seams and trunk…errrr….boot lid lines were not quite right. Overall it looks to be well-sorted (as they say), but I’d want to use a magnet on it myself. The price is pretty strong but perhaps it’s the going rate these days.
My cousin had a dark blue one back in the early 70s. He took my father for a ride on our countryside roads and Pop had to change his pants when he got back home :-).
Spot on with the rockers. Me thinks there is trouble a brewing under there. However, nice enough ride to buy and enjoy. Price may be a little high but time will tell.
I’ve always liked the Tigers but I would think owning and working on one would be a challenge. Everything is stuffed into that engine bay I was wondering if the tool kit included a shoe horn? LOL. When I was in high school a guy had a souped up Tiger that would eat GTO’s, SS396’s, Corvettes, etc for breakfast.
I had one beat me by a car length twice. Raced 2 lites back to back he had me both times in our stock 89LX. Very cool cars.
I had posted a picture of Get Smart in his red ’66 Sunbeam Tiger about 7 hours ago. For some reason its not showing. But thats what I thought of when I saw this one. I always thought they were a nice alternative to the Cobra.
Hopefully works on the second try.
My friend and neighbor up the street has one just like this – white/black. He loves wrenching on it and is building a 289 to replace the 260. BTW – we’re in Ocala, just up the road from Hollywood, where I used to deal poker at the Hard Rock. It’s a great driver and he always has a smile when cruising. His engine bay is a lot cleaner than this one. He has the stock hood on his though he has a louvered hood in the rafters he’s considering.
Unsafe at any speed.
Great cars I had 2 of them one was light blue the other one was dark blue. I loved the first one a 1966 bought it from a major who was being over seas when I lived in Jacksonville, which I should have kept it.
According to the Book of Norman, this car was yellow in 1989 and was in California. there is also a note that says “front clip”. What ever that means, I would inspect it in person before spending any significant amount of money on it. Probably a good car, just do your diligence.