It seems like the majority of Sunbeam Tiger projects we post are long-dead projects, with a scant few appearing as well-preserved survivors that carry a big-time price tag. Finally, we have one that is pleasingly in the middle, a 1965 Tiger that is a runner that can be used while the bodywork is sorted out. It’s the kind of car where you may even have a chance to keep your head above water on it, as it doesn’t require a frame-off restoration. The seller maintains that it starts right up and will run and drive, and even stop thanks to refreshed brake components. Find it here on Facebook Marketplace in Southampton, New York for $24,500.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Jim for the find. The Tiger is one of those models where I’m not entirely sure how it was perceived when new, especially as to how second- and third-hand owners perceived its value. With so many Tigers appearing as projects with loads of rust and tired interiors, it seems like there was little aversion to using this V8-powered convertible year-round. Despite being in the snow belt, this Tiger doesn’t appear to be a lost cause body-wise, but I can’t quite tell if those are holes in the floor that we’re looking at. The Tiger’s interior isn’t in bad shape, with seats that look good enough to use as-is. The dash pad is sporting a few cracks, however.
The Tiger looks sharp with chrome bumpers in decent shape and some period-correct aftermarket wheels. The bodywork has had some time spent on it, with numerous areas of primer both along the upper surfaces and down in the rockers. The seller has added several photos in recent days that show the underside of the car, which looks fairly typical for a northern vehicle – which is to say that it’s a bit crunchy, but by no means is it the worst we’ve seen for an unrestored Tiger. The photos show a badge on the dash confirming this is a genuine Tiger courtesy of an independent verification, and the seller notes he just found the desirable original Tiger air cleaner.
The big question is whether this is a numbers matching engine. Usually, when it comes to Tigers, this is one of the first details mentioned in the listing, but those words make no appearance here. The seller does report that the engine benefits from a Pertronix electronic ignition, so someone has been tinkering with it. For our Tiger experts in the room, there may be some visual clues indicating this engine has been swapped out, so let us know in the comments if there’s anything here that appears out of spec (aside from the aftermarket air cleaner). Still, for a genuine Tiger that isn’t a total loss in the bodywork department, this example seems like a good starting point for a running project.
I want those wheels!
If this has numbers matching and doesn’t have to be dismantled to take out the rust, it’s steal.
Numbers matching doesn’t make too much of a big deal on Tigers. Like Pantera’s most owners have fiddled with them to get better performance over the years. Its actually hard to find a all stock Tiger. The early 260’s were swapped for the later 289’s or even better 302’s. If they are good clean examples they will pull good money.
Sunbeams are nice, but James Bond and Maxell Smart drove Alpines in Dr. No and Get Smart respectively.
Nice try, but you missed it by that much, Chief. (quote from Maxwell Smart)
Not only did Maxwell Smart drive a real Tiger but it was given to Don Adams after the show ended. He was a guest at Tiger functions in California later in his life.
The rust in the rear frame rails would be my concern. Anything can be fixed but at what cost? It’s cheaper to pay a higher price for a rust free car than to reverse the effects of the NY road salt. I guess I’m spoiled living here in SoCal. I really like these Tigers, would love to have one.
Hi , The Tiger is from Atlanta Georgia so , no NE road salt .
There is no number matching on a Tiger. The only thing you can do is check the numbers on the block to see if the time frame fits with the production date of the Tiger but that’s no guarantee. Many of the swaps to later 289 and all 302’s required a change in the bellhousing to a later 6 bolt style as all Tigers were originally 5 bolt bellhousing.
This Tiger has a a 5 bolt bell , could be the original 260 or a period 289 , i have not checked the block #s yet
We are used to restoration issues in the Nor’East and do a lot of Tigers. The hidden rust will (not maybe) be a challenge but this one has a leg up on most. The rest is nuts, bolts, and fabric man-hours. If you want to be a custodian of history, look carefully and ask a lot of questions.
I don’t think the Sunbeam has an outright frame; it has some formed box channels I think. That is why you have to inspect the Sunbeams closely, since the structural integrity of the body depends on the condition of the unibody
Somebody correct me on this if I’m wrong.
Exactly correct about hidden unibody issues. After blasting we always cut off the rockers to inspect and repair (every time) the bottoms of the A & B posts. Having said that, this one is still a very likely candidate for rescue and would go thru our shop for the next custodian with ease.
spend the money and buy a dry state car,been there done that with uk rusty car,the body is the most important bit the mechanical stuff is a breeze,dont get caught up with its a cheap tiger IT WONT BE IN THE END!!!!!!
Mr Martin is correct, plenty of issues here. It is a good starting point, but the work that this needs will take even the most talented do it yourselfer to places you really weren’t intending to go. Go see it in person, they always look better in the pictures. Plan on at least a year to get it somewhat presentable. This is a 66 by the VIN. Not an insurmountable amount of work, just as you get deeper you will find more to fix.
$24.5K? Just buy the Panoz a few posts up instead.
Nice Cosmic alloy wheels. Suit the Tiger.