Most of the time, when we come across dilapidated Tigers, they also don’t run–but this one’s different! Someone, presumably the seller, has gone through enough of the mechanical components that the car is declared “ready to drive” and just needs cosmetics. We have Barn Finds reader Zappenduster to thank for this great find, which is located in Erie, Colorado, and is listed for sale here on Craigslist for $38,000.
The seller describes the car as needing some body and interior work. I’ll certainly agree with that, as the not-so-detailed pictures show plenty of minor dents and dings, scratches, and possibly even some rust. As Tigers and Alpines are unibodies, unlike, for example, contemporary Triumphs, the structural integrity of the car is dependent on a minimal rust report. At $38k, I would want to see a lot more pictures, especially of the underside, before making an offer. On the bright side, the car does look relatively complete. Both bumpers appear pretty mangled, but I found a set of stainless steel reproductions with overriders here on eBay for $669 plus shipping–way below the cost of straightening and rechroming the originals.
You have to wonder what someone was thinking when they attached this awful hood scoop. Admittedly, many Tigers have the LAT (Los Angeles Tiger) hood scoop fitted, and they are still available. You’re going to need to source a grille bar set and headlight finishers as well. I was pleasantly surprised at the availability of spares through a quick internet search; I considered purchasing a Mk. III Alpine many years ago and was put off by how hard it was to find parts. Apparently that’s no longer true.
Sure, you need to reupholster the seats, and a carpet set–but would you enjoy the car for a while, first? I sure would; it’s summer and convertible weather in most parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It’s not typical to find the original steering wheel still there either. I can find a lot to recommend this car (assuming no major rust issues) so far if you are hankering for a Tiger.
While this is obviously not the original air cleaner, most of the rest of this 260-cubic-inch small-block Ford looks normal, and there are even some newish-looking parts. The seller states that the engine was rebuilt ~3,000 miles ago. That may well be true, but it looks like that might have been 20 years ago as well. We’re also told that the brakes, cylinders, fluids, fuel pump, water pump, and ignition system are new. The radiator has been rebuilt and reinstalled; I hope that was before this picture was taken–I’d hate to think someone “rebuilt” the radiator and didn’t bother to put a coat of fresh paint on it. So tell us–would you drive this Tiger as-is (I would!), or immediately begin the cosmetic refurbishment?
I’d do it for 25K,….
What a nice car, however did not know they were so valuable.
My restoration would include a machine gun that pops out of the hood. Then I’d get the license plate AGENT86.