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?
This car in this type of shape really commands that much? I would think sub-20k for a “driver”. Shows what I know.
Yep….it’s a little high but good orginal ones are hard to find running and driving. Another point is it is always easier to start high and come down then to start low and go higher…..
I’d do it for 25K,….
What a nice car, however did not know they were so valuable.
Most were over driven and wrecked…..then you have the rust feature all little sports cars seem to have…..limited production would be another…..should we mention “Get Smart”…..
My restoration would include a machine gun that pops out of the hood. Then I’d get the license plate AGENT86.
Seeing what a real nice Tiger is going for in this month’s Hemming’s, I’d say this is WAY overpriced.
I just saw a better one go for 14,000 on BAT last week. This seller needs to wake up and smell the coffee. I restore these cars and can tell you, this guy is a dreamer!
Rough cosmetics, delusional price. $30-40k will get you a much nicer car these days as the market has softened in the past few years. Even the rare ’67 MkIIs with the 289 don’t bring the money they once did.
$38k with that hood scoop?
$38k BECAUSE of the hood scoop, *wink-wink* ;-)
Interesting, depending on a few factors this could be a good starting point. Parts are available from several sources, which looks like you will be needing a lot, but should be easy to find. Get it road worthy and drive while we have summer weather left then fix during the winter. All said at $38k someone is smoking dope! Maybe $20s but no where near $30s. If I had room this would be in my garage for a winter project. Seen worse that’s for sure!
Oh, the poor Alpine,,,kidding, Tigers are awesome cars, just ask my mentor, Andy Rooney,,oh, wait, maybe the daughter, who had her dads car lovingly restored, although he died before it was done. Wait a minute, hold on here, for the record, that hood scoop, looks more like a Ford Big Job truck or Pontiac Super Duty. The “LAT” one is flatter, and never really saw one, but Tigers were pretty rare in Beer City to begin with. I’m certainly not Tiger expert, but a ’66 with a 260 could easily be one of the very early ones. Hate to break it to the seller, the fizz on Tigers fizzed out a long time ago. Has to be tough seeing such a cool car in such poor condition. I mean, a Tiger has always been a special car, not some beater. Some peoples kids, I swear,,
says engine rebuilt 3000 milea ago ..LOL dont think so looking at engine compartment
Someone left the fan shroud off when they rebuilt the motor.. wonder what else they missed.
When I saw the ad as a picture, I wondered what the owner was asking. My first guess in its condition was under 20K because of the crazy values of good Tigers these days. 38K maybe for someone with tons of cash lying around, but for me… no. It may be running but cosmetically it needs everything, even as a good driver. I like these cars and they are at their height of value ( to me). It would be a fun project at the right price but not at this one…..maybe half of what he is asking!!
There’s no brake booster, I wonder where that went maybe the same place as the missing fan shroud. I don’t know how far you’re going to drive this before the fuel line fouls the fan belt. Or the incorrect upper rad hose hits the incorrect fan. And yes I own a tiger a mark two
There is an iconic saying…. “There’s an a** for every seat”…Perhaps some unwary buyer will “poney up” its asking price or a semblance thereof, however clearly, the seller has overpriced the Tiger… It’s tragic it has been allowed to fall into such terrible condition… I have seen this too many times as a classic car dealer over the years, and never quite understood the ignorance to perpetuate this… Can someone put a face on it.?
38 K ???
As we say down under: yea………….nah
I had two tigers, a 65 and a 66. first one I wrecked. Second one I sold, big mistake. they are NOT fun cars to drive, Miserable in the summer, no ventilation, in the winter you don’t need the heater. the clutch was so stiff my leg throbbed. miserable to work on. but I loved them both. If that is a clock in the dash that is a rare option. I am 76 now, so comfort is my priority now.
Dream car for me!
I had a college professor who told me he took a new one for a test ride and spun out in the middle of an intersection. He didn’t buy it, but years later thought he should have.
that motor looks like it was never touched from what i am looking at. either way price is high.
A friend took me to see one for sale about a year ago. It was very nice and clean and was in the high 20s price wise. The owner had a couple of VERY NICE British cars in his stable. I had studied up on these before going to look at that last year. And determined that the one for sale was a fake Tiger. There are (from what I hear/read) more fake ones than real ones. I have always liked these and seriously considered buying one many years ago. If I had,chances are the ex would have gotten it in the divorce. Instead, I got her MGB.
Great little car and I agree an inspection before bidding would be prudent
That is an extremely high price for one in need of such repair and replacement parts. There are several online currently for high 30’s to high 40’s that have been restored or are pristine originals. I’d probably offer around $20k depending upon the rust element as the author mentioned. I’ve built several pre 49 street rods from ground up with extensive rust. It was costly and time consuming. If all you’re after is a driver with loads of patina, maybe $20-$25 but no more.
Vastly Overpriced given the condition shown in the ad.
Car looks like “ it was rode hard and put away wet”.
The seller may have done the work to get this moving under its own power, but it still needs a lot… a whole lot… $38K is waaay out there. Cut that number in half and it would be an attractive project… …but that assumes the chassis is solid.
Unsafe at any speed.