Located in Gardena, Ca and for sale here on eBay is a little classic that beautifully combines my love of British marques with my love for the American Ford V8. Possessing a clear title and a BIN of $82,000 with the option to make an offer, the Sunbeam Tiger is not a car that you will see every day. I know that it’s not a cheap car by any stretch of the imagination, but I can pretty well guarantee that if you stop at a set of traffic lights, you aren’t going to glance across and find an identical example stopped beside you.
The parent company for Sunbeam was the Rootes Group. That this company could produce 2 amazing, ground-breaking and breath-taking cars in the Sunbeam Tiger and the Hillman Imp whilst simultaneously going broke is something that is quite amazing. By the time that this little Series II Tiger hit the market the Rootes Group was in the throes of being bought out by Chrysler. This meant that Chrysler did not want to sell a car fitted with a competitor’s engine. As Chrysler did not have a V8 engine that would fit within the diminutive engine bay of the Tiger, production ended once the stock of Ford V8s had been used. This meant that there were only 633 Series II Tigers built. This particular example is described as a survivor. It is not perfect, but the seller states that it could be returned to the road as is. They had planned a full restoration, but circumstances have prevented this from happening.
The interior appears to be in quite good order. The timber-work looks to have a nice shine on it. When I first looked at the interior shots I thought that the dash and one of the gauges were cracked, but this appears to only be a trick of the light. The only thing that really detracts is the carpet. I’m not sure if it’s discolored or is just dusty. Regardless of which, among the extras that come with the car is a new carpet set. There is also a number of other items including a hardtop, front and rear bumpers, new headliner kit and sundry other items that the seller appears to have accumulated as they sought to undertake the restoration.
This is the money shot for me. In place of the original 4 cylinder engine, we find the 289ci Ford V8. The original Series I Tiger was fitted with the 260ci, but the Series II received the 289. The performance was everything that you would expect from a car of 2,600lbs fitted with an engine of this capacity. The fitment of the V8 wasn’t without its share of problems. Among the unique issues was access to the spark plugs on the left bank of the engine. These could only be changed via a hole in the firewall that was closed with a rubber grommet when access was not required. The seller doesn’t give a clear indication of the condition of the drive-train. However, they do have a significant collection of documentation tracing the history of the car, and verifying that the drive-train is all original to the car.
Unmolested Sunbeam Tigers are becoming harder to find. This one is a genuine survivor in original condition. When you consider the low build numbers of the Series II Tiger, that makes this quite a desirable car. I have seen a wide spread of prices on Series II cars for sale, but the price on this one could be entirely reasonable if it is solid underneath and mechanically sound. So, if you bought it would you leave it as is (they’re only original once) or would you undertake a full restoration? Don’t ask me because I can’t decide.
“Survivor” does not equal “barn find.” Judging by where this car is parked, the seller is quite aware of the value of 1960’s Ford power. The price of entry is for only a few deep pockets. I love this LBC, but not $82k worth of love. I have few acquaintances with $82k sitting around to bring this survivor up to a driving standard, much less a show standard.
I think this price would get you a nice detomaso panthera….
When in doubt choose all of the above!
Ugh, Alexander, you’re putting too much emphasis on the word “barn”. We’ve been over this and over this. For the umpteenth time, “Barn Finds” is just the name, a “barn” doesn’t have to be a rickety old farm outbuilding. This person’s garage is their “barn”. I’d put more emphasis on the word “finds”. I saw your comment on the Rambler repeat, and it’s too bad you feel that way about becoming a member. I re-upped, because, a), my best friend is a writer here, and b), I haven’t found a site that brings all these different “finds” together in one place, and allows us to babble as such.
I’m sure Maxwell Smart would be impressed…
I wonder if this particular Tiger is worth the BIN price?
Along with accessing rear spark plugs, the other issue is that Tigers were prone to fractures in the A-arms.
Thanks for posting a very rare find.
Learned how to change plugs on a Tiger II from the folks at High Performance motors. Jack the engine up, it’s easier than 7 zillion universal attachments on your ratchet
Don Adams would be proud, and parked next to what appears to be a GT350H?
Wouldn’t mind taking that one around the track a few times ;-0
Unfortunately that’s out of my price range.
Lot of famous people had Tigers. Cary Grant, Don Adams, Chris Amon, Andy Rooney, and Ricardo Montalban ( no leather quotes, please) I agree, too rich for me too, but one heck of a ride. The time to buy these was 40 years ago, when they were a tough sell.
I would detail the heck out of it, and enjoy it as-is. It’s only original once.
It would be a close call, but I think I’d rather have the GT350H even if it turned out to be a recreation. Tigers look good, but the Hertz version Shelbys were one of the best looking cars of all time. I wouldn’t even care too much if it was a clone. I’d just pay less for it.
Judging by the hood pins on the Shelby’s hood (incorrect placement) missing the rear chrome bumper guards and backup lights. I’m going to sway towards the clone side.
The LA-engine would probably fit physically, via body drop. The rear mint distributor would be impossible to service…
I don’t think so, at least not on left-hand drive versions. Remember that Chrysler starters are on the driver’s side. Steering shaft would probably be in the way.
the Distributor on a FORD is in the front
Minor correction: It’s in Gardena, CA, not “Garden”.
Thanks for that Euromoto. I’ve fixed it. Sometimes it just doesn’t matter how often you proof-read something, you can just miss one little thing.
Providing the tin worm hasn’t gotten a hold of this car, at the BIN price, that’s one hell of deal. Only 535 were made of the last series of Tigers. A few years back in Monterey, Cal. 2 of these were sold for $200K +.Drive it as is making sure the brakes are in good shape. Parts are fairly easy to find for these now, although sheet metal would have to come from a donor Alpine.Only the number 8 plug is changed from inside the car. It’s actually the easiest one to change.I’d trade my Mark1 Tiger for the Shelby……
I have always dreamed of having one of these sitting in my garage! I could no longer have one because of my health problems! The price is??????????
Unsafe at any speed.
Unsafe at any speed. I’ve been in one-
Totally agree.
Drove a friends in road circuit racing when his regular driver was ill, I had previously driven first year with 260, and those S.O.B with 289 made for very unstable cornering at speed.
Had to downshift and break hard to get right line for exit.
Thing was fast once beyond apex but rear end would break loose and on long sweeping curve you never knew limit till it broke loose.
On real tight turns the inner wheel would want to lift and outer tuck under.
And yes his driver rolled the sucker by collapse of A-arms.
I admit to not being the greatest driver by a long shot but driving these “unpredictables” at speed took real pros.
Rugs what rugs, damn cheap dog blankets, and that rear leaning seat was common as the latch and stop made of tin.
These sell for 30x what they cost new.
Still at safe speed on smooth freeways a nice short trip driver.
I’d as soon have base Alpine for such jaunts.
A thing of beauty. I do know of one bud who has that kind of $$, owns a very successful body shop, but dunno if he would put into one of these vs a pantera or something like that.
Would love to smoke someone at a traffic light with one of these. CS would look down smiling. Shelby was faced with the task of installing the 260 into one of these, with Bill Stroppe. in 8 hours they had the mill installed and were driving around the track.
Good luck to the new owner
Modifications to these cars were as common as they were to Panteras back in the day. But most of the mods were done because they were badly needed. Cooling systems were inadequate, the ackerman angle of the steering left much to be desired. Brakes… Meh..Over the years people made the upgrades to the cars to make them more dependable and it did not hurt the value. While a ALL ORIGINAL car is always nice to have for retaining the highest value, it does not make for a enjoyable driving experience. I will be driving my Tiger up to Monterey car week later this month.
I believe the hood modifications on this car back up your statement.
I baby sat a friend’s Tiger for a year while he was overseas. A ‘white knuckle’ driver, nose heavy, no posi-track, high geared rear end and close geared transmission. With the 260 V-8 and a 2 barrel carb: 60 in 1st, 80 in 2nd, 100 in 3rd and then you run out if control, as this asking price has. Maybe a fun way to exit this world.
Not the poor man’s cobra any more
You could buy my V6 Chevy powered Alpine for $10,000 and have fun without breaking the bank.
My dad was in military in England . R A F Weathersfield I went to Lakenheath High School The first v8 Alpine I saw was in 1965 and it had a 273 c u L A mopar in it Soooooo?
I still kick myself for not buying a nice one that I saw for sale in Las Vegas for $3,000. (back in 1979) I even had the wife’s blessing!
I like them not only for the Ford engine and British body. But because I am tired at looking at Cobras. (original or kits)
Here is your V6 Alpine.
A gentleman in our area (Northern Nevada) had a V6 (2.8 Colonge) in his Alpine. It was nicely done and a very potent car. I have since seen a couple of others. Would that make it a 3/4 Tiger or a 3/4 Alpine Tiger? or a 3/4 Alpine Cobra? If so, I have a 3/4 MGB Cobra.