I chuckled a bit when I read the comment, “There is slight impact damage on left rear quarter…” that seems like an unusual thing to focus upon when considering the entirety of this 1967 Sunbeam Tiger. These V8 performers have become blue-chip collectibles but this example probably wouldn’t warrant a white chip, at least as it currently sits. But, hope springs eternal so let’s see what’s really going on here. This Sunbeam is located in Danville, Virginia and is available here on eBay for a current bid of $6,800 with six bids tendered so far.
This Sunbeam is technically a Mk 1A and was built in the Tiger’s final year of 1967. All told, about 7K copies rolled off of the West Bromwich, England assembly line and the vast majority, almost 6,500, were MK1As with the remainder being more powerful Mark IIs.
It is said that this Tiger sat outside under a tarp for 35 years or so and it, unfortunately, looks like it. It’s not only the obvious surface rust but there are portions of the fenders and rocker panels that have been lost to the ages. It’s the same situation with the floors too, lots of holes. The fun continues underneath as there are portions of the structural X-platform that have rotted all the way through. And what’s not rotted-through, yet, is covered in heavy scale. Fortunately, the folding top frame is still in place.
I don’t know what to make of the interior, it’s pretty well destroyed. The dash and instrument panel have been removed and it appears that the gauges are parked in a box. As for the door cards and upholstery, they look like a write-off as well – so sad!
The defining aspect of a Sunbeam Tiger is its 164 gross HP, 260 CI V8 Ford engine. Now, 164 gross HP doesn’t sound like a lot, especially if you’re familiar with what Ford was building in 1967 but you have to remember this is a 2,600 lb. car too. That said, the performance was brisk but not outstanding but everything is relative. Compared to a four-cylinder Alpine, the V8’s torque curve will be very palpable. Our subject car’s engine turns over but the seller has not tried to start it. Four on the floor backs up the diminutive Ford Windsor engine.
These are, hands-down, one of my favorite British sports cars – and it’s not just the “go” factor either, it’s the lines of this lovely Sunbeam. The seller says that this is a restorable example, and adds, “Two knowledgeable Tiger owners have looked at the car and both felt that all the key indicators of an original Tiger were present“. Regardless, it’s a bit of a pile as it sits and it’s going to take someone with vision, a plan, and some pocket depth to resurrect this Tiger, wouldn’t you agree?
Oh my that’s a rusty Tiger!!
Oh , Andy (Rooney) look what they did to your car,,,I think his was a ’66, but I can’t help but think, better Tigers went to the crusher,,
Running gear and a VIN plate.
I’ve put a lot of vehicles on hoists and I would not have the courage to put this one on one unless it was a drive on:-)
Very restorable, I just finished one that was close to this condition. A freekin ton of work and money. Not to mention, 5 years of my life. Don’t go near it if you don’t have a lot of talent, time and resources. Buy one that’s done if at all possible, or should I say, “affordable”.
All it needs is an Alpine in good shape as a donor.Not sure if even if it was in England they would attempt a rebuild.
Say what you want about the condition, but the lug nuts are all easily and affordably restorable.
Yes, what Mike says, find a good shape Alpine, although nice Alpines are going for good money. I think they have the same problems as MGs and Triumph, the triple layer rocker panels can hide rust.
This sad Tiger has stage 9 rust everywhere. I’m surprised it held together when it was put on the lift. Some very ambitious, patient and wealthy owner might be able to bring this Tiger back to life.
Hi RICK, rust has “stages” now? Would 10 be a pile of rusty metal shavings then? In Wisconsin, we regularly drove “Stage 8” vehicles all the time,, :)
Howard: Back in the day when we lived in Toronto, we did too. The City salted the roads which ate the cars from the ground up. The rule was, if you can sit in your car while going through the car wash and not get your feet wet, the car was OK to drive.
Cheesy. Swiss cheesy.
nope !!
$40+K to fix it. I had one.
It might have had a Tiger in its tank at one time, but this poor cat can’t even meow now. Sad that it got this bad, but life is like that.
God Bless America
I am shocked that there are any bids on this.
This is a ‘66 the vin begin B3820. ‘67s began B3821
Not according to this Hagerty article, a VIN that starts with B3821 is a Mark II.
JO
Jim: Virtually no Mk1A Tigers were built in ’67 — mostly they were all built from August 1965 through December 1966 with the last one rolling off the assembly line in January 1967 during the transition to the MkII. This is according to a spreadsheet put together by a C.A.T. (California Association of Tiger owners) member based on various sources including the Jensen ledgers and the Tiger registry. The VIN of the eBay car spotlighted here shows it was built in 1966 according to the C.A.T. spreadsheet.
When these cars were new, some state DMVs would list the model year of imported cars as the year the car was first sold/titled. I have owned a “1967” 260-powered MK1A Tiger for 45 years. It was built in ’66 but has been listed as a ’67 on the CA title and registration since new. Hope that helps.
I’m just going with how the seller refers to his own car.
JO
And, a ’66 and newer would have a 289. The 260 was last produced in 1965.
Mk1A Tigers always had the 260, whether they were titled as ’66s or ’67s. The 289 was used only in the MkIIs.
buy a SUNBEAM ALPINE and make a new car from the Alpine
use this a parts car keeping the hunk with the VIN
These used to come into the west coast through Kenosha Auto Transport’s Richmond office. In those days about a fourth of the cars were Tigers. All British cars came through there and we got my Mother a Hillman Minx in black with red leather seats. In that picture, I’d be wanting the TR-3.
I have a TR8 now and it is 60% the car that my ’65 Tiger was in 1969.
2600# once, but considerably lighter now!
…and it whistles whenever the wind blows!
Trailer hitch bolted to the trunk floor?
Looks RUFF! Great Trade school project.
The only thing missing from this Tiger is swamp grass and burn marks from when it was hit by lightning.
Not even a parts car.