There are many reasons why enthusiasts part with beloved classics. But when declining health forces the sale, it can be a bitter pill to swallow. Such is the case with this 1965 Sunbeam Tiger. A family restoration that presents superbly, the father can no longer enjoy this beauty as he recently commenced cancer treatment. The spirit is willing, but his body won’t play ball. Therefore, he has made the heartbreaking decision to send the Tiger to a home where someone can appreciate the fruits of the family’s labor. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this beautiful classic listed here on Craigslist in Beaverton, Oregon. The seller listed it for $59,500.
Based on the Sunbeam Alpine, the Tiger entered production in 1964. The final cars left the Jensen factory in West Bromwich in 1967, with our featured Tiger rolling off the lot in 1965. It is a family restoration project, and the owner began the build with a rock-solid candidate. There is no rust to spoil the ownership experience, and with laser-straight panels and dazzling Red paint, this Tiger makes a striking impression. Finding anything deserving criticism is impossible, because the factory hardtop is excellent, as are the glass and trim. The Tiger rolls on a sweet set of 15″ Panasport wheels, and the deal includes two sets of correct 13″ steelies.
The Tiger perfectly combines a traditional British Sports Car, in the form of a Sunbeam Alpine, with genuine American muscle. Two prototypes were produced: Ken Miles built one in a week on an $800 budget, and Carroll Shelby built the second with more money and a longer lead time. Even so, it took a lot of work to squeeze a Ford 260ci V8 beneath the hood of an Alpine. The engine’s length wasn’t the problem. Its width was a different story, and modifications were made that allowed the V8 to fit with no room to spare. The Shelby was selected as the base for the production version, and Jensen Motors won the manufacturing contract. This Tiger isn’t as it left the line, featuring a 289ci motor with a long list of internal upgrades. The Dyno Sheets tell the story: while the original Alpine delivered 100hp and 110 ft/lbs of torque, this beauty sends 260hp and 280 ft/lbs to the rear wheels through a four-speed Top-Loader manual transmission. The deal includes a set of new headers and other parts, and potential buyers can consider the Tiger a turnkey proposition.
Apart from the aftermarket tachometer, there is nothing inside this Tiger to differentiate it from any other typical British Sports Car. The dash features a timber fascia, plenty of gauges, a wood-rimmed Moto-Lita wheel, and an array of toggle switches that always look inherently “right” in cars of this type. The stubby shifter for the Top-Loader pokes purposefully through the floor, and occupants sink into bucket seats with surprisingly good lateral support. The presentation is spotless, with no wear or other shortcomings. The dash fascia hasn’t deteriorated, and this interior should receive plenty of positive feedback wherever the new owner goes.
I grew up in a home surrounded by classic car enthusiasts. My late father loved anything wearing a Blue-Oval badge with a V8 under the hood. Surprisingly, he always wanted a Volvo 242GT and bought one about twenty-five years ago. It was his pride and joy, and he lavished it with care and attention. However, one day he realized he could no longer slip behind the wheel to enjoy the driving experience, so he donated the Volvo to a Motor Museum. The look in his eye the day he watched it head down the road has remained with me, because he realized that his driving days were over. The fact that the Volvo was headed to a museum where it would be appreciated softened the blow, and I hope that the owner feels the same when he watches this 1965 Sunbeam Tiger disappear from view. He will know it is safe in the hands of a genuine enthusiast, which is as it should be. Could you be that person?
Beautiful car. Bet it’s a hoot to drive.
One thing all collectors, builders, hoarders etc. must remember that they are only the current custodians of whatever we are collecting and when we croak somebody else will take over until the next custodian takes over. So, if it’s worth One dollar or One million dollars, it makes no difference, you are only the temporary owner!