1966 Sunbeam Tiger

This 1966 Tiger Mk1A is one of just 2,700 units produced, almost all of which went Stateside. Originating as a left-hand drive vehicle, it enjoyed the warmth of Dallas, Texas, for approximately 35 years. 

In the early 2000s, the owner undertook a comprehensive restoration project for the car, where it became a showpiece and was often seen at many classic car events until 2013, when the owner's health declined, preventing further drives. However, unwilling to part with the Tiger, it found refuge in a garage where, fortunately, a considerate neighbour took it out regularly, ensuring its continued functionality.

Externally, the Sunbeam Tiger presents extremely well, finished with a classic Shelby-style colour scheme using Kingfisher Blue with White stripes. There are a couple of small chips, but when you think the car was restored in the early 2000s, the condition is excellent and ticks all the boxes for a well-executed restoration. 

Starting at the front of the car, the chrome work is in excellent condition with a bright finish and no noticeable signs of tarnishing or corrosion. The headlights and indicators are free from any damage; there are some signs of perishing around the indicator seals, but they are inexpensive items to replace. Moving further up, the bonnet sits within its aperture with an equal gap, and the bonnet vent, giving away something quite special, sits within the engine bay. 

Around to the sides, there were no dings or dents spotted, and the doors align well with a matching panel gap. The chrome trim, which runs along the swage line and has the Rootes Group emblem at each end, with the Tiger script badges at the front, are all in good order. The windows appear in good condition with no excessive scratches to point out, and the chrome frame surrounds have a bright finish.

The vinyl roof does have some signs of age, but let's face it, you're probably not going to be using it in wet weather, and if you do get caught out, the roof will still protect you from the elements. These are available from several suppliers for those who would rather replace it. 

At the rear of the Tiger, the white stripes continue over the boot lid, which aligns nicely. Just like the front, the light lenses are free from damage, and the chrome bumper is in excellent condition. 

The Alloy wheels, thought to be Wolfraces, are in excellent condition with just a couple of age-related marks but nothing excessive. The Sunbeam tiger centre caps are also in good order. A matching set of Maxxis Mecotra 3 tyres are in like new condition having not covered many miles. 

Looking inside, the Tiger appears to be quite original, with some parts having been refreshed at some point. There are some signs of age-related wear to the wooden rim steering wheel on the outer rim and the centre section. The dashboard fascia looks in good order with no apparent splits or cracks. The odometer shows a reading of 97,931 miles, is all reported to work correctly, and all instruments present well. Switchgear is minimal, but what is there is said to function as you would expect. 

The vinyl seats are in good condition, with just a small amount of creasing and stretching to the vinyl. The matching door cards are free from damage, and the door furniture is in good condition. Looking in the rear, the quarter panels don’t quite fit as well as they once did, but they shouldn’t be a big issue to rectify. 

Underfoot, the carpets appear to have been replaced and are in good condition but could benefit from being refitted. Inside the boot is clean and tidy and finished in body colour. There is also a battery isolator switch handy for storage during the winter months. The boot carpet is clean and tidy and fits well. 

Inside, the engine bay is pretty much packed thanks to the enormous 4.3-litre V8, which sounds fantastic and fires up without hesitation. No issues have been reported with the running of the car, and the vendor has had great fun driving it throughout the summer with no problems.

The car pulls strongly through the gears, which have a smooth change; no knocks or bangs are coming from the suspension, and the Tiger stops in a straight line with no juddering through the pedal. 

Looking to the underside, this has been coated in stone-guard to help prevent unwanted chips from appearing and causing a potential place for corrosion. This seems to be in good condition. The suspension components all look in good order, with minimal signs of surface corrosion. 

Imported by the vendor in 2021, the Sunbeam Tiger was registered on the 1st October 2021. 

Some recent work has been carried out to the outriggers; the rear brake shoes and cylinders have been replaced, some of the brake pipes have been rerouted, and new unions have been fitted. A new master cylinder has been fitted, and the servo has been refurbished. Other work has included new fuel filters, a rebuilt carburettor and the headlamps converted to right-hand drive. 

With all the above work, the Tiger is ready to jump in and enjoy. 

Quite possibly the ultimate two-seater British sports car from the 1960s. What’s not to love about it? Classic looks, with a massive Ford V8 to propel it and wake up the quaint countryside.

It's British, it's a classic, and it's got a V8; the Sunbeam Tiger is an extremely desirable car to own due to the low numbers produced. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.