The Sunbeam Tiger is a high-performance sports car that was produced from 1964 to 1967 by the Rootes Group, a British automobile manufacturer. This iconic vehicle has a unique blend of style, power, and agility that has captivated car enthusiasts for decades. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Sunbeam Tiger, its design and features, and what makes it a beloved classic among car collectors and enthusiasts.
Introduction to the Sunbeam Tiger
The Sunbeam Tiger was first introduced at the 1964 London Motor Show, where it generated significant buzz and excitement among car enthusiasts. The brainchild of Ian Garrad, the sales manager of the Rootes Group’s West Coast distributor, the Sunbeam Tiger was designed to be a high-performance sports car that could compete with other popular models of the time, such as the Jaguar E-Type and the Porsche 911. With its sleek design, powerful engine, and agile handling, the Sunbeam Tiger quickly gained a reputation as a formidable competitor in the sports car market.
Design and Features of the Sunbeam Tiger
The Sunbeam Tiger was based on the Sunbeam Alpine, a popular sports car that was produced by the Rootes Group from 1959 to 1968. However, the Tiger had several key differences that set it apart from its predecessor. One of the most notable features of the Sunbeam Tiger was its powerful engine, which was sourced from Ford and produced 164 horsepower. This was significantly more powerful than the engine in the Sunbeam Alpine, which produced only 92 horsepower. The Tiger also had a number of other upgrades, including a four-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, which improved its handling and acceleration.
In terms of design, the Sunbeam Tiger had a sleek and stylish body that was reminiscent of other sports cars of the time. It had a long hood and a short rear deck, which gave it a distinctive and aggressive look. The Tiger also had a number of other design features that were unique to the model, including hood scoops and side vents that helped to improve its cooling and aerodynamics.
Performance and Handling
The Sunbeam Tiger was known for its exceptional performance and handling, which made it a joy to drive on both the road and the track. With its powerful engine and agile suspension, the Tiger could accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 8.5 seconds, which was extremely fast for a car of its time. It also had a top speed of over 120 mph, which made it one of the fastest production cars on the market.
In addition to its impressive acceleration and top speed, the Sunbeam Tiger was also known for its exceptional handling and agility. It had a tight turning radius and a responsive steering system, which made it easy to maneuver on tight roads and corners. The Tiger also had a number of other features that improved its handling, including disc brakes and a limited-slip differential, which helped to improve its traction and stability.
The History of the Sunbeam Tiger
The Sunbeam Tiger was produced from 1964 to 1967, during which time a total of 7,085 units were manufactured. The car was sold in a number of different markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, where it was popular among car enthusiasts and collectors.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Sunbeam Tiger’s history is its connection to the famous Carroll Shelby, who is best known for his work on the Shelby Cobra. In the early 1960s, Shelby was looking for a new project to work on, and he became interested in the Sunbeam Alpine, which he saw as a potential competitor to the Shelby Cobra. Shelby worked with the Rootes Group to develop a high-performance version of the Alpine, which eventually became the Sunbeam Tiger.
Production and Sales
The Sunbeam Tiger was produced at the Rootes Group’s factory in Ryton, England, where it was assembled on the same production line as the Sunbeam Alpine. The car was sold through a network of dealerships and distributors, including the Rootes Group’s own dealerships and those of other companies, such as Chrysler and Ford.
In terms of sales, the Sunbeam Tiger was a moderate success, with a total of 7,085 units sold during its production run. The car was popular among car enthusiasts and collectors, who appreciated its unique blend of style, power, and agility. However, the Tiger was not without its challenges, including a high price point and limited availability, which made it less accessible to some buyers.
Legacy and Collectibility
Today, the Sunbeam Tiger is a highly sought-after collector’s item, with many examples selling for high prices at auction. The car’s unique blend of style, power, and agility, combined with its limited production run and historical significance, have made it a highly desirable vehicle among car collectors and enthusiasts.
In addition to its collectibility, the Sunbeam Tiger has also had a lasting impact on the automotive industry, with its influence visible in a number of other sports cars and high-performance vehicles. The Tiger’s combination of a powerful engine and agile handling has become a benchmark for sports cars, and its stylish design and sleek body have inspired a number of other vehicles.
Conclusion
The Sunbeam Tiger is a classic car with a rich history and enduring appeal. With its powerful engine, agile handling, and stylish design, the Tiger is a highly desirable vehicle among car collectors and enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting to learn about classic cars, the Sunbeam Tiger is definitely worth considering. Its unique blend of style, power, and agility, combined with its historical significance and limited production run, make it a truly special vehicle that is sure to appreciate in value over time.
In terms of its significance, the Sunbeam Tiger is an important part of automotive history, with its influence visible in a number of other sports cars and high-performance vehicles. The car’s combination of a powerful engine and agile handling has become a benchmark for sports cars, and its stylish design and sleek body have inspired a number of other vehicles.
For those who are interested in learning more about the Sunbeam Tiger, there are a number of resources available, including books, articles, and online forums. Additionally, there are a number of Sunbeam Tiger clubs and organizations, where owners and enthusiasts can connect with each other and share their passion for the car.
Overall, the Sunbeam Tiger is a truly special vehicle that is sure to continue to captivate car enthusiasts and collectors for generations to come. Its unique blend of style, power, and agility, combined with its historical significance and limited production run, make it a highly desirable and valuable vehicle that is not to be missed.
| Year | Production | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | 3,449 | 260 cubic inch V8 | 4-speed manual |
| 1965 | 2,001 | 260 cubic inch V8 | 4-speed manual |
| 1966 | 1,436 | 289 cubic inch V8 | 4-speed manual |
| 1967 | 534 | 289 cubic inch V8 | 4-speed manual |
- The Sunbeam Tiger was produced from 1964 to 1967, with a total of 7,085 units manufactured.
- The car was sold in a number of different markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
What is the Sunbeam Tiger and how did it originate?
The Sunbeam Tiger is a classic car that was first introduced in 1964 by the Rootes Group, a British automobile manufacturer. The car was designed to be a high-performance version of the Sunbeam Alpine, a popular sports car at the time. The Tiger was the brainchild of Ian Garrad, the West Coast sales manager for Rootes, who recognized the need for a more powerful version of the Alpine to compete with other sports cars in the market. Garrad teamed up with Carroll Shelby, the famous American racing driver and car designer, to create a car that would combine the elegance of the Alpine with the power of a V8 engine.
The result was the Sunbeam Tiger, a car that was powered by a 260 cubic inch Ford V8 engine and featured a sleek, two-seat roadster design. The Tiger was an instant success, with its powerful engine and agile handling making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. Over the years, the Tiger has become a highly sought-after collector’s item, with its rich history and enduring appeal continuing to captivate car enthusiasts around the world. Today, the Sunbeam Tiger is considered one of the most iconic classic cars of the 1960s, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of car enthusiasts and collectors.
What are the key features of the Sunbeam Tiger?
The Sunbeam Tiger is a two-seat roadster that features a sleek, aerodynamic design and a powerful V8 engine. The car’s engine was sourced from Ford, and it produced 164 horsepower, making it one of the fastest cars of its time. The Tiger also featured a four-speed manual transmission, disc brakes, and a live rear axle, which gave it exceptional handling and agility. The car’s interior was also well-appointed, with features such as leather seats, a wooden dashboard, and a range of gauges and instruments. Overall, the Sunbeam Tiger was a car that was designed to deliver exceptional performance and style, and it has become a highly sought-after collector’s item as a result.
One of the key features that sets the Sunbeam Tiger apart from other classic cars is its unique combination of British and American design elements. The car’s body was designed by the Rootes Group, but its engine and transmission were sourced from Ford, giving it a distinctive transatlantic flavor. This blend of British and American influences has helped to make the Tiger a highly desirable collector’s item, and it continues to be celebrated by car enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just a fan of classic cars, the Sunbeam Tiger is a car that is sure to impress, with its sleek design, powerful engine, and rich history making it a true icon of the automotive world.
How many Sunbeam Tigers were produced, and what were the different models?
The Sunbeam Tiger was produced from 1964 to 1967, during which time a total of 7,085 cars were built. The car was available in two main models: the Mark I and the Mark II. The Mark I was the original version of the Tiger, and it was produced from 1964 to 1966. It featured a 260 cubic inch Ford V8 engine and a range of distinctive design elements, including a distinctive grille and a pair of chrome exhaust pipes. The Mark II was introduced in 1966, and it featured a number of upgrades, including a more powerful 289 cubic inch engine and a range of cosmetic changes.
The Mark II Tiger was produced until 1967, when the model was discontinued due to a combination of factors, including declining sales and increased competition from other sports cars. Despite its relatively short production run, the Sunbeam Tiger has become a highly sought-after collector’s item, with both the Mark I and Mark II models being highly prized by car enthusiasts. Today, the Tiger is considered one of the most iconic classic cars of the 1960s, and its enduring appeal continues to inspire new generations of car enthusiasts and collectors. Whether you’re looking for a rare and valuable collector’s item or simply a fun and exciting car to drive, the Sunbeam Tiger is a great choice.
What is the current market value of a Sunbeam Tiger?
The current market value of a Sunbeam Tiger can vary depending on a range of factors, including the car’s condition, rarity, and originality. In general, the Tiger is considered to be a highly valuable collector’s item, with prices ranging from around $50,000 to over $200,000 for rare and highly sought-after models. The most valuable Tigers are typically those that are in excellent condition, with low mileage and a high level of originality. These cars are highly prized by collectors and can command high prices at auction.
In addition to their monetary value, Sunbeam Tigers also have a high emotional value, with many owners and enthusiasts forming strong attachments to these cars. The Tiger’s unique combination of style, performance, and history has made it a beloved classic among car enthusiasts, and its value is likely to continue to appreciate over time. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just a fan of classic cars, the Sunbeam Tiger is a car that is sure to impress, with its sleek design, powerful engine, and rich history making it a true icon of the automotive world. As a result, the Tiger is a great investment opportunity for those looking to buy a classic car that will appreciate in value over time.
How do I maintain and restore a Sunbeam Tiger?
Maintaining and restoring a Sunbeam Tiger requires a combination of technical expertise, attention to detail, and a passion for classic cars. The first step is to assess the car’s condition and identify any areas that need repair or restoration. This may involve inspecting the engine, transmission, and brakes, as well as the car’s body and interior. Once you have identified the areas that need work, you can begin to source the necessary parts and materials, which may include everything from engine components to upholstery and trim.
Restoring a Sunbeam Tiger can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it can also be highly rewarding. Many owners and enthusiasts enjoy the challenge of restoring a classic car, and the sense of satisfaction that comes from bringing a neglected or damaged vehicle back to its former glory. To ensure that your restoration is successful, it’s a good idea to consult with experts and seek guidance from other owners and enthusiasts. You may also want to consider joining a Sunbeam Tiger club or owners’ group, which can provide valuable resources and support as you work on your car. With the right skills, knowledge, and attention to detail, you can restore your Sunbeam Tiger to its former glory and enjoy many years of driving pleasure.
Can I still drive a Sunbeam Tiger today, and what are the safety considerations?
Yes, you can still drive a Sunbeam Tiger today, and many owners and enthusiasts enjoy taking their cars out on the road. However, it’s essential to be aware of the safety considerations involved in driving a classic car. The Sunbeam Tiger was designed and built in the 1960s, and as such, it may not have the same safety features as modern cars. For example, the Tiger does not have airbags, anti-lock brakes, or electronic stability control, which can make it more challenging to handle in certain driving conditions.
To drive a Sunbeam Tiger safely, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations and to take steps to mitigate any potential risks. This may involve installing modern safety features, such as seatbelts and disc brakes, as well as ensuring that the car is properly maintained and serviced. You should also be aware of the car’s handling characteristics and take steps to avoid any situations that may put you or others at risk. Additionally, it’s a good idea to consider taking a defensive driving course or seeking guidance from a qualified driving instructor to help you get the most out of your Sunbeam Tiger while staying safe on the road.
What are some of the most notable events and rallies for Sunbeam Tiger owners and enthusiasts?
There are several notable events and rallies that are held throughout the year for Sunbeam Tiger owners and enthusiasts. One of the most popular is the annual Sunbeam Tiger Owners’ Club meeting, which brings together owners and enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate the car and share their passion for the Tiger. Other events include classic car shows, rallies, and tours, which provide opportunities for owners to showcase their cars and connect with like-minded enthusiasts.
Some of the most notable events for Sunbeam Tiger owners and enthusiasts include the Goodwood Revival, the Monterey Car Week, and the London Classic Car Show. These events attract thousands of classic car enthusiasts and provide a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most iconic and rare cars, including the Sunbeam Tiger. Whether you’re an owner or simply a fan of the Tiger, these events are a great way to connect with others who share your passion and to learn more about the car’s history and heritage. By attending these events, you can help to keep the spirit of the Sunbeam Tiger alive and ensure that its legacy continues to inspire new generations of car enthusiasts.