Fantasy Junction

Description

1966 Sunbeam Tiger Mk. 1A
s/n B382001820 LRXFE661826
Carnival Red with Black Interior

Employing a similar formula to the AC Cobra, the Sunbeam Tiger represents the quintessential British sports car with a twist. Using the modified chassis and body of the four-cylinder Sunbeam Alpine combined with Ford’s venerable small-block V8, the prototype of the Tiger was constructed by Shelby at Sunbeam’s request. The resulting car was put into production, which was handled by Jensen, and just over 7000 examples were constructed between 1964 and 1967. The Tiger was manufactured in three series, Mk. I, Mk. IA, and the most advanced and powerful of the production run, the Mk. II, which were originally equipped with 289 cid Ford power plants. Of the total production, just 500 were true Mk. IIs.

This particular car is a lovely black plate California car that has been thoughtfully and extensively upgraded to address some of the common shortcomings of the standard Tiger, from handling to braking to cooling. The upgrades were performed in conjunction with some of the foremost Tiger experts, including Tom Hall of ModTiger Engineering and Rob Guerra. Constructed in early 1966, this car was equipped for the US market with left hand drive and English unit instrumentation. It is a genuine Tiger and is accompanied by Sunbeam Tiger Owner’s Association Certificate of Authenticity issued in 1994.

The upgrades include the following:
Handling:
1. 15” Panasport wheels with Bridgestone Potenza Tires
2. Koni adjustable shocks
3. Dan Walters traction torque arm
4. MG steering rack with Doug Jennings fulcrum pins
5. Tom Hall crossmember rebuild & reinforcing kit
6. Reinforced frame kit installed with Panhard Bar mounts
7. Dropped Hillman front spindles
8. New master brake cylinder
9. MG steering arms modified to maximize Ackerman correction
10. Posi-traction rear end with 3.31 gearing.

Cooling:
1. Radiator re-cored with removal of reservoir and relocation of filler pressure cap
2. 14” electric pusher fan
3. High performance five blade radiator fan
4. Air holes blocked
5. Louvered hood and cooling holes in engine compartment; looks and runs cool

Engine and Transmission:
1. 600 CFM Demon Street carburetor on a Tiger low-rise intake manifold
2. CAT headers, ceramic coated with custom fabricated skid plates
3. Ford T5 5-speed transmission with Tom Hall custom tail housing.
4. McLeod in-line hydraulic throw out bearing with Centerforce clutch
5. MSD Electronic ignition system
6. Remote re-located oil filter

Other upgrades:
1. Gas tank stropped and re-coated
2. MOMA/Tom Hall Speedometer and Tachometer calibration
3. Custom fabricated see through sun visors
4. LeCarra custom leather steering wheel- original type included
5. Dash signed by Carroll Shelby
6. Comes with a white hardtop & black tonneau cover- complete and in excellent condition.

The resulting car is an absolute blast to drive, being both well-resolved and very fun. Thanks to the modifications, car is more sure footed than when new, and the gearing and operation of the modern 5-speed gearbox considerably improve the driving experience, especially at freeway speeds. The 289 cid engine makes the car very fast and provides the appropriate American V8 soundtrack.

Cosmetically, the car shows very well. There are a few minor paint blemishes about the car, which keeps up with its good “driver standards”. The white hard top is in very nice condition. The chrome bumpers, front and rear are in nice condition, and are free of any major weathering. The glass and lights are generally in great condition.

The interior is in wonderful condition, with very nice upholstery and excellent carpets. The car is equipped with a black Lecarra steering wheel. The original type steering wheel does accompany the car. The instruments and trim are in nice shape, with some minor deterioration to chrome, but strong overall presentation. The dash is presentable but shows some light hazing around the gauges. The soft top is in good condition overall but does show a few small tears.

The engine compartment is in very nice condition and is well detailed. A list of the upgrades has been documented by the current owner. The trunk and the trunk floor are in very nice condition.

Structurally speaking, this black plate long-term California car is absolutely superb and is free of any major corrosion or related repairs.


Perhaps no other streetcar of the era taps into the primal concept of small car-big motor so much as the Sunbeam Tiger. With a generous power to weight ratio, and very short wheel base, the Sunbeam Tigers are very exciting cars.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608