Fantasy Junction

Description

1966 Sunbeam Tiger Mk.1-A
s/n B38200219
Red with Black and Red Interior

Like the AC Cobra, the Sunbeam Tiger represents the quintessential British sports car with a twist. Using the modified chassis and styling of the four-cylinder Sunbeam Alpine combined with Ford’s venerable small-block V8, the prototype of the Tiger was constructed by Shelby on 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, though the factory designated only two, so enthusiasts have termed the second series cars Mark 1A’s.

This particular car is a lovely restored example that was previously owned by Don Adams, the star of the Get Smart television show. This was his personal car rather than being the car used on the show because the Ford V8 of the Tiger did not permit space for the machine guns. Thus, the car on the show was actually a Sunbeam Alpine badged as a Tiger. The car comes with a copy of its original title in Adams’ name. The car was then owned for fifteen years by Steve Sage who used to do the California Association of Sunbeam Tigers newsletter. The car was restored and is in very nice shape. The engine is a modified 289cid unit with a mild cam, headers, and a Holley 650 double pumper carburetor, and the restoration was completed in 2005. The car has been driven about 9000 miles since the restoration.

The car is a lovely driver with nice paint and bodywork. There are a few small chips and signs of use, but the car’s overall cosmetic impression is very strong. Its stance is outstanding thanks to its modular minilite style wheels, which wear modern Yokohama performance tires. The chrome is very good overall, with only some light aging in the form of some haze. The glass and lights are excellent, as are the badges and trim. The top is in very good shape and fits well. The rear window is a little bit cloudy, but remains quite serviceable.

The interior is in very good shape as well. The dashboard, wood, and instruments are all excellent, as are the carpets. The upholstery on the seats and doors is in very fine shape. The car has a beautiful Moto-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel as well.

The trunk and engine compartment were also included in the restoration and are extremely clean and tidy. The trunk is correct in appearance and contains a car cover, tonneau, and floor mats. The engine compartment is extremely clean and attractive. Some pieces have been chromed, including the radiator shroud, overflow tank, chassis brace, latch striker plate, and alternator. The polished “Tiger” valve covers are extremely attractive, and the headers have been heat wrapped. The inner fenders have nice paint on them and are extremely clean. The performance provided by the engine is excellent, and the car has noticeably more power than a standard Tiger.

Similar in spirit to a Cobra, but considerably more affordable, this Tiger represents an outstanding affordable classic with excellent performance. This is a great opportunity to acquire a very clean and useable Tiger with interesting history. The car presents well and is a superb car to drive and enjoy, or even to casually show (it won “Best in Class” at the British Field Meet at the Portland International Raceway in 2007). The Get Smart connection is unique, and the car comes with a Sunbeam Tiger Owners Association Certificate of Authenticity, in addition to being listed in Norm Miller’s Tiger registry.

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