Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Sunbeam Tiger Mark 1A

Chassis No. – JAL662540
VIN on Title – 67382002529 (chassis body tag)
Exterior Color – Deep Rich Red
Interior Color – Tan
Engine – Ford 260 V8
Transmission – 4-Speed manual transmission
Mileage – 22,161 miles indicated
Current owner – Purchased in 2013

General History

Carroll Shelby is credited with some of the most important sports cars ever built. Yet the AC Cobra was not the only British car to be powered by a performance V8 engine and marketed as an American sports car. The Sunbeam Tiger provided enthusiasts a balanced lightweight platform (modified by legendary Ken Miles), a 260 Ford V8 engine, and contemporary styling based on the proven Sunbeam Alpine.

The first Tiger was built at Shelby American, but later refined for production in England. Just over 7,000 examples were constructed between 1964 and 1967. The Tiger was not only a refined and cleverly manufactured sports car, it proved to be highly capable in racing trim including three Tigers constructed for Le Mans, an endless series of successful Rally cars, and competitive privateer race cars both in the US and UK. Though commonly thought to be an Alpine with a performance engine, the Tiger was significantly different in construction and build including several period high-performance street and competition components offered from the Rootes Group Dealership “Los Angeles Tiger” (LAT)—along with numerous support accessories available in California where the Tiger was very popular amongst performance enthusiasts.

History of This Car

This Tiger is one of 2,706 built in the production sequence of Mark 1A cars. Production sequence number indicates it as a late series Mark 1A, the 2,506th of the 2,706 produced before Series II Tiger production began with the 289 series engine in 1967. The body tag indicates the following information as stamped on the chassis tag:

L – Left Hand Drive
R – Roadster
X – Non-Standard
FE – Ford Engine

Completed in 1966 and sold in the 1967 model year, this Tiger was originally finished in color code 86, Forest Green, the cowl tag indicates 7314 B19KC consistent with Mark 1A 260 Ford production engines specifically fitted in Tigers. The car wears the original California black and yellow license plate issued to the car under original ownership in Los Angeles, CA. The original owner retained the car until 1971 when it was purchased by the second owner who continued their California ownership for 42 years. The current owner purchased this car from the second owner in 2013, continuing consecutive California ownership with three owners since delivered new. Under current ownership the car was professionally restored over a three-year period and completed in 2017 to a high standard by Tiger expert Paul Reisentz. The 260 cu. in. engine features an aluminum radiator, stainless steel flex fan, chrome valve covers, and an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold with a Holley carburetor. The factory correct Ford Toploader four-speed transmission is equipped with a lockout shifter and connects to a Dana 44 differential. According to the current owner and Paul Reisentz who restored the car, both the engine and transmission are reported to be original to the car as are the miles currently indicated on the odometer. In 2018 this Tiger won Second in Class at the Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance.

Current Condition and Ownership

Beautifully finished in all respects and restored to a high level of detail, this Sunbeam Tiger presents in excellent condition. The red finish is deep and lustrous with excellent gloss and smooth surfaces. The bodywork has been properly performed exhibiting excellent panel fit, excellent underside surfaces with door jambs and engine compartment detailed to equal quality. The glass, lenses, and trim are excellent along with straight polished stainless features, correct emblems, Rootes Group rear fender emblems, and correct upright taillights. The car sits on a matched set of 15” Panasport wheels with 205/50R15 Dunlop Direzza tires. The chrome is excellent in all areas with brilliant reflections throughout. The Tiger script lettering is also very well done. The black convertible vinyl top is also in excellent condition. The optional hardtop included with the car has not been restored.

The interior is also beautifully presented in every respect including a Lacarrera steering wheel, excellent dashboard padding with lacquered wood finish, and clean, clear instrumentation, all having excellent color, clarity, and trim. The tan bucket seats are beautifully finished with Mark IA series pleating, correctly stitched door cards, properly fit carpets with perimeter beading, and excellent fit to the rear storage panels. A set of matching color lap belts are installed. The convertible soft top is present, in excellent condition, and fits tight to the windshield.

The trunk is correct in appearance, housing a 2022 dated modern battery properly located in the rear tray alongside the spare tire, nestled beneath the trunk floor cover. Even the correct factory snap strap is in place to hold the trunk floor in the hinged-up position when accessing the spare tire. Trunk finishes are correct as are the original jack, tire changing tools, tool roll and tools.

Under the hood, the 260 V8 has been beautifully and accurately detailed with correct features, period correct accessories, and correct engine block blue finish. Details of note include a correctly finished air cleaner with Hammerlite top and bottom tray, a proper air filter element, correct chrome plated valve covers, correct hoses, correct clamps, and correct engine compartment finishes. The engine and engine compartment are beautifully finished to original specifications, still retaining fresh finishes since the restoration was completed seven years ago.

The underside of the car is in excellent condition exhibiting finishes consistent with original specifications. The suspension, rack and pinion steering, leaf springs, front disc brakes, and other features are correct and accurate for Mark 1A series Tigers. The dual exhaust exits the exhaust manifolds and travels through the X member (unique to Tiger construction), terminating with dual exhaust tips under the rear bumper. Still bearing the original California black and yellow license plate delivered when new, the original body panels, chassis, and floor remain in excellent condition largely due to the dry California climate this car has known since being delivered new.
Included with This Car

This Tiger is accompanied by a premium car cover, the original steering wheel (a Sunbeam Tiger steering wheel, but missing the horn ring and center), and a wooden gear shift, the original unrestored hardtop, a hardtop stand, original set of tools and tool roll, misc. reproduction spare parts, an owner’s handbook, and a Rootes Group service supplement manual.

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