Description
1965 Sunbeam Tiger
Chassis Number: 9472812
Registration Number: FDS 53C
Recorded Mileage: 84, 616
- 302 5. 0L V8 engine, prepared by David Henning Motorsport
- Recent £11, 000 mechanical refurbishment
- Rich racing pedigree, ready to compete once more
The Sunbeam Tiger represents a remarkable chapter in British-American automotive collaborations. Sixty years ago the first Tiger emerged from the production line, the story begins with Carroll Shelby, the legendary American car designer and racer, who saw the potential in the Sunbeam Alpine. His move was to fish out the original four-cylinder Alpine engine and replace it with a 4. 0L American V8, creating a pocket-sized British hot rod that packed a formidable punch.
Unveiled in 1964, the Tiger was an instant sensation. Rootes Group, in an ambitious bid to cement the Tiger’s credentials, entered the car in the 1964 Le Mans 24 Hours. With Shelby-supplied Ford V8 power under the hood and aerodynamic Lister bodywork, it seemed like a recipe for success. Carroll Shelby himself captured the spirit of this car with his famous words: “Unleash the Tiger!”
The Tiger quickly proved itself on the track, with a legacy in motorsport that is both distinguished and storied. In the mid-1960s, the Tiger made a significant impact in American motorsport, especially in the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) races in 1965 and 1966, where it frequently secured victories. Its prowess wasn’t confined to American soil; the Tiger also claimed a class victory in the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally and scored podium finishes in the prestigious Trans-Am Series, further solidifying its place in automotive history.
Approximately 7, 085 Sunbeam Tigers were produced between 1964 and 1968, each one embodying the innovative spirit of the era. This particular Tiger, imported to the UK from South Africa in 1989, has built its own impressive legacy as a competitive historic racer. Over the years, it has amassed a series of achievements in the historic racing scene, including:
2005: Class A Joint Champion
2006: 3rd in Championship, Class A Joint Champion
2007: Sunbeam Intermarque Championship Winner, Class A Runner-Up, and Overall Runner-Up
2009: Sunbeam Intermarque Championship Winner, Class A Runner-Up, and Overall Runner-Up
2010: 3rd in Championship, Class A Runner-Up
Under the hood, this Tiger is equipped with a larger 302 5. 0L V8 engine, meticulously prepared by David Henning Motorsport with no expense spared. The engine boasts forged domed pistons, a high-output alternator, and a high-torque starter, ensuring relentless performance and reliability. Complementing this powerplant is a suite of performance upgrades, including a new clutch, an Edelbrock inlet manifold, and a bespoke twin stainless steel exhaust system.
The interior carefully considered, inside you'll find Tillet carbon fiber racing seats, and the original dashboard fitted with a Sport-comp tachometer and Racetech fuel pressure gauge. The cabin also features a full roll cage and an 85-liter boot-mounted fuel cell, designed to keep you on the track longer between pit stops.
Externally, the car bears stickers that hint at its past in the AMOC championship. This fully race-ready (and road-legal) machine not only delivers raw performance but also pays homage to its classic origins.
In mid-2023, this Tiger underwent a comprehensive mechanical restoration by a notable classic racing specialist, at a cost of £11K+, since this significant refresh, the car has seen only one track day, offering a unique opportunity for a new custodian to experience its full capabilities.
This Tiger opens the door to entry into a variety of prestigious of historic racing grids. Whether you wish to compete in historic racingt or enjoy exhilarating track days, this Tiger offers a great ticket into a number of events.
This classic vehicle will be coming to auction with Dore & Rees Auctions on Saturday 21st September at the Castle Combe Autumn Classic. For further information please contact the Motoring department.
