1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I
1965
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Transmission:
4-Speed Manual
Auction Estimate:
$125,000 - $150,000
VIN:
B9473212LRXFE
Description
This stunning 1965 Sunbeam Tiger MK I was the product of a documented rotisserie restoration and is in show quality condition throughout. It was listed in the Tiger Registry by Tiger expert Norman Miller which was verified with Tiger expert Bill Martin of Rootes Group Depot by Marc Schiliro of MS CLASSIC CARS in July of 2022. The Sunbeam Tiger is a high-performance V8 version of the British Rootes…
This stunning 1965 Sunbeam Tiger MK I was the product of a documented rotisserie restoration and is in show quality condition throughout. It was listed in the Tiger Registry by Tiger expert Norman Miller which was verified with Tiger expert Bill Martin of Rootes Group Depot by Marc Schiliro of MS CLASSIC CARS in July of 2022. The Sunbeam Tiger is a high-performance V8 version of the British Rootes Group’s Sunbeam Alpine roadster, designed in part by American car designer and racing driver Carroll Shelby. He had carried out a similar V8 conversion on the AC Cobra, and hoped to be offered the contract to produce the Tiger at his facility in the United States. Rootes decided instead to contract the assembly work to Jenson at West Bromwich in England and pay Shelby a royalty on every car produced. A total of 7,085 were produced from 1964 to 1967. The first model was designated as an MK I which was produced from April 1964 to August 1965 totaling 3,763 units. This example was late built 1965 model. It retains its original body tag and chassis tag. From the information gathered this example was found with only 27,230 miles on the odometer in incredibly well-preserved condition after being in storage for over 37 years by its second owner in Texas. To bring this Tiger MK I back to its former glory, a no-expense-spared rotisserie restoration was commissioned. The restoration was completed in 2012 and has less than 700 miles since completion. This car sports its original color combination of an Artic White exterior and Red interior which is extremely rare. The car is powered by a period correct Ford 260 V8 engine and 4-speed manual transmission which are both believed to be original to the vehicle. This Tiger MK I was equipped with a some Los Angles Tiger options including cast alloy wheels (LAT 9) and a limited-slip differential with 3.54 rear gear ratio (LAT 50 and 53). This is a wonderful example of a very special Tiger MK I. A photo album of the restoration and copy of Texas title from 2012 is included.
The exterior of this car is simply stunning in every sense of the word. During the restoration process the paint was stripped and a very original body was revealed. As documented, it was put on a rotisserie, primed and block-sanded to ensure the body was laser straight. The panel fitment is really good and the doors close very nicely. It was re-painted in its original color of Artic White which is code #92. The high quality paint was recently detailed to a show quality shine. It’s equipped with a new black soft top which fits well but is wrinkled from being down most of the time. The new Triple X laminated front windshield was added during the restoration. The side glass is original and only shows minor signs of wear. Everything on the exterior was replaced or restored such as the windshield trim, wipers, driver’s mirror, Carello H4 headlights, front grill bar, front bumper, door handles, side moldings, trunk lid hinges, gas cap, taillight bezels and lenses, rear bumper and emblems. The car sit’s on original Los Angles Tiger (LAT 9) cast alloy wheels that have a black center with a Tiger in the center cap. The wheels are wrapped with Michelin XAS FF 165HR13 tires.
The interior of this car is also simply stunning in every sense of the word. As documented the entire interior was stripped and re-finished in its original red trim which is gorgeous. From the information gathered from Tiger expert Bill Martin of Rootes Group Depot this is an extremely rare and desirable color combination. The new red upholstery includes the door panels, bucket seats, center console, rear section and carpeting. The wood dash houses the black Jaeger gauges which are all in working order. The wood steering wheel and shifter make the driver feel part of the car. Everything in the interior was restored or replaced such as the rear view mirror, dash pad, dash hard ware, door sill plates, door grab handles, window cranks, seats, ash tray, etc. The trunk compartment was nicely restored. Its home to the spare tire, jack tools and battery with power cut off knob.
The engine compartment is highly detailed throughout with many new parts. The entire engine bay was stripped during the restoration and re-painted body color which looks crisp. The car is powered by a period correct 260 V8 that was completely rebuilt and runs excellent. This engine is believed to be the original to the vehicle but since the valve cover plate with engine number isn’t present it’s impossible to prove since the VIN numbers weren’t stamped on the engine block. The engine was dressed with chrome valve covers, Cobra intake, Holley Quick-Fuel 450CFM carburetor and Cobra finned oil pan. Everything was replaced new during the restoration such as the wiring, hoses, clamps, coil, distributor, spark plug wires, brake booster, washer fluid bottle, radiator and over-fill canister. The engine breathes through factory manifolds and a stainless steel dual exhaust system that has the perfect tone. The engine is coupled to the period correct 4-speed manual transmission which was completely rebuilt and shifts smoothly. This transmission is also believed to be the original to the vehicle. The power is transferred to a limited-slip differential with 3.54 gears. The rebuilt rear end is also believed to be original to the vehicle.
The undercarriage is also highly detailed throughout with many new parts. The underside was stripped during the restoration and re-finished in a black textured paint for durability. Everything was restored or replaced such as the fuel tank and lines, steering components, power braking system with front discs and suspension system with red Koni shocks.
This vehicle has recently been completely serviced and detailed which is documented with an invoice that is included.
This is the first time this vehicle has been made available from the distinguished MS CLASSIC CARS Collection.
1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk I
Lot #:
096
Auction Estimate:
$125,000 - $150,000
Sold For:
Passed
Year:
1965
Make:
Sunbeam
Model:
Tiger
Body Style:
Convertible
VIN:
B9473212LRXFE
Exterior Color:
White
Interior Color:
Red
Engine Size:
260ci
Transmission:
4-Speed Manual
Consignor Ratings*
Engine:
Excellent
Body:
Excellent
Chassis/Frame:
Excellent
Tires:
Excellent
Coachwork/Interior:
Excellent
Electrical:
Excellent
Transmission:
Excellent
Paint:
Excellent
Overall Condition:
Excellent
*The following ratings were provided by the consignor, based on a scale of ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. (Excellent = 100% restored)
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