1966 Sunbeam tiger
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Highlights
- Same owner for over 20 years
- Older restoration
- Has lived in Spain in recent years
The Appeal
The formula of shoehorning a large V8 into a small and pretty roadster bodyshell was a proven success with the AC Cobra and when the Rootes Group decided that they wanted a piece of the action, they recruited Carroll Shelby to help. A successful prototype built by Ken Miles (the English racing driver played by Christian Bale in the film ‘Ford vs Ferrari’) proved that it could work and ultimately more than 7,000 were built between 1964 and 1967.
They are now a very rare sight on UK roads and this example was acquired in a just restored state a little over twenty years ago. It’s been enjoyed by the owner who has lived in Spain in recent years and a new 4.7litre Ford V8 was reportedly fitted around 3 years ago. There are a few areas that would benefit from some cosmetic attention but when you’ve got an attractive, quick and beautiful-sounding roadster, there’s plenty of motivation to keep it looking its best.
The History and Paperwork
- Registered 26 April 1966
- Restored around the turn of the century
- In current ownership since 2001
- Has been living in Spain in recent years
- Now back in the UK
- New engine reportedly fitted by Real Steel 3 years ago
- Limited mileage since
- V5C present
- MOT exempt
- Other paperwork sadly mislaid in the move back to the UK
The Interior
- Retrimmed in black with red piping
- Bucket seats
- Four point harnesses
- Lovely wood-rimmed steering wheel
With retrimmed black upholstery, piped in red to complement the exterior, bucket seats, and four point harnesses, the cabin sets a suitably racy tone for this sixties performance car. Overall it remains in good condition and, although the seats show some use, they remain supportive and, with a good detailing session, should come up well.
The clean walnut dashboard houses a set of white-faced dials and the switchgear which are all reported to be operational aside from the digital odometer. The displayed mileage cannot therefore be verified but the seller believes that the car has covered around 2,000 miles since the fitment of the replacement engine.
The boot area is carpeted and has storage underneath for tools and a spare wheel. Although not shown in the pictures, a spare wheel is supplied, though the seller notes that it will need a new tyre.
In all, it’s very usable and, with a little effort, should be back to a very presentable condition.
The Exterior
- Carnival Red
- Gloss black hardtop with sunroof included
- Generally presentable with scope for improvement
The attractive and delicate styling is interrupted only by the substantial bonnet scoop that hints at the potential that lies underneath. Overall it presents well with paintwork that is generally in good order, though there are notes of bubbling around the door edges and some chips as shown in the photo gallery. The most obvious area for potential improvement, however, is the bonnet, which has some more substantial cracks and chips and would benefit from a respray.
All four wheels are clean and have tyres that have good tread, while the chrome is in good condition all round. The soft top operates smoothly and locks into place with ease, though it has had a repair to it with black tape and again would benefit from being restored or replaced.
For adverse weather conditions, the gloss black hard top can be deployed. It comes with a pop up sunroof and appears to have seen little use, although the two of the side panel windows show some cracking.
In summary, there’s much to commend the car’s appearance and it shouldn’t take a huge amount of work to bring it back up to scratch
The Mechanics
- 4.7litre Ford V8
- Engine thought to have covered fewer than 2,000 miles
- Disk brakes all round
Lifting the bonnet reveals a well-filled engine bay containing a very fresh-looking engine. It runs with a characteristic V8 burble and the vendor reports that it drives just as it should with smooth gear changes and no untoward noises. Acceleration is said to be predictably a strong point while disk brakes all round pull the car up well and in a straight line. Mechanically, it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Summary
On the road and at shows, this is a car that turns heads. With work it could be a car that wins trophies. With a recently installed engine, it’s up to the next owner to choose whether car shows or classic rallies would be the best route.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1966
- Make Sunbeam
- Model Tiger
- Colour Red
- Odometer 307 Miles
- Engine size 4700
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Kent
- Country United Kingdom
27
bids
- an•••• £30,750 21/08/22
- ga•••• £30,500 21/08/22
- ga•••• £30,250 21/08/22
- an•••• £30,000 21/08/22
- an•••• £29,000 21/08/22
- an•••• £28,500 21/08/22
- mi•••• £28,000 21/08/22
- an•••• £27,500 21/08/22
- mi•••• £26,000 21/08/22
- an•••• £25,500 21/08/22
The Gallery
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|---|---|
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