1965 Sunbeam Tiger

Description

The car was repainted once to a nice standard in the correct color (Carnival Red) in 2011, and still wears its original paint inside the convertible top boot and inside the trunk. All body panels, including floor pans and rockers, are believed to be original and the panel gaps and overall fitment are excellent. Zero known rust. Rare, restored factory hard top. Newer convertible top. Original tonneau. Currently running replica Hallibrand "kidney bean" wheels with nearly new Yokohama S-drives, but also comes with a set of beautifully refinished original wheels (including restored hubcaps and trim rings) with Michelin X-radials mounted on them. Bumpers, trim, rubber and glass are excellent save one small chip in the windshield.

Interior shows well with wood dash and steering wheel in exquisite condition; gauges are crystal clear and working. Carpet, seat upholstery and door panels are believed to be original, although the seats were re-padded about five years ago. Correct removable sun visors. All lights, switches and indicators are, of course, working.

Mechanically, this Tiger is exceptionally well sorted. The original, numbers-matching 260 cubic inch V8 was rebuilt last year by a reputable shop in North Carolina; it got a new clutch and both motor and transmission mounts at the same time, along with a cooling system and electronic ignition upgrade. Thanks to an aluminum radiator, five-blade fan, smaller water pump pulley and an electric pusher fan, the car consistently runs at or below 190 degrees, even in stop-and-go traffic on a hot summer day. The engine bay is nicely detailed; original carburetor and air cleaner are still installed, and the original distributor, coil, radiator, fan and pulley are included with the sale. Rebuilt suspension with new bushings.

Driving this car leaves me with a huge grin on my face every single time. Just as Carroll Shelby and Brian Rootes intended, it combines the nimble handling, lightness and tossability of an English sports car with the horsepower and low-end torque of an American V8. A three-ring binder an inch thick with records from the last decade accompanies the sale. For more information about this 1965 Sunbeam Tiger for sale at Motorcar Studio in Atlanta, please call 404-692-5250.

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