1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk.I. Restored, S.T.O.A. Certified Tiger with 289cid Engine

1965 Sunbeam Tiger s/n B9473614LRXFE Red with Black Interior

Employing a similar formula to the AC Cobra, he Sunbeam Tiger represents the quintessential British sports car with a twist. Using the modified chassis and body of the four-cylinder Sunbeam Alpine combined with Ford's venerable small-block V8, he prototype of the Tiger was constructed by Shelby at Sunbeam's request. The resulting car was put into production, hich was handled by Jensen, nd just over 7000 examples were constructed between 1964 and 1967. The Tiger was manufactured in three series, k. I, k. IA, nd the most advanced and powerful of the production run, he Mk. II, hich were originally equipped with 289 cid Ford power plants. 

This particular car is certified by the Sunbeam Tiger Owners Association, as been restored in its original color, nd was originally ordered by Terry Gustavson, U.S. Navy officer serving aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Brister (standard complement was eight officers and 201 enlisted men). He ordered the car on 31 May 1965 with an expected delivery date in the second half of July. The original sales contract from Navy Auto Sales-Pacific confirms the above information, s well as the original colors of red/black and equipment which included whitewall tires and ammeter at $18.00 and $9.00 respectively. By the 1980s, he car had found its way to Wisconsin, here it remained with the same owner for more than twenty years. During this period, he car was cosmetically and mechanically restored, nd there is a thick file of invoices dating back nearly 30 years. Among these receipts is the invoice for the 289cid engine. The original 260cid engine is also present with the car, ut not currently installed. The car was fitted with a louvered hood during the restoration but the original hood (restored) is also included. There are a few photos from the restoration as well.

In September 2015, he car was serviced by Rootes Group Depot in Santa Clara, alifornia at a cost of more than $8800, hich included renewal of most of the fuel and hydraulic systems. The work included new fuel tanks, uel lines, ross over pipes, uel pump, rake booster, aster cylinder, lutch master cylinder, lutch slave cylinder, nd stainless steel brake lines. The car comes with original owner's manual, riginal sales contract, unbeam Tiger Owner's Association Certificate of Authenticity, nd almost thirty years of service records.

Cosmetically, he car is a nice example with an attractive driver level restoration. The body is straight and has generally good gaps. The paint is glossy and has a few minor blemishes but is very nice overall. The most significant issue is a crack in the paint on the hard tonneau cover. The chrome and bright trim is nice, hough close inspection reveals light pitting and surface scratches in selected areas. The glass and lights are excellent and the car sits on Panasport alloy wheels but comes with two additional sets of wheels: one original steel and the other period aftermarket alloys.

The interior was also restored and is generally excellent. The carpets are in as new condition, nd the upholstery is very nice, ith the only blemish of significance being a small hole in the driver's seat back bolster near the bottom. The door panels and dash upholstery are excellent, s is the wood trim on the dash and steering wheel. The instruments were restored and are accordingly very nice.

The engine compartment is very clean and is nicely detailed. Aside from bright finish to the valve covers, he engine has a pleasingly subdued appearance with Ford blue engine block, nd hammertone grey air cleaner paint. The inner fenders are tidy and the engine and its ancillaries are clean. The trunk is nicely restored with fresh paint and upholstery. The under carriage is free of significant corrosion and is finished in red to match the exterior paint. There is evidence of previous repairs to the floors and the structure is solid. The mechanical components are clean and tidy.

The car works well and is easy to drive. The engine starts easily and the gearbox has a slop-free and robust action. The engine is well-tuned and powerful, roviding exciting performance in a fuss-free manner. The chassis and suspension are tight and the brakes are effective. 

There are few other cars that tap into the primal concept of small car-big motor so much as the Sunbeam Tiger, specially taking price into consideration. With a generous power to weight ratio, nd very short wheel base, he Sunbeam Tigers are very exciting cars. This restored and upgraded example is an ideal example to use, ith a thorough mechanical restoration, pgraded engine, nd plenty of curb appeal.

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