1966 Sunbeam Tiger MK IA - STOA TAC #0613

Specifications:

VIN: B382001478LRXFE
Exterior Color: Silver
Interior Color: Black
Engine: 4.3 Liter V8
Transmission: 4-Speed
Status: SOLD
Mileage: 91,564
Features: STOA TAC Certified Tiger #0613 - Delivered new to California and complete with extensive documentation, ownership history, factory hardtop, original steering wheel (not installed) and original Certificates of Authenticity.

1966 Sunbeam Tiger

STOA TAC #0613 – Certified Early MKIA Tiger

Extensive History / Documentation & Matching Factory Hardtop

Completely Restored Interior, New Canvas Top, Panasport Wheels 

____________________________________________

NOTE: Our listings are rather lengthy.  They not only describe this particular car but also some history of the make/model, considerations in buying a classic car and facts about our firm. However, we continually hear from out of state / out of country buyers (many of our clients) that they prefer the level of detail that we provide.  However, if you are not prepared to read the full listing, please read the OVERVIEW below along with the PHOTOGRAPHS at the bottom.  Please contact us at 925-846-1451 if you have an interest in purchasing the car prior to the end of the auction.

This car is offered at a realistic price and, unlike bidding on cars in an auction environment, you will have the benefit of extensive information and history on the car prior to making a buying decision.  Equally as important is the fact that Classic Cars Ltd. has been in business for over 25+ years and enjoys an excellent national / international relationship with nearly 1,000 positive eBay feedback responses.

Please keep in mind that we will gladly….

  1. Answer any questions over the telephone and take the time to guide prospective customers through the buying process (925-846-1451).
  2. Assist with locating a quality, suitable transporter at very competitive prices.
  3. Provide proof that we are licensed, bonded (for the financial transaction), fully insured, and operate from an established showroom environment.
  4. Provide feedback from previous buyers, and specific references for vehicle purchases in your area (we also ask that you view our detailed eBay feedback by clicking on the number to the right of the eBay user name)
  5. Offer additional information including specific photographs or clarification of any part of our description of the vehicle

Thank you again, please let me know if I can be of assistance.

Happy “eBaying”!

Paul R. Wankle, President

Classic Cars Ltd.

Pleasanton, CA

925-846-1451

OVERVIEW – THIS PARTIUCLAR SUNBEAM TIGER

What makes this Sunbeam Tiger unique?  Well, unlike so many so-called Tiger’s, this example is verified / certified by the Sunbeam Tiger Owners Association (STOA) as being a correct, factory produced Sunbeam Tiger.  As is true with some valuable, limited production cars, there are more Sunbeam “Tigers” today than were actually produced between 1964-1967.  As a result, documentation by Sunbeam Tiger experts is critical to ensure that a particular car is, in fact, one of the approximately 7,000 factory produced examples.  The documentation for this car dates back many years and includes the following:

Sunbeam Tiger (STOA) Certificate of Authenticity verifying the cars numbers as:

  • Serial #. B382001478LRXFE
  • Model: IA
  • Original Colour Code: 39
  • JAL #. 661485
  • Engine #. 6322

Vehicle Build Details – Certificate of Disclosure for Sunbeam Tiger  B382001478LRXFE

  • Original Engine #: Assignment: 6322 B19KC
  • Original Colour Code Assignment: 39
  • Original Body Assignment #: JAL 661485
  • Original Gearbox #. Assignment: HEH E 016421
  • Original Back Axle # Assignment: A66 5371
  • Original TAC # Assignment: 0613

Certified by STOA 10/5/ 2004

ADDITIONAL HISTORICAL BUILD DATA ON THIS PARTICULAR TIGER

  • The 1,458th 1966 Tiger built (within the 1st 500 MKI’s)
  • One of 11 Tigers to have been built on February 11, 1966
  • 3 of the 11 cars produced on 2/11/66 found their way to California
  • The “factory” assigned engine, C4PZ-6001-CF was provided by Ford for this vehicle
  • Original gearbox, HEH E 016421 was #6,421 of the gearboxes provided under the Humber contract for the Sunbeam Tiger
  • Rear end produced by DANA as a Salisbury SANA 44 in January, 1966
  • Keys as follows: Ignition/Doors RM 832 lock barrel, Secondary (Console/trunk) was barrel code FS 890.

Information provided and documented by Norman Miller

COMMENTS

Employing a similar formula to the AC Cobra, the 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, the prototype of the Tiger was constructed by Shelby at Sunbeam’s request. The resulting car was put into production, which was handled by Jensen, and just over 7000 examples were constructed between 1964 and 1967. The Tiger was manufactured in three series, Mk. I, MK IA, and MKII.  The MK IA was built in extremely limited numbers with only 2,706 examples constructed between August 1965 – September 1966.  This Tiger being the 457th MK IA produced in 1965.

This particular car is a genuine Mark IA and carries the STOA (Sunbeam Tiger Owner’s Association) certification.  It is an original 260 cubic inch car, a left hand drive roadster specification with a factory hardtop.  In addition to the STOA TAC certification supporting that the Tiger is an authentic, factory produced example, the car comes with extensive maintenance, repair, and restoration receipts and documentation.  Notes in the materials provide a fascinating look at the cars history and report mileage and key facts as far back as 1969 when the car reportedly had 1,825 miles.  The following highlights, taken from the significant volume of receipts, repair invoices, and other documentation, are worth noting:

  • Car produced on and first registered October, 1967
  • Indication in a hand-written log that the car had 1,825 miles on 1969
  • Notes indicating that the Tiger was on blocks from 1979-1981
  • Handwritten log documenting extensive maintenance & repairs from 1983 – 1991 including recording mileage
  • Extensive  receipts while owned by Mr. T., Arizona – (based on records from 1983-~2004)
  • Sold to Mr. E, Northern California, in 2004 (who retained ownership until~)2007
  • Considerable receipts and documentation during this ownership as well, including interior restoration and cosmetic improvements
  •  Acquired by a classic car dealer and retained as part of a collection
  • 2016- Present: Sold to current Northern California Owner

Cosmetically, the car makes an excellent impression, with a lovely stock, unmodified appearance that is very difficult to find today.  The exception to the cars totally stock exterior appearance is a lovely set of 14” Panasport 8 spoke wheels fitted with Dunlop tires

The body is straight with good panel operation and fit, and the paint shows well, with a few blemishes on close inspection, but an overall presentation consistent with a car that has covered few miles over the course of several years. The body is free from damage and all of the proper Tiger bright work, emblems, and trim is in place.  The chrome is in nice condition with a few swirls and light scratches. Glass and lights are excellent, and much of the trim has been replaced over the course of the cars lifetime.

The interior was restored to high standards and remains in excellent shape. The upholstery and carpets are beautiful, both in terms of condition and workmanship. The dashboard was restored in its entirety, including the upholstery, wood, instruments, and switches. A high quality Moto-Lita wooden wheel is currently in place and the original; factory correct banjo spoke steering wheel is included with the car.  The dashboard wood is in exceptional condition, as are the instruments, switches, and controls.

The engine compartment includes many original items including the air cleaner and other components.  Some bolt on high performance items can be seen including an Edelbrock performance manifold and Holly 4 bbl. carburetor.  Valve covers are alloy an imprinted with “Tiger.” Recently, an oversized aluminum radiator has been installed (the original radiator is also included).  The engine compartment is tidy and free from excessive dirt, grease and signs of leaking.

The trunk presents well and includes the spare tire,  spare, and jack.  The upper trunk cover has the proper strap to hood it in place and has been recovered over time.  The Tiger comes with a tool roll that appears to have all of the correct tools and bits, and is in very good original condition (refer to photos).

The undercarriage can be seen in the photos and is original condition and we see no signs of rust through or noticeable damage, current or previous.  The underside is relatively dry and the inspection reflects rear brakes being converted to disc brakes resulting in 4 wheel disc brakes on this car.  The Tiger has benefited from maintenance to the front suspension and an upgrade to Koni shock absorbers.  Some time ago, a remote oil filter was fitted but the car retains its stock exhaust configuration and is not fitted with headers.

The car runs and drives very well. It is a tight example, with minimal rattles, taut suspension, and quick, precise steering. The throttle is linear and responsive and the engine runs very well, starting easily and showing good carburetion. It makes very good power and the V8 pulls the car authoritatively while wonderful sound through the cars dual exhaust.  The brakes are effective, and the gearbox has a robust but precise feel.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-documented, genuine Mark IA Tiger at an attractive price.  It has had the benefit of relatively few owners from new and is a wonderful car to drive.  The Tiger has received considerable ongoing maintenance and reairs over the years including a bare-metal respray and complete restoration of the interior and top.  It is a well-resolved and nicely dialed-in car that is ready to enjoy. It is complete with hard top, comprehensive documentation, tool roll, and jack.

INCLUDED WITH THE SUNBEAM TIGER

  • STOA TAC Certificate(s) of Authenticity
  • Factory original hardtop
  • File documenting the restoration
  • Restoration photographs

ADDITIONAL SUNBEAM TIGER HISTORY

The slick style of the Sunbeam Tiger puts one in mind of a small Shelby Cobra, and with good reason: Carroll Shelby himself was involved in its design.

Shelby’s A.C. Cobra wasn’t the only British sports car to benefit from Ford V-8 power. The Sunbeam Tiger boasted genuine Carroll Shelby involvement, and could be regarded as a sort of a Junior Cobra.”

Sunbeam was the sportiest of several English brands controlled by Britain’s Rootes Group. Sunbeam had run Grand Prix events and Indianapolis and built sporting road cars before the Rootes takeover in 1935. Rootes marketed touring cars under the Sunbeam-Talbot badge, but not until the ’50s did the name appear on a sports car, the Sunbeam Alpine.

Seeking more performance for this trusty if timidly styled four-cylinder roadster, Rootes contracted with Shelby for a prototype with Ford small-block power. Dubbed the Tiger — after Sunbeam’s 1928 land-speed-record car — it debuted at the 1964 New York Auto Show and soon went into production in England.

Visually similar to the concurrent Sunbeam Alpine, the Sunbeam Tiger shared the Cobra’s 260-cid Ford V-8, but in milder tune than that 260-hp bomb. Still, the Tiger offered twice the horsepower of the Alpine and very spirited performance.  The live-rear-axle and four-speed gear box were Ford’s, but the chassis was Sunbeam Alpine’s modified by Shelby with a stiffer suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Brakes remained front discs and rear drums. Handling, road-holding, and ride comfort earned high marks and the torquey V-8 made the car exciting to drive, especially with the narrow tires “of the day.”

The Sunbeam Tiger boasted a Ford V-8, which gave it plenty of muscle, but ultimately spelled its doom when Sunbeam was acquired by Chrysler, who did not want a Ford-engined car in its lineup.

At $3499, the Sunbeam Tiger found 6495 buyers before the MKII Tiger went on sale in 1967 (the MK IA was introduced in 1966 but was largely the same car as the ’65). It had Ford’s 289-cid V-8 with increased horsepower badging that read “Sunbeam V-8” instead of “Powered by Ford 260.” Zero-60 times fell two seconds and top speed rose five mph. Most Cobra speed equipment could be fitted, including dual four-barrel carbs for up to 300-hp.

Sunbeam Tigers were production-class road-racing threats in America and rally winners in Europe. On the street, they were significantly quicker than the last of the big Healey’s or the first of Triumph’s six-cylinder TRs. But it didn’t matter. Chrysler had bought into the Rootes group in 1964 and couldn’t countenance a Ford-powered car. The Sunbeam Tiger II was unceremoniously dumped during 1967.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 1966SUNBEAM TIGER

  • Body type: Convertible
  • Country of origin: England
  • Original price: $3425
  • 0-60 time: 7.4 seconds
  • Displacement: 4737cc
  • Engine configuration: V-8
  • Transmission: 4-speed manual
  • Drivetrain configuration: Rear-wheel drive
  • Brakes: Disc/drum
  • Bolt pattern: 4 x 110mm
  • Body width: 60.5 in.
  • Curb weight: 2560 lbs.
  • Wheelbase: 86.0 in.

PURCHASING A COLLECTOR VEHICLE – THINGS TO CONSIDER

As always, we recommend that you carefully review the seller’s background for any collector car being sold over the Internet. It is important to ask yourself a number of questions including, but not limited to:

  • How long have they been in business?
  • How much experience do they have with collector cars?How many positive collector car vehicle sales have they completed (positive eBay feedback)
  • How detailed/complete is the description of the vehicle?
  • Do the photos show details of the interior, exterior, top, chrome, etc. or are they simply “glamour shots” taken from a distance?
  • Does the seller have a Surety Bond to protect the financial transaction?
  • What about insurance, licensing by the state, and a local business license?
  • Does the seller (if a business) have any DMV (Motor Vehicle) complaints and/or other history of legal action, grievances?
  • Does the seller enjoy a favorable local and national/international reputation?
  • Can the seller assist with funding sources, transport and out of state/country sales?

ABOUT CLASSIC CARS LTD

  • Classic Cars Ltd. has been in the same, small, California town for over 25 years. We operate a small “brick & mortar”, indoor showroom, and specialize in the sale, consignment, and purchase of sports, high performance and specialty vehicles of all types. We have a particular interest in sports cars and unique vehicles.
  • The majority of our vehicles come from local, private owners and collectors, and many were sold new in California. We appreciate that rust free cars, with excellent documentation and history are especially attractive to our buyers both locally, and around the country. As a result, we do not purchase our collectible cars from “distressed” sales, such as wholesale auctions, salvage sales, or lien sales. We do not sell vehicles with salvage titles, or those that have a history of significant accident damage or repair.
  • We have sold hundreds of unique, classic and collectible vehicles and regularly deal with buyers that have not had the experience of purchasing a large (both physically and monetarily) item on eBay, or through an Internet source.  Our eBay feedback is 100% positive on all vehicle sales from customers around the globe and is a reflection of our commitment to accurate, complete, and thorough vehicle descriptions.
  • We have been shipping vehicles for years and have established excellent contacts that are not only high quality but very price competitive.  We do not use brokers, terminal shipping or other discount methods.  Call us or email for a quote directly to your home or office. We are often able to obtain quality enclosed transportation (the kind of travel this car deserves) for the cost of open shipping
  • Please review our feedback on eBay (user name Never22Many) representing close to 1,000 positive transactions to buyers all over the United States / World.
  • We are fully insured, bonded, and licensed for collector car sales all over the United States/World.
  • Classic Cars Ltd. carries a $50,000 Surety bond to cover financial transactions
  • We frequently sell vehicles to out of State / out of country buyers, and will be glad to provide references for buyers in your area.

MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL INFORMATION

  • As with virtually all collector/specialty vehicles, we find that parts and resources are readily available for this (and most every vehicle), thanks in large part to the Internet.
  • In addition to the purchase price of the vehicle, California buyers will be subject to sales tax, a documentation fee, DMV transfer fees and license/registration. Out-of-state buyers will be responsible for the purchase price of the vehicle and any local taxes/fees will be the purchaser’s responsibility to pay in their respective state. IMPORTANT NOTE: If the vehicle is delivered or driven in California and driven on California roads, sales-tax, license/registration and transfer fees will be assessed per California law.
  • While we encourage telephone calls to discuss this vehicle in greater detail.  Also, if you would prefer that we call you to answer any questions about the vehicle; shipping alternatives, etc. please e-mail us with your telephone number and will gladly get back in touch with you.
  • We encourage inspections of this Corvette by serious, qualified individuals or professional inspectors. Please call at 925-846-1451 to arrange a convenient time.
  • As with any collectible vehicle of this vintage we are unable to provide a warranty or guarantee of condition. However, we make every effort to accurately represent our vehicles, and highlight both positive items as well as areas that require attention. We ask that prospective buyers consider our eBay history/feedback, standing in the community, length of time in business, and other factors when purchasing a collectible vehicle from Classic Cars Ltd.
  • Minor cosmetic issues/flaws may be present on every vehicle (regardless of cost) including small chips, nicks, scratches, etc. that can be seen on even the best restoration, or even a relatively new, used “pre-owned” vehicle.  Also, ownership of a collectible / specialty vehicle is more enjoyable if the owner is familiar with the “realities” of these unique cars.  Unlike more modern day vehicles, these cars require regular, ongoing care/maintenance and some mechanical knowledge, patience, and understanding can make the experience considerably more pleasant.  That said, collector / “specialty” car owners will tell you (emphatically) that they love their cars and wouldn’t trade them for anything!!
  • The information contained in this description is believed to be accurate but, in some instances, has been provided by the car’s owner / owners or outside sources.  As a result, we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of the information.  We encourage verification of “numbers” and significant data prior to the purchase of any collector vehicle that you are considering.

Thank you,

Classic Cars Ltd.

925-846-1451