The Sunbeam Tiger car is one of the most fascinating hybrids in classic car history — a British sports car powered by raw American muscle. Built between 1964 and 1967 by the Rootes Group, the Tiger was essentially a Sunbeam Alpine fitted with a Ford V8 engine, transforming a nimble but modest roadster into a fire-breathing performance machine.
What makes the Sunbeam Tiger car particularly special is the name behind its creation: Carroll Shelby. Known for the legendary AC Cobra, Shelby envisioned the Tiger as a similar Anglo-American collaboration, pairing British chassis finesse with Ford’s V8 power. Although Shelby hoped to handle production in the U.S., Rootes awarded final assembly to Jensen Motors in West Bromwich, England, while paying Shelby a royalty per car sold.
A Dual Personality: Tiger I and Tiger II
Two main versions of the Sunbeam Tiger car rolled off the production line:
Mark I (1964–1967): Equipped with the 260 cu in (4.3 L) Ford V8, producing around 164 hp.
Mark II (1967): Fitted with the larger 289 cu in (4.7 L) Ford V8, offering about 200 hp — only 633 units of this rarer version were made.
Although production stopped after Chrysler’s takeover of Rootes in 1967, the Tiger’s reputation endured. Chrysler had no suitable replacement for the Ford V8, making the original models even more coveted today.
Performance Highlights of the Sunbeam Tiger Car
Here’s what made the Sunbeam Tiger car a standout performer in its time:
Engine Power:
– Tiger I: 4.3 L Ford V8, ~164 hp
– Tiger II: 4.7 L Ford V8, ~200 hp
Top Speed:
– Tiger I: ~120 mph (193 km/h)
– Tiger II: ~125–130 mph (201–209 km/h)
Acceleration:
– 0–60 mph in ~7.8 seconds for the Tiger I
– 0–60 mph in ~7.4 seconds for the Tiger II
Transmission:
– Ford 4-speed manual, delivering direct and engaging control
Chassis and Layout:
– Classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) setup for balanced handling
Dimensions:
– Compact and agile, with a wheelbase of just 86 inches and a total length of 156 inches
Racing Heritage and Cultural Impact
The Sunbeam Tiger car wasn’t just a road-going thrill; it was also a competitor on the track. Two heavily modified prototypes were entered in the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans — although they didn’t finish, they showcased the Tiger’s ambition. In European rallying, the Tiger also saw success, while in the U.S., it set national quarter-mile drag records under the American Hot Rod Association for two consecutive years.
What’s particularly interesting today is how few Sunbeam Tiger cars remain in original condition. Because the car was relatively easy and affordable to modify, many owners upgraded their engines, brakes, and suspensions over the years, making untouched factory examples rare and highly collectible.
A Collector’s Dream
With only 7,083 units built, the Sunbeam Tiger car has become a prized classic, blending British charm with American brute force. Its rarity, performance pedigree, and connection to Carroll Shelby make it a must-know name among classic car enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to its racing roots or its role as an icon of 1960s automotive innovation, the Sunbeam Tiger continues to roar decades after its final production.
