The Sunbeam Tiger is one of the most iconic sports cars from the 1960s. Known for its stylish design and impressive performance, the Tiger remains a favorite among car enthusiasts. Its unique blend of British engineering and American muscle made it stand out in an era filled with automotive innovations. In this article, we explore the history, design, and legacy of the Sunbeam Tiger.
The Birth of the Sunbeam Tiger
The Sunbeam Tiger was born in the early 1960s, a time when manufacturers were eager to create fast and powerful sports cars. Rootes Group, a British company, sought to build a car that could rival the likes of the AC Cobra. Their idea was to fit a powerful American V8 engine into a small, nimble British chassis. The result was the Sunbeam Tiger, a car that quickly became a sensation in the sports car world.
A Collaboration That Made History
The collaboration that led to the creation of the Sunbeam Tiger involved some of the most prominent names in the automotive world. Rootes Group partnered with Carroll Shelby, the man behind the success of the AC Cobra. Shelby was tasked with modifying the Sunbeam Alpine, a car already in production by Rootes, to accommodate the V8 engine. This partnership between British design and American power laid the foundation for what would become the Sunbeam Tiger.
The Design and Engineering of the Sunbeam Tiger
The Sunbeam Tiger was based on the Sunbeam Alpine’s design. However, significant modifications were necessary to accommodate the larger V8 engine. The Tiger retained the same sleek and compact body as the Alpine but underwent structural reinforcements to handle the extra power. Its engineering was a testament to the ability to combine elegance with raw performance.
Power Under the Hood
What truly set the Sunbeam Tiger apart was its engine. The car was fitted with a Ford 260-cubic-inch V8 engine, producing around 164 horsepower. This was a significant amount of power for a car of its size. The V8 gave the Tiger excellent acceleration and top-end speed, allowing it to compete with much larger and more expensive cars of its time.
The Two Versions: MKI and MKII
The Sunbeam Tiger came in two versions: the MKI and the MKII. The MKI was the initial version, produced between 1964 and 1967, and it featured the Ford 260 engine. The MKII, produced in 1967, came with a more powerful 289-cubic-inch V8 engine. The MKII offered improved performance, but only a limited number were made, making it a rare find today.
Handling and Performance on the Road
Despite its powerful engine, the Sunbeam Tiger was praised for its handling and road performance. Its compact size, combined with a well-tuned suspension, made it easy to drive even at high speeds. Drivers loved the way it handled corners, and the Tiger became known as a well-balanced sports car, offering both power and agility.
The Sunbeam Tiger’s Role in Motorsports
The Sunbeam Tiger’s performance made it a natural fit for motorsports. It competed in several racing events, including rallies and endurance races. Although it never achieved the same level of success as some of its competitors, the Tiger’s participation in motorsports helped cement its legacy as a high-performance sports car.
Popularity Among Car Enthusiasts
The Sunbeam Tiger quickly became popular among car enthusiasts. Its combination of British craftsmanship and American muscle made it a unique offering in the market. Even today, the Tiger has a loyal following. Car collectors and vintage car enthusiasts often seek out well-maintained Tigers, adding to the car’s mystique and value.
Sunbeam Tiger in Popular Culture
Over the years, the Sunbeam Tiger has made its way into popular culture. Perhaps the most famous example is its appearance in the television series “Get Smart.” The show featured the Tiger as the car driven by the main character, cementing its place as a cultural icon of the 1960s.
Challenges Faced by the Sunbeam Tiger
While the Sunbeam Tiger was widely popular, it did face some challenges. One of the main issues was its production. The partnership between Rootes and Chrysler, which eventually took over Rootes, complicated the Tiger’s future. Chrysler didn’t have access to Ford engines, which were essential to the Tiger’s performance, and this led to difficulties in maintaining production.
The Decline and End of Production
By 1967, production of the Sunbeam Tiger had come to an end. Several factors contributed to this, including corporate takeovers and rising competition from other sports cars. Additionally, safety regulations and emissions standards were becoming stricter, making it harder for cars like the Tiger to remain viable in the market.
The Value of Sunbeam Tigers Today
Today, the Sunbeam Tiger is a highly sought-after collector’s item. Its rarity, especially the MKII version, makes it a valuable piece of automotive history. Prices for well-preserved Tigers can reach well into six figures, and enthusiasts are willing to pay top dollar to own one of these classic cars.
Restoring and Maintaining a Sunbeam Tiger
Restoring and maintaining a Sunbeam Tiger can be a rewarding experience for car enthusiasts. Parts for the car can be hard to come by, but many specialized shops offer services to restore these vintage vehicles to their original glory. A restored Tiger not only looks impressive but also holds its value well in the collector’s market.
Conclusion
The Sunbeam Tiger remains a symbol of a bygone era when cars were designed for the sheer thrill of driving. Its blend of British and American engineering created something truly unique. Even today, the Tiger continues to captivate car lovers with its performance, style, and cultural significance. Owning or even seeing a Sunbeam Tiger on the road is a reminder of what made classic cars so special.
FAQs
What engine did the Sunbeam Tiger use?
The Sunbeam Tiger was equipped with a Ford V8 engine. The MKI version had a 260-cubic-inch engine, while the MKII version had a larger 289-cubic-inch engine.
How many Sunbeam Tigers were made?
Approximately 7,085 Sunbeam Tigers were produced between 1964 and 1967.
Why did production of the Sunbeam Tiger end?
Production ended due to a combination of factors, including corporate changes and stricter regulations for safety and emissions.
What is the difference between the Sunbeam Tiger MKI and MKII?
The primary difference is the engine. The MKI had a 260-cubic-inch V8 engine, while the MKII featured a more powerful 289-cubic-inch engine.
Is the Sunbeam Tiger valuable today?
Yes, the Sunbeam Tiger is considered a valuable collector’s car, with well-maintained models fetching high prices at auctions.